Inverness Castle grounds to be fenced off under new plans lodged by Highland Council; public access would be maintained but only during 8am to 10pm
Round-the-clock public access to Inverness Castle's grounds and the Flora MacDonald monument look set to end - after plans to fence off the site were lodged.
Highland Council is seeking permission to install new railings and access gates at the popular city landmark as part of landscaping works associated with its transformation into a major visitor centre and attraction.
If approved, the new railings and gate would run from Castle Wynd round the Castle Street wall and close to the existing road entrance at View Place before swinging across the grounds to the fence above the riverside slope.
The new railings will seal off most of the site from public access when the gates are shut, although drawings show that a small section of the grounds in the southernmost corner - where the standing stone marking the end of the Great Glen Way was traditionally located - will not be included within the new boundary fence.
However, the Flora MacDonald statue and the more elevated parts of the slope, which enjoy better views of the river and cathedral, would be located within the railings. The castle also marks the official start and end point of the North Coast 500.
A spokesperson for Highland Council confirmed the plans but stressed that the gates were "intended" to be open to the public from 8am until 10pm each day once the Inverness Castle Experience attraction opens its doors later this year.
The grounds will be accessible to all during those hours.
They did not specify, however, if those “intended” hours would apply all year round, or only during the lighter summer months. The council has been approached for clarification.
The Crown and City Centre Community Council was approached for its views on the proposal, but had not responded at the time of writing.
High Life Highland, which will be running the Castle Experience, said the application was a matter for Highland Council to comment upon.
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