Inverness Castle transformation plans set great example for rest of country, argues Highland Council leader
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THE transformation of Inverness Castle into a major tourist attraction should act as an example to the rest of the country, according to Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson.
She was among city councillors who have welcomed the imminent start to work next month when the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service leaves the building for a new purpose-built justice centre.
The council-led project to create new galleries, displays, shops, restaurants, bars and cafés is set to be completed by 2025 depending on what is identified in the surveys and structural checks.
A contract for work including demolition, asbestos and timber preservation surveys and structural checks will be put out to tender in May while landscape designs are also being developed.
Councillor Davidson said it had become progressively more exciting and also noted the group overseeing it was chaired by Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing who had recently been made minister of tourism.
“It should be an exemplar and will be looked at closely by the rest of the country,” said Cllr Davidson, who added it was vital to get the landscaping and heating system right and that it was sustainable environmentally and financially.
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael is also excited at the prospect of it becoming a “must-see” attraction.
“The Inverness Castle project is vital to the regeneration of our city centre and the wider tourism economy of the Highland region,” she said.
Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans said it would incur more costs as it was being approached in a greener way but commented: “I am delighted to see not just that this project is going ahead but how this project is going ahead particularly as it is a flagship initiative.”
Hoardings to screen the building during the work will be put in place following Doors Open Days in May.
The project forms part of the £351 million Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal involving investment from the Scottish and UK governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
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