Heritage has a role in the future of Inverness
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The centuries-old built heritage of Inverness still has an important role to play in the city’s future.
The most obvious example is Inverness Castle, where work is now under way to transform the former court building into the world class attraction its prominent position deserves.
On a smaller scale the former AI Welders building on Academy Street, which has been transformed into a pub by Cairngorm Brewery, provides a showcase for its award-winning beer range.
“That has a heritage that has been well presented, and it is not being presented as a museum. It is a living commercial entity in the heart of the city and these are the opportunities we must look for,” David Henderson, a trustee of Inverness City Heritage Trust, said.
The Trust works with Highland Council, other bodies and the commercial sector to promote, preserve and improve the built heritage at the centre of the Highland capital.
Its initiatives include the Inverness City Heritage Trail, which points both locals and visitors to the sometimes overlooked buildings of historic and architectural interest that help make Inverness unique.
“Towns like Inverness do draw heavily on their heritage to make them attractive to other people and to the people who live there,” Mr Henderson added.
“Respect for and preservation of heritage in all its forms is pretty important to civic pride and civic promotion and the Heritage Trust has a role to play in that. We are involved in most dialogues about heritage projects in the city – not always as lead player, but we are always at the discussion table.”
The Trust does more than just discuss projects. It can also help them access funding to bring new life to familiar landmarks, such as the former Inverness Royal Academy building at Midmills, which is being developed into a creative centre for the city.
“You can’t live on heritage alone. You also need new buildings and the facilities that go with them, but there has got to be a balance,” Mr Henderson added.
“There are other agencies that are orientated on the new, but our role is to preserve the traditional so it can be a continuing asset for urban renewal. The old can serve the future if it is properly preserved and properly presented.
“You just have to look at how the spruced up Town House and the Tolbooth make that fairly crucial corner of the city centre look now. The Castle is undergoing something similar and that is going to make a huge difference to the city.”
Also likely to make a major impact is the planned refurbishment of “that jewel of Victorian urban development”, Union Street.
“There is something very exciting in prospect there,” he added.
“Not only are they making the buildings look good, they are also making them look more functional and allowing them to perform a functional role at the very heart of the city.
“The Victorian Market likewise is going through a substantial enhancement which should make it easier for businesses to adapt and find their way in escaping from the troubles of the present crisis. There is a lot of good stuff going on. It’s quite an exciting time for Inverness.
“There is no doubt that there are going to be a lot of challenges, but communities find a way of regenerating. Sometimes out of troubles good things can come if you have the right mix of empowered agencies and the right community response.”
