Main construction contract for transformation of Inverness Castle into tourist attraction goes out to tender
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The transformation of Inverness Castle into a tourism gateway for the Highlands is set to move to the next stage.
Highland Council has now published the main construction contract for the castle on the procurement website, Public Contracts Scotland.
The planned construction will include:
Reopening the original front entrance to the building in the south tower.
Improving accessibility to all parts of the building, including a rooftop viewing area.
Contemporary additions to the building including a new café space between the north and south towers of the castle.
Creating new external viewing terraces including one on the roof of the building above the main door in the south tower.
Upgrading the environment around the castle with significant landscaping works.
Careful conservation of the building fabric throughout.
The tender process is beginning following the completion of enabling works involving demolition of recent additions to the building, asbestos surveys, timber preservation surveys and structural checks.
The planning application for the transformation was approved by Highland Council's south planning applications committee in April.
The project to create a "must-see" attraction celebrating the spirit of the Highlands is supported by £15 million Scottish Government and £3 million UK Government investment through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.
It will create a gateway for Highland tourism, contributing to the reinvigoration of tourism across the area and providing much-needed investment for the industry to aid the recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Related story: Watch: Hidden features revealed during work at castle
