More details announced of plans to transform Inverness Castle

Highland Council has detailed initial changes planned for Inverness Castle once the courts service moves out

Subject to receiving the necessary permissions planned changes to the castle's infrastructure include reinstating the original front door of the South Tower as the castle's formal entrance and building a single storey link between the South and North Towers.

This will be the first time the towers have been linked.

Partitions erected as later additions in both towers will also be removed, restoring the plan to a series of fewer, larger, spaces.

Accessibility will also be improved throughout the castle buildings.

Part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region deal the transformation of Inverness Castle is a Highland Council project, managed by High Life Highland.

The Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland, Scottish Development International, Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage are partners in the project, aiming to create a "must-see" visitor attraction celebrating Highland culture.

This includes new galleries to bring national and international exhibitions to the Highlands and

new museum displays celebrating the culture and heritage of the Highlands.

Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael, said: "The Inverness Castle project is vital to the regeneration of our city centre, so it is good to share more of the details for what is planned.

"I am especially pleased to see that much of the work will be focussing on improving accessibility, both within the historic building and around the grounds which provide terrific views of the city and beyond."

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: "The Scottish Government continues to support the transformation of Inverness Castle through the City-Region Deal into a visitor attraction of international significance. We welcome today’s announcement regarding plans for the North and South Tower once the current occupants relocate to the new justice centre.

"Inverness Castle has always been a central point of the city, and the co-operative approach being taken between the Scottish Government and its agencies in supporting the council will help enable a high quality development that benefits locals and visitors alike."

UK minister for Scotland Colin Clark said: "The transformation of Inverness Castle will boost the city’s offering as a major visitor destination. I am very pleased the UK government is supporting this work as part of its £53 million investment in the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal."

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