Highland Council announces new timescale for completion of the purchase of South Tower of Inverness Castle, delayed due to coronavirus pandemic

The planned date of the purchase of the South Tower of Inverness Castle by Highland Council has been delayed due to the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

Highland Council had been due to complete its purchase of the building tomorrow.

The sale is now not likely to be completed until the current lockdown is lifted.

Planned work to erect hoardings around the castle buildings ahead of the start of construction work – due to be put in place following the purchase – will also now be delayed.

The castle project is aimed at supporting economic growth in the city and wider region, creating a must-see attraction that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.

Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael said: “This project is vital to the regeneration of our city centre and the wider tourism economy of the Highland region and we are looking forward to pushing ahead with its implementation once the period of lockdown is eased.

"However, our priority just now must be the response to the ongoing Covid-19 emergency and keeping people safe at this time.”

The South Tower is currently owned by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service who recently moved to the new purpose-built Inverness Justice Centre in Longman Road.

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