PICTURES: Stripped-back interior of Inverness Castle revealed ahead of work to transform it into gateway visitor attraction for the Highlands
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In former court room one, the bench from where sheriffs dispensed justice over the generations has disappeared while the curved public pews are wrapped in plastic and ready for removal.
The stage is now being prepared for the next scene in the evolving story of Inverness Castle which is to undergo a multi-million pound transformation into what is being hailed as a world-class gateway visitor attraction for the Highlands.
Throughout the landmark building, the stripped-back court rooms, corridors and offices stand silent and deserted ahead of the imminent arrival of workmen.
When the doors are thrown open again to the public – possibly in early 2025 – it will be to celebrate the Spirit of the Highlands past, present and future.
Rather than providing a grandstand view of protaganists taking part in judicial proceedings, the former main court will instead be at the heart of the visitor attraction, giving a 360 degree immersive experience and telling the stories of the Highlands and its people using hi-tech methods.
It will be just one part of the ambitious project for the 19th century castle which is to be refurbished and refitted.
New features are also to be added including a single-storey building linking the north and south towers along with a new access to a terrace overlooking the River Ness.
Before contractor Bancon Construction begins the massive makeover, one final behind-the-scenes tour highlights original interior features which were uncovered as the layers were peeled back during the enabling works.
Blackened fireplaces, wooden floorboards, wall panelling, and even a sturdy wall safe, provide tangible reminders of the building’s history, dating back to 1830.
While it is only possible to try and visualise how it will look in three years time, already some plans are becoming apparent.
Visitors will begin their journey, for example, via the original formal entrance which was revealed for the first time in almost 50 years after partition walls and plasterboard – put in to create an additional court room – were removed.
The space with its original flagged floor, carved stone skirting and stone steps along with dado panelling opens up to the impressive staircase.
At the top of the stairs, the former clerks’ offices have been opened up and stripped back to one big airy empty room – the favourite of our guide Mary Dawn Mohun, engagement and community officer for High Life Highland .
Providing views through long arched windows up the river, this space will form part of the interactive experience and also feature the historic rose window saved from the former Methodist church in Inglis Street when the Eastgate Shopping Centre was built.
“The light is so incredible here,” Mrs Mohun said. “This will be a magical room.”
Leaving the south tower, we pass the site’s oldest feature – a 12m (39ft) deep well – before exploring further nooks and crannies of the north tower.
The original purpose of this 1840s building, complete with its dungeon, is evident.
Originally serving as a prison, a small cell with a tiny barred window on the ground floor seems bad enough.
But elsewhere the layout reveals conditions for poorer prisoners were grim and cramped.
“The less money you had, the further down you were,” said Mrs Mohun.
“If you had money you would have a window or light. If you didn’t, it was darker.”
A third courtroom, later added to the north tower, has now been stripped of its furniture to provide a large airy room while a peek in the room which previously served as a caretaker’s flat gives yet another spectacular view across the river.
From the depths of the dungeons, to the viewing platform with its panoramic views of the city rooftops and along the Moray Firth, the castle is ready and waiting for its dramatic makeover.
“It is a really exciting project,” Mrs Mohun said.
“I’m really looking forward to its transformation and when it is back as a gateway to the Highlands.”
The project aims to stimulate sustainable regional economic growth by creating a sustainable, viable and must-see attraction.
It is supported by £15 million Scottish Government and £3 million UK government investment.
It is part of the Inverness and Highland City Region deal, backed by up to £315 million from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands.
Contractor appointed for castle transformation
