Plans to light up Inverness Castle following its transformation into tourist attraction given conditional approval
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Proposals to light up the architectural features of Inverness Castle following its multimillion-pound transformation into a tourist attraction have been given the go-ahead subject to conditions.
The proposed new lighting system has been designed to draw attention to the building’s architecture, with feature towers and castellations specifically highlighted by specialist light fittings.
Objections were raised by the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland to plans to attach external light fittings to the stonework of the A-listed castle as it said it would be an unacceptable risk to the integrity of the building’s historic fabric.
It stated: "It appears that the fixing of the light fittings will require drilling into the upper face of the stone sills. There is a risk that this will compromise the integrity of the stone, particularly if it is close to the edge of the stone.
"The fixings may also become a pathway for moisture into the stone, increasing the risk of freeze thaw damage in the future."
Historic Environment Scotland also recommended more detail of the scheme be provided.
A condition of planning permission granted by Highland Council is that samples of all lighting-fittings, associated equipment and cabling to be fixed to the castle itself, should be presented on site and approved in writing before such development started.
All elements were to be colour-finished to blend-in with the castle’s masonry.
A second condition was that any proposed event-lighting or projections onto the castle would be for single-day durations only.
A separate application for the external lighting scheme is still under consideration.
The transformation of Inverness Castle into an attraction celebrating the spirit of the Highlands is supported through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.
Architectural features at Inverness Castle set to be illuminated
