Inverness taxi rank will close next month as redevelopment of the Castle Wynd area due to begin on January 6

Details have been announced for improvement works in the Castle Wynd area of Inverness.

As part of the scheme a taxi rank in Castle Wynd itself is due to close on Monday, January 6.

Contractors, Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, have been appointed to carry out the £373,515 streetscape improvement works which is expected to be completed by the end of April.

It is hoped that pedestrians will benefit from an increase in walkways and upgrade of the steps to Inverness Castle and the footsteps leading to the River Ness behind upper Bridge Street will also be improved following completion of the 16-week project.

Members of the city of Inverness area committee previously agreed to the removal of the taxi rank arrangements at the Wynd and a full time replacement will be maintained on the south side of Bridge Street.

A Highland Council spokesman said the January 6 start date had been selected to allow for adequate notice to be given to the public and for the rank to be used throughout the festive period.

He added: "The works will include road and footway reconstruction using granite setts and kerbs, and Caithness flagstones. New granite steps will be installed on the Castle approach and steps, along with new pedestrian handrails. The former toilet block will be rendered, and its existing signage replaced."

All of Castle Wynd, the U3831, will be affected from the junction with Bridge Street (B861). The Castle Steps and the Castle approach are also affected. Castle Wynd will be closed to all vehicles except for access to Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, car parks and for refuse collection.

Pedestrian access will be maintained to Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

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