Inverness Castle time capsules containing items chosen by local schools sealed
Two time capsules have been officially lowered into the original well within the heart of Inverness Castle.
Pupils from North Kessock Primary School – whose entry was selected as the winner of a Highland-wide schools competition last year – attended for the lowering of the time capsules.
Primary 7 pupils from North Kessock primary school, Isla McManus, Archie Nicholson, Callum Ross and Ava-Mae Stuart, attended the event on behalf of their class, accompanied by acting head teacher Andrea Millar.
Their school was chosen from entries across the Highlands for their selection of five items, which they felt best captured the life and times of the region in 2023.
These include: a personal diary from homeschooling during the Covid-19 lockdown, including newspaper clippings; a ribbon with Scots writing and the date to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III; a selection of coins in use in 2023, as well as a £5 Scottish note; a photograph of North Kessock and Inverness from the air, including diesel and petrol cars; and an iPhone.
These items have now been carefully sealed, where they will remain for over 50 years.
A second time capsule includes five items that emerged as popular themes from schools across the Highlands.
These include: Nessie; a dream ring from Harry Gow’s bakery; logos of Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County football clubs; a diary entry from a Highland pupil welcoming a young person from Ukraine to their school; and newspaper clippings covering Highland news stories.
Councillor Ian Brown, co-chair of the Inverness Castle Experience delivery group, said: “This is a historic moment – quite literally.
“These capsules reflect the voices and choices of Highland pupils today, offering a window into our world for future generations. It’s brilliant to see this come together in such a meaningful way.”
"The well, located within the Saltire Bistro – part of the new visitor experience – now holds two time capsules that will remain in place for over 50 years."
Councillor Sarah Atkin, ward member for the Black Isle, commented: “This is a wonderful way of honouring the creativity and insight of young people across the Highlands.
“It’s an honour to share today with North Kessock Primary pupils. These time capsules are their generation’s gift to the future – a moment of our present captured for history.”
Garry Marsden, head of Inverness Castle Experience, added: “The Saltire Bistro will be a place for people to gather, relax and enjoy the view over the city – and now, hidden just beneath it, a piece of Highland history will be quietly waiting to be discovered again one day.”
The Inverness Castle Experience project is set to open later this year.