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Transformation of Inverness Castle into major tourist attraction celebrating spirit of the Highlands recommended for approval


By Val Sweeney

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An artist’s impression of how Inverness Castle will look following the transformation.
An artist’s impression of how Inverness Castle will look following the transformation.

The planned transformation of Inverness Castle into a tourist attraction celebrating the spirit of the Highlands is being recommended for approval.

Highland Council’s south planning applications committee will discuss the project on Tuesday.

Council forestry officers have now withdrawn their objections after updated tree protection plans were submitted.

The site has a visually-prominent western embankment planted with broadleaf and conifer species of all ages and lies within the riverside conservation area.

Following an updated impact assessment, which highlights trees to be removed plus the planting of 24 new trees, the forestry team now says it has no objection to the application and recommended several conditions.

The assessment identifies 35 trees to be removed out of 92 which were surveyed.

Of these, 17 are in poor condition and so should be removed even if development does not proceed, while 18 are recommended for removal in the interest of good arboricultural management.

Five trees are proposed for removal as they are within the footprint of the proposed development, while three tree groups and part of a fourth group are recommended for removal.

The forestry team said: "Providing the tree protection measures are adequate, the direct impact on trees on site is acceptable."

Related story: New images reveal bird's eye view of how castle will look


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