Dramatic new look unveiled for Inverness Castle

A dramatic new vision for Inverness Castle has been unveiled by Highland Council.

Artist’s impressions show that the castle’s imminent transformation will include the creation of a single-storey building to link the castle’s two towers, creating new opportunities to maximise views from the river side of the building.

The former main entrance, behind Flora MacDonald’s statue, will be reinstated after being closed for decades.

It will lead to a reinstated foyer to help recreates the former grandeur of the building. Access to all areas will be improved.

The council is promising the grounds of the castle will be transformed into an outdoor space to be enjoyed throughout the year, offering “a perfect location for beautiful views of the river, with the outlook south towards Loch Ness and north to Ben Wyvis”.

The project is backed by a £15m taxpayer investment through the Inverness and Highland city-region deal.

The deal is a £315m investment programme involving the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise development agency and the University of the Highlands and Islands aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.

The next milestone will be the award of a tender for a contractor to carry out initial demolition work, asbestos surveys, timber preservation surveys and structural checks.

Prior to the enabling works, hoardings will be installed around the castle.

They are expected to remain in place for the duration of a construction period of up to four years.