PLANS to turn Inverness Castle into a ‘gateway for Highland Tourism’ have taken a step forward.
LDN Architects have applied for listed building consent and a building warrant approval, which will allow for a main building works contractor to be contracted.
The Highland Council project will see the category A listed building converted into a new visitor attraction – which will include the creation of a new café space and external viewing terraces.
The local authority said that, due to the potential impacts arising from Brexit and Covid-19, the programme of works for the main tender will not be finalised until completion of the tender works.
The project is supported by £15 million in funding from the Scottish Government and £3 million from the UK Government through the city region deal. The council said that the development will aid the city in its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.
Provost of Inverness and area, councillor Helen Carmichael, said, “The Inverness Castle project is vital to the regeneration of our city centre and the wider tourism economy of the Highland region. It is exciting to see the progress towards the Inverness Castle becoming a ‘must-see’ attraction that will draw visitors to the Highlands.”
Tourism secretary, Fergus Ewing, who co-chairs the Inverness Castle delivery group, added, “The Inverness Castle project is a critical part of the revitalisation of the tourism economy of the Highlands. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the ongoing renovations and has provided £15 million to this proposal through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal. I am pleased to see this latest milestone reached and look forward to seeing the renovations take shape.”
