UPDATES have been provided on how the designs of the Inverness Castle Experience are developing.
The 19th century castle is currently undergoing a £35 million transformation to become a ‘gateway for Highland tourism’ when completed in 2025, with the latest updates showing how it will be transformed from its past uses as a prison and courtroom to a visitor attraction.
Designs show that the visitor experience will begin in the gardens of the castle. Gaelic language and culture has inspired the design and interpretation of the plants and features found in the area to create a ‘relaxing’ and ‘informative’ area to enjoy the views down the River Ness.
The south tower of the castle will feature an exhibition created by designers Mather & Co. In-person guides combined with digital technology will work to encourage visitors to explore the rich and vibrant landscape, heritage, culture, and community of the Highlands – with the experience culminating in a full 360-degree immersive experience using audio and digital techniques to celebrate the area’s scenery.
Moving into the north tower of the castle, the Highland Music Experience and Bar will offer a place for people to come together to share Highland music, food and drink. The designers said that the experience will highlight and acknowledge the contribution of musicians to the rich culture of the Highlands.
Also in the north tower, visitors will be able to get up close to the tapestry of the Highlands and Islands. The tapestry is currently being crafted by people from communities across the area as part of the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project, a partnership project between The Highland Council and High Life Highland, which is being delivered in collaboration with VisitScotland.
Fergus Ewing, MSP, co-chair of the Inverness Castle delivery group, said, “I am delighted that we’ve reached this important milestone in creating a visitor attraction that will be a gateway for Highland tourism and an international attraction that will be a must-see!
“The details released today illustrate the creativity and innovation that visitors to the Inverness Castle experience can enjoy when it opens in 2025. We want to make sure that everyone visiting the Inverness Castle Experience has a brilliant time – and that they come back for more on a future visit! It is important that we ensure that every visitor has a first-rate experience, inspiring them to venture to other parts of the Highlands, connecting with people and places across the area, and uncovering their own stories as they travel.”
