AN ‘iconic’ Inverness rose window has been restored and is now in the process of being reassembled ahead of becoming a focal point within the Inverness Castle experience.
Originally crafted in 1867, the window was once a prominent feature on the city’s Academy Street and will soon take its place in Inverness Castle, which is currently being revamped to become a major tourism attraction.
The delicate process of reassembling the window began with carefully cataloguing and conserving each piece, with each stone having to be perfectly aligned to recreate the frame for the window’s intricate glass design. Local stonemasons cleaned and repaired the stone frame fragments, ensuring each piece is ready to return to its original position.
Once the stonework is in place, the next phase will be for the glass specialist to reassemble the stained-glass panels in situ, ready for the designers to bring the window to life.
Councillor Ian Brown, leader of Inverness city and area and co-chair of the Inverness Castle project delivery group, said, “The reassembly of the ‘Rose Window’ is not just a technical achievement; it’s a celebration of our cultural heritage. This restoration allows us to honour the craftsmanship of the past while ensuring that this magnificent piece can be enjoyed by future generations.”
David Haas, the Highland Council’s senior community development manager for Inverness and south, added, “The Inverness Castle experience, set to open to the public next year, will offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness the rose window in all its restored glory. It is a very exciting time to see it being pieced back together and being so lovingly restored.”
