Hoardings around Inverness Castle will reflect area's history during four-year building work to transform it into visitor attraction
Images telling the story of Inverness Castle are set to be displayed on hoarding around the building as it is transformed into a world-class visitor attraction.
With screening being installed this week marking the next step in the key tourism project for the Highlands, the designs to be displayed are now with Highland Council for approval, as part of the planning conditions for developing the site.
The hoardings will tell the story of Castle Hill from the time of the last Ice Age through to the present day, and begin to set out the plans to transform the former court and prison into a modern visitor attraction.
Historic characters such as St Columba, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Flora MacDonald will also be featured, highlighting the role of the area in Scotland’s history through the centuries.
The Inverness Castle – Spirit of the Highlands project will provide much-needed investment and re-energising of the tourism industry across the area, as the recovery from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic gets underway.
The project will support economic growth throughout the Highland area, creating a sustainable, viable and must-see attraction that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.
Following the completion of the purchase of the South Tower last week, the entire site is now in the ownership of Highland Council.
The hoardings are expected to remain in place for the duration of the building period of up to four years, being adjusted as required during this period to accommodate changes in the extent of the building site.
The next step is the award of a tender for a contractor to carry out initial demolition work, asbestos surveys, timber preservation surveys and structural checks, called an ‘enabling works contract’, with work beginning when lockdown guidelines allow.
The project forms part of the Inverness and Highland City Region deal – a joint initiative supported by up to £315 million investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
