Inverness Castle revamp to cost Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) an extra £863,000
Work to transform Inverness Castle into a major visitor attraction will cost Highlands and Islands Enterprise an extra £863,000.
HIE has just approved the extra cash to “ensure the continued enrichment of the visitor experience” in the North Tower as construction and fitting out of the revamped castle enters its last stretch.
The extra money is also being used to cover “some additional unforeseen structural works and repairs” which were identified as the works progressed.
The new contribution means HIE’s investment in the project has jumped by 43 per cent - from £2m to £2.863m.
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Once completed, the new Inverness Castle Experience is expected to “deliver significant economic and social benefits”, supporting 82 jobs directly and 480 indirectly across the region.
Audrey MacIver, HIE area manager for the Inner Moray Firth, said: “The Inverness Castle project is progressing at pace and set to deliver substantial economic and social benefits well beyond Inverness.
“We are pleased to provide additional funding to further enhance features in the castle, which is set to open later this year. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with The Highland Council and High Life Highland on this transformative initiative.”
Cllr Ian Brown, leader of Inverness City and Area and co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said: “This is an exciting time for the Highlands. The Inverness Castle Experience will be a key attraction for visitors and this additional investment is helping us strengthen the visitor experience. The castle will showcase the spirit of the Highlands, celebrating our stories, culture, and heritage in a way that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit."
The Inverness Castle Experience project, opening later this year, will benefit from £30m in investment to support its redevelopment from the Scottish and UK governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and a range of other partners.
The Inverness Castle Experience is a key project within the wider Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
