Inverness’s famous Rose Window installed at Inverness Castle as major Highland tourist centre passes fresh milestone
The iconic Rose Window that once delighted Inverness city centre onlookers but has languished in storage for decades has finally taken up pride of place in its new home at Inverness Castle.
Its installation within the historic building’s South Tower marks the latest milestone in the transformation of the castle into a major tourist visitor attraction
It is due to reopen later this year as The Inverness Castle Experience following a multi-million pound refit.
This has also included a new link building, the glazing for which has also know been completed.
That means the link building, which will house the Saltire Bistro eatery, is also now wind and watertight.
Celebrating these two major milestones as the castle project enters its final months, Cllr Ian Brown, leader of Inverness City and Area committee, and co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said: "We are delighted to celebrate these major milestones for the Inverness Castle Experience.”
“The completion of glazing on the link building and the restoration and installation of the Rose Window highlight the project’s balance between contemporary design and respect for the Highlands’ heritage.
“Visitors will be able to savour the unique atmosphere of the Saltire Bistro in the new building, and marvel at the beautifully restored Rose Window as part of their journey through the experience in the South Tower.”
The Rose Window, which once adorned the gable end of a Victorian era Methodist church - and later restaurant - in Inglis Street, was removed in the 1980s when widening of the road took place as part of the construction of the Eastgate Centre.
This resulted in the building being demolished, but the window was saved for future generations to enjoy.
It has spent the intervening decades sitting in storage, but will be a major feature of the South Tower ‘Story Room’ when the castle reopens to the public.
It has been suspended from the ceiling within a bespoke steel frame, and the intricate window has been restored to showcase its original craftsmanship, creating a breathtaking focal point in the room where visitors will immerse themselves in the stories of the Highlands.
The contemporary link building, meanwhile, will house the Saltire Bistro, offering visitors a unique space to enjoy Highland hospitality. Designed by the renowned LDN Architects in collaboration with NARRO structural engineers, the structure draws inspiration from the Scottish Saltire. Its elegant, interwoven roof beams, influenced by the expressed ceiling structures within the historic castle interiors, span the length of the building and sit between large glass roof lights, which bathe the space in natural light.
The glazing, meticulously crafted and installed by specialist contractors, has been delivered to the highest standards under the supervision of Bancon Construction, the project's main contractor.
Those behind the castle project say both milestones mark “significant progress” in the castle’s journey towards its future as a major tourist attraction focal point in the city centre.
The Inverness Castle Experience project will benefit from £30m investment to support its redevelopment from the Scottish and UK Governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partners.
The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
