The Northern Meeting Park, in Inverness, is at the centre of an exciting new interpretation project, thanks to financial support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund. High Life Highland, in collaboration with The Highland Council, is leading this initiative, which aims to create both on-site and online interpretive experiences for visitors
Built in 1864, the Northern Meeting Park holds a historic connection to the Highland Games. It is not only a hub for sports and cultural events but also a beloved green space in central Inverness.
The project will be led by Rowan Tree Consulting, in collaboration with Interpretaction and DUFI Arts. Helen Smith from Rowan Tree Consulting will lead the project team, serving as the main contact for clients and overseeing the project’s successful delivery. This includes both the community heritage stage and the creation and launch of the new interpretive content.
Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness City and Area, said: “I am delighted to hear that Rowan Tree Consulting will lead this important interpretation project aiming to celebrate the past, present and future of this historic park.”
“This project promises to enhance the cultural and historical appreciation of the Northern Meeting Park, ensuring that its rich heritage is accessible to a broader audience through innovative interpretive approaches.”
Helen Smith, Rowan Tree consulting, said:
“The Park means a lot to a whole range of people in Inverness and the Highlands, who will have stories to tell about school sports days, cricket matches, piping, Highland dancing, Highland Games, the Inverness Tattoo, the ‘Kilt is our Delight’ show, the Marymas Fair, and the many other activities, events and festivals which have taken place there. It also has a fascinating history dating back to when the Park was built in 1864 and to 1788 when the Northern Meeting Society was originally established.”
“This project is designed to let people share their memories of the Park, find out more about its history and significance, and help design the new interpretation that visitors and local people can enjoy on-site and online. There will be free, informal workshops at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and in the Highland Archive Centre as well as a range of walks-and-talks, pop-up events and activities for local school children.”
Look out for information about how to get involved – details will be appearing online towards the end of July, and there will also be posters in a range of locations including local libraries, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, the Highland Archive Service, and local community centres. Whether you are a lifelong Invernessian with stories to tell about the Park, or someone who has moved here more recently and wants to discover its history, this project is for you!
In addition to the new interpretation project, a separate refurbishment effort is already well underway. This includes the restoration of the Park’s Victorian grandstand and the construction of a new community pavilion, funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
