Possible uses for Inverness Castle and its surrounding area were presented to the public today when a consultation exhibition opened at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. The exhibition has also been made available online, recognising the wider interest people have in the castle.
The exhibition aims to identify options for the castle complex that will promote tourism and culture and benefit the wider economy.
The exhibition has been organised by the Inverness Castle working group, which was formed last summer and jointly chaired by Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism and Highland Council.
The working group is keen to learn what people both in the area and further afield think about suggested options before reaching a conclusion. The group is seeking comments and suggestions for a viable and high quality future use.
In the meantime, planning permission is in place to convert the North Tower of the castle into a visitor attraction with a viewing platform and this is expected to be completed and open next year.
Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said:
“We want to see a new life for the castle that builds on its existing attraction, offering to visitors and locals alike a quality offering that encourages tourists to both visit and stay longer in the city.
A future use that takes into account the views of local people but also welcomes input from those further afield, recognising that Inverness Castle has the opportunity to benefit the Highlands as a whole.
I am very keen that the castle finds a new life and that we seize the opportunity to create something that will benefit Inverness and the Highlands as a whole.”
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael said:
“This is an opportunity to make a major impact on the Old Town of Inverness and to use one of the City’s most famous assets to keep visitors in the town longer and to attract new people.
We are still at an early stage in our thinking. We have a number of ideas about the castle, museum, library and possibly a new gallery, but it is important to get the views and ideas of everyone with an interest in the project as this will have a positive impact in Inverness and on tourism in the Highlands as a whole.”
