Aiming to improve the visitor experience and safety, whilst illuminating the Highland capital’s architectural icon, the proposals feature an attractive and extensive scheme of lighting built into the new landscaping design that will provide safe lighting levels to the main pedestrian routes and highlight many of the existing and newly proposed landscaping features.

Amongst other improvements, this will include discreet contemporary lighting around the statue of Flora MacDonald, illuminated bicycle stands and ambient lighting in and around public benches and planters.

Perhaps the most striking element of the proposals will be an intelligent new lighting system designed specifically to highlight the castle in the evenings. The lighting has been carefully designed to draw attention to the building’s architecture, with feature towers and castellations specifically highlighted by specialist light fittings.

The Highland Council South Planning Applications Committee approved the main planning application for the building in April 2021.