Following the formal opening ceremony which took place on 2 July, the historic tower on Mitchell Hill was officially reopened. 

The opening ceremony coincided with the Dingwall Gala Week festivities, and celebrated the delivery of structural upgrades to the B-listed tower. 

The restoration was managed by The Highland Council together with the Dingwall Community Development Company (DCDC).  

The project was made viable by a £175,000 investment from the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF), which is part of The Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme and investment from The Highland Council Property Capital budget.

Contractors, Compass Building and Construction Services Ltd carried out structural work, such as re-decking the roof, restoration and refurbishment of the masonry and steelwork to support the internal floors.  

With the maintenance and repair operations now having finished, DCDC has signed an agreement to officially take possession of the memorial tower and will manage public access. 

Councillor Graham MacKenzie, chair of the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, said: “This marks a significant investment in the Memorial and underlines our commitment to preserving local heritage and fostering community pride. The restoration will play a key role in ensuring the future of this historic building for the community and generations to come.

“By directing these funds, part of The Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme, into Dingwall, we are actively supporting economic regeneration and sustainable development in the area.”

Dr Miles Mack, chair of the Dingwall Community Development Company welcomed this milestone: “For some years, Dingwall Community Council, and latterly Dingwall Community Development Company, have been working with The Highland Council to enable the reopening of the MacDonald Memorial Tower to the public.  

“With public access restored, the magnificent views of Dingwall and the surrounding countryside from the top of Sir Hector’s Memorial can once again be enjoyed by local folk and visitors to our town.”

Andrew MacIvor, chair of Dingwall Community Council, said: “The reopening of the Memorial on Mitchell Hill is a tremendous milestone that brings direct benefits to Dingwall. The Community Council has worked for years alongside the Dingwall Community Development Company and The Highland Council to make this a reality. By opening the monument for supervised summer visits, we are not only fostering local pride but also creating a new attraction for visitors. “

After the ceremonial events, the first visitors to the monument were welcomed.