Design for hoardings around Inverness Castle submitted for approval

For people walking around the area, the hoardings tell the story of Castle Hill from the time of the last ice age through to present day and begin to set out the plans to transform the former court and prison into a modern visitor attraction.

Appearances by St Columba, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Flora MacDonald highlight the role of the area in Scottish history through the centuries. And look out for Young Flora who introduces herself at this early stage in the project.

Following the completion of the purchase of the South Tower last week, the entire site is now in the ownership of The Highland Council. The installation of hoardings this week mark the area of the castle that is to become a building site as it is transformed into a gateway for Highland tourism.

The hoardings are expected to remain in place for the duration of the building period of up to four years, being adjusted as required during this period to accommodate changes in the extent of the building site.

The next step is the award of a tender for a contractor to carry out initial demolition work, asbestos surveys, timber preservation surveys and structural checks, with work beginning when lockdown guidelines allow.

The project forms part of the Inverness and Highland City Region deal. The City Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.