A popular city shortcut is to be closed for three months as the area undergoes a much-needed transformation.
Raining’s Stairs will benefit from a complete makeover with the steps, walls, railings and lighting all due to be refurbished.
The Raining’s Stairs originally served Raining’s School which opened at the top of the steps in 1747 and were named after the school’s founder John Raining.
The upgrade to the city centre landmark comes as the finishing touches are made to the 16-apartment development.
The development includes six flats to let at an affordable rent by Highland Council and 10 flats available at a mid-market rent from the Highland Housing Alliance, as well as one commercial unit which will be used as an office or retail space.
Building work began last June and is due to be completed by late summer.
Willie Gray from developers Ark Estates and builders William Gray Construction said: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached this final stage of the project which is set to transform this previously run-down area of the city centre. We apologise to anyone who will have to take a different route while the Stairs are closed but we are sure that the work will justify the temporary inconvenience and make a huge difference.”
The Raining’s Stairs development is being built in partnership with the Highland Housing Alliance; The Highland Council; Ark Estates and William Gray Construction Ltd.