Inverness Castle could be partially hidden from view for up to four years as it prepares to be transformed into one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions.
Refurbishment of the landmark after many years housing criminal courts is expected to bring a huge economic boost to the city and Highlands.
Highland Council now owns the entire structure, after completing the purchase of the South Tower following the move of the law courts to the Inverness Justice Centre this spring.
The plan to create a gateway for Highland tourism, providing much needed investment as the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic begins, is supported by £15 million from the Scottish Government.
It is part of the Inverness and Highland City Region deal, supported by up to £315 million from the UK and Scottish governments, the council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands.
The next significant step will see a contractor appointed to carry out initial demolition work, asbestos and timber preservation surveys and structural checks when lockdown guidelines allow.
Ahead of that, 7ft high hoardings are being erected and are expected to remain in place for the duration of the building period of up to four years. The design of the hoardings, which will include information about the castle, will be revealed this week.
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael, said: “I am delighted that the acquisition of the South Tower has now been completed, marking the next step in the transformation of this iconic building.
“With the impact of the pandemic being felt throughout our area, it is more important than ever that we create this ‘must-see’ attraction that will draw visitors to the Highlands in years to come.”
Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing, co-chairman of the Inverness Castle Delivery Group, said: “We know the castle has the potential to be one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions, benefitting the wider Highlands as well as Inverness itself, and I welcome that work has now reached another key stage on this major development.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland David Duguid also welcomed the milestone: “This exciting project will capitalise on the region’s wealth of natural and cultural heritage and attract visitors from far and wide.”
The castle already has a viewpoint that was open to the public. As lockdown eases, it is hoped it will be re-opened for this season and next.
The three-phase vision also includes new galleries, museum displays, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, a hotel and public spaces.
Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant, said: “I welcome the change of ownership as Inverness Castle is an asset that has not been maximized in the past.
“There is a need to protect the site in terms of health and safety but I welcome the fact that the design of the hoardings will be subject to planning permission and I hope that this will be done sensitively, given the impact this will have on the whole city.”
Inverness BID manager Mike Smith said the move was a huge step in delivering a major project for the city: “It’s something I believe will be iconic for not just Scotland but the rest of the UK.
“It’s starting to become a building site so obviously it will need to be enclosed and I am confident that the hoardings are going to be attractive to visitors and residents alike.”
Paula Nicol, deputy chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said the progress was encouraging at a critical time for tourism: “It is vital that momentum is now maintained and the project moves forward without delay so that Inverness Castle becomes a world class visitor attraction we can all be justifiably proud of.”