The major overhaul of Inverness Castle into a world-class tourism destination has taken a giant leap forward as the main contractor for the project has been announced.
Bancon Construction has been entrusted with the next phase of the £35.5 million project.
The grade-A listed building previously served as the city’s court and, despite its history spanning hundreds of years, few have been able to see inside.
Bancon, which boasts more than 40 years’ experience in the construction trade, will now oversee work for the next two-and-a-half-years.
Doors to the building’s original front entrance, in the South Tower, will open to the public in 2025.
Feather in the cap moment for Bancon
Bancon’s recent projects include the refurbishment and restoration of Midmills College in Inverness, the redevelopment of Aberdeen Science Centre and the redesign of Cardhu Distillery.
Managing director Allan Clow said: “We are really excited and really proud to be appointed as the contractor for Inverness Castle.
“It is a really high-profile job and we really look forward to converting this fantastic old building into a world-class visitor attraction.
“To be awarded such a prestigious project, it is a real feather in the cap for Bancon.”
275 jobs could be created across the region
A major economic boom is anticipated with estimates suggesting the redevelopment could pull in almost £14m each year.
It is hoped turning Inverness Castle into a major attraction will encourage more visitors and for longer stays.
A jobs boost is also expected with the creation of 275 full-time-equivalent jobs across the north.
The Scottish Government has provided £15m towards the project, aided by a further £3m from the UK Government.
Intrigued Highlanders can now see behind castle doors
Finance secretary Kate Forbes MSP announced the new contractor during a visit on Monday morning.
She believes the renovated castle will be a huge draw for visitors to the Highlands.
Ms Forbes said: “I think any Highlander growing up has always been intrigued by Inverness Castle and yet we have never been allowed anywhere near it unless we have been in court.
“To see the doors open today, to know the construction phase will make the castle more accessible, it is really exciting – not just for Inverness but for the wider Highland region.”
Castle can act as a point of reference to encourage further visits in Highland
A working group was created in 2014 to explore opportunities for use of the castle pending the construction of the purpose-built Inverness Justice Centre.
Provost of Inverness Helen Carmichael, who co-chairs the group, said: “It is so exciting to know the castle project is moving forward at pace.
“It will be good for the people of Inverness and visitors because they have never had access to the castle.
“We will use the castle as a point of reference to send people out to the rest of the Highlands.”
‘The best view in Britain’
Fellow co-chair Fergus Ewing MSP added: “For years many people thought that the finest building in Inverness wasn’t being used for the appropriate purpose and I agreed.
“The views from the tower were described by someone 150 years ago as ‘the best view in Britain’.
“Who am I to disagree?”
Mr Ewing described the proposed final look as a “legacy for the rest of this century and beyond”.
He added: “This is not only for Invernesians. This is for the whole of the Highlands.
“The castle is the most precious building in Inverness. We have a duty of care to protect the special features of this, the finest building in the city.
“That is why it may take longer than we would ideally like. But the most important thing is to get it right.”
UK Government minister for Scotland Iain Stewart MP added: “I am hugely excited to see this work underway.
“This is going to be a huge asset for Inverness and the wider Highlands and will be a major boost to the tourism and visitor economy that the whole region will benefit from.”