Plans to use Inverness Castle to boost tourism in and around the Highland capital have taken an important step forward.
Consultants specialising in culture and heritage work have been appointed to advance the project at the castle, which currently is home to the sheriff and JP courts.
High Life Highland on behalf of the Inverness Castle Working group appointed Jura Consultants to carry out a feasibility study on options for the landmark building.
Inverness Castle Working Group which is led jointly by tourism minister Fergus Ewing MSP and Highland Council Leader Drew Hendry, was formed to consider the future use of the castle as a tourist attraction and maximise its status in the heart of the city.
The project aims to identify and analyse the viability and sustainability of high quality use options for the castle complex that will promote tourism in the area and benefit the tourism economy.
Recent consultations on future plans for the city and consultation with tourism businesses on the development of tourism in Inverness has indicated that there is an overall consensus in the community and from stakeholders for the castle to be put to use in a way that benefits the public and visitors to Inverness.
The elevated position of Inverness Castle, above the banks of the River Ness, creates a visually appealing focal point for the city throughout the year, but particularly in the summer months, its prominent position attracts many visitors who visit the grounds to enjoy the castle, its views and the limited interpretation – all despite there being no specific visitor attraction at the castle at present.
The Jura Consultants study which is funded by Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Highland Council will review and assess the viability of all options for the castle that meet the aims of the working group, to determine what types of development and or attraction will attract and retain the maximum audience in the future.
Mr Ewing said: “Jura Consultants feasibility study will form the basis of a public consultation that will allow people in Inverness and wider stakeholders the opportunity to help choose a sustainable tourism focussed future for the castle.”
Councillor Hendry said: “It’s great news that this exciting development continues to move forward at a pace. Realising public access to the castle will be an enormous boost for the tourism attractions of the city and the wider Highland economy.”