
Vision to transform Inverness Castle into tourist attraction moves closer to reality
STV News was given rare access earlier this week to see inside the historic site, which has been under wraps behind barriers for several years.
Work is still under way, but what's taking shape promises to be a unique and immersive experience that will celebrate Highland culture, history, and storytelling.
The £40m project includes cutting-edge interactive technology, designed to guide visitors on a two-hour journey through the spirit of the Highlands.
Amy MacLeod of High Life Highland said: 'We're inviting people to discover the spirit of the Highlands through authentic stories gathered from communities across the region. It's about history, culture, language and, most importantly, the people who live here.'
The project has faced setbacks including Brexit-related delays and industry-wide labour shortages, but the team behind it remains optimistic.
Jason Kelman from Highland Council, who has overseen the transformation, said: 'It's the iconic building in Inverness, on postcards, in photos. To be part of its refurbishment has been a real privilege. I'm proud of how far we've come.'
There's still no confirmed opening date but after nine years in the making, the rebirth of Inverness Castle is finally within sight.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


STV News
5 hours ago
- STV News
Rare Hulk stretch toy sells for thousands of pounds at auction
A stretch toy of Marvel's The Hulk, which has been described as one of the 'rarest stretch toys in existence', has sold for thousands of pounds, according to Excalibur Auctions. The figure, which appears to be one of only 30 known examples of the original Hulk stretch figure from 1979 known to still exist, was sold to a private collector on Saturday at the Excalibur Auctions Vintage Toys, Diecast Models & Model Railways auction for £3,900. Originally estimated between £3,000 and £5,000, the final sale set a new record in the UK for 'a figure of its kind', according to the auction house. Jonathan Torode, from Excalibur Auctions, said: 'We were excited to offer this rare piece of nostalgia today, which set a UK auction record for a figure of its kind. 'We saw competitive bidding on the phones and internet, with it finally winning out to a UK private collector, where we hope it will be as cherished by its new owner as much as it has been by its previous one.' The character the toy is based on was created by the American comic book writer and producer Stan Lee and comic artist Jack Kirby, appearing in comic form for the first time in May 1962 under the Marvel name. He was later portrayed across TV, film, cartoon and video games as The Incredible Hulk – the alter ego of the physicist Dr Bruce Banner, who transformed into the superhero when he was angry or under extreme stress. A range of actors have since portrayed the character over the years, including Eric Bana in The Hulk (2003), Edward Norton in The Incredible Hulk (2008) and Mark Ruffalo in The Avengers (2012). The toy was described as being in 'mint' condition after being kept out of the light, upright, and in its original packaging over the years. The Hulk figure also came with its original instructions and has never been offered for sale since it was bought in 1979, according to the auction house. Produced by renowned toymaker Denys Fisher (1918-2002), the figure came directly from its original owner who had begged his mother for one as a child. It was originally part of Kenner's 'Stretch Armstrong' line and was later licensed under Denys Fisher in the UK. Fisher, who developed the Spirograph, grew up in the Leeds area and later lived in Dumfries and Cumbria. The Hulk stretch figure was filled with corn syrup to enable it to stretch and was made using the same latex and gel moulds as those used for the Stretch Armstrong figure. However, its green skin colouring, the Hulk head and the Marvel branding set it apart from the Stretch Armstrong toy. Manufactured in Thorp Arch, Wetherby, the toy was sold in limited quantities only in the UK, through select mail order catalogues and a handful of shops. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country


The Independent
6 hours ago
- The Independent
Number of British acts playing at festivals in Europe plummets after Brexit
The number of British music acts performing at major European festivals has significantly decreased since Brexit, with an average fall of a quarter compared to pre-Brexit levels (2017-2019). Analysis of four major festivals, including Benicassim, Lollapalooza, Rock en Seine, and Roskilde, revealed Benicassim experienced the largest drop, with 58 per cent fewer British acts. Industry leaders and musicians, including Elton John, have highlighted that increased paperwork, red tape, and costs are creating a 'logistical nightmare' for touring artists. Organisations like Best for Britain, the Independent Society of Musicians, and UK Music warn that these barriers are damaging opportunities for artists, impacting the UK's £7.6bn music industry, and diminishing its cultural influence. There are urgent calls for the government to address these challenges and work with European partners to implement solutions, with Labour's manifesto also committing to sorting out issues for touring musicians.


The Independent
7 hours ago
- The Independent
Number of British acts at European music festivals plummets since Brexit
Elton John is among those who have warned that the UK's departure from the EU has caused a 'logistical nightmare' and placed 'leg irons' on travelling musicians. Last year he warned the issue risks jeopardising artists' futures and the UK's status as a cultural force, saying he was 'horrified'. Now new figures show fans in France, Spain, Germany and Denmark will miss out as the number of British acts on the bill in some of Europe's biggest festivals plummets. The analysis found that, on average, the number of British musicians who have played, or are scheduled to play, European festivals this summer has fallen by a quarter, compared to 2017-2019. The study looked at four major music festivals – Benicassim in Valencia, Lollapalooza in Berlin, Rock en Seine in Paris and Roskilde Festival in Denmark. Overall Benicassim saw the biggest drop, with 58 per cent fewer British acts taking to the stage in Spain, the analysis by Best for Britain found. Industry leaders and musicians have highlighted that increased paperwork and costs are still damaging opportunities, particularly to take up last-minute slots. At the same time, British venue operators have warned of their struggle to attract EU-based artists. Earlier this year hundreds of music industry professionals signed an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer and the EU's Ursula von der Leyen calling for action. Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain, which campaigns for closer UK-EU ties, said: 'From legends like the Beatles, Queen and David Bowie, via Britpop stars Oasis and Blur, to modern icons like Amy Winehouse, Adele and Raye, Britain is world-famous for our incredible musical legacy – with live performances the lifeblood of the industry. 'Barriers for touring artists are bad news: for acts, audiences, and ultimately hurt the UK's vibrant £7.6bn music industry, meaning a further hit to our squeezed economy, not to mention the dimming effect on our soft power around the world. The government must urgently examine what scope there is to address these challenges - and work with our partners in Europe to implement solutions.' Deborah Annetts, the chief executive of the Independent Society of Musicians, said: ' Brexit is bad for UK musicians, European events and live music lovers across Europe. As this research shows, opportunities for emerging as well as much-loved acts are disappearing, which is a situation that cannot continue. 'Labour's election manifesto committed to sorting out the issues for touring musicians following Brexit.' UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl said: 'The rising costs and extra red tape involved in touring the EU post-Brexit is a huge challenge for the whole UK music eco-system, ranging from musicians and artists to technicians, engineers and crew.' Earlier this year the Independent also revealed t hat Brexit had created a 'mind blowing' 2bn extra pieces of paperwork - enough to wrap around world 15 times. Brexit is also on course to cut UK trade by 15 per cent, the government's independent financial watchdog has warned.