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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
The iconic Scottish castle with history linked to Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots
The castle undergoing a redevelopment is expected to reopen later this year An iconic castle with links to two of Scotland's most famous monarchs is set to open its doors to the public again this year. However, the multi-million pound redevelopment has been delayed. The long-awaited opening of Inverness Castle as a new £30million visitor attraction has been pushed back from the planned re-opening this summer, with completion now expected later this year. The redevelopment project began in 2022 and involves transforming the former sheriff court and prison into the Inverness Castle Experience, a flagship tourism initiative led by Highland Council and High Life Highland. A spokesperson for the project said the scheme was 'a complex and specialised project', with the main construction phase still ongoing but nearing completion. Once open, the new attraction will take visitors on an interactive journey through the history, myths and landscapes of the Highlands. A virtual guide in the form of a dog named Cuillin will lead younger guests through the experience. A bistro and bar will also be part of the new offering. Earlier this year, a recruitment day was held to showcase the range of jobs being created as part of the project, which is supported by the £315million Inverness and Highland City Region Deal. In February, Highlands and Islands Enterprise increased its contribution by £863,000, bringing its total investment to £2.86million. Perched on Castle Hill overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle comprises two castellated buildings designed by renowned architect William Burn. The courthouse dates back to the 1830s, while the adjoining prison wing was completed in the 1840s. But the site's history stretches far beyond the Victorian era. A fortification has stood on Castle Hill since at least the 11th century, when King David I established a timber and earth castle. It replaced a stronghold previously razed by his father, Malcolm III, who defeated rival Macbeth. Over time, the site witnessed turbulent chapters involving Robert the Bruce, James I, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. During the Wars of Independence, Robert the Bruce destroyed an earlier stone-built castle in 1308 to stop English forces using it. James I later arrested and imprisoned rebellious Highland chiefs here in 1428, prompting years of retaliatory attacks from the Lords of the Isles. In 1562, Mary, Queen of Scots, was denied entry to the castle by George Gordon, Earl of Huntly. After a three-day siege by her supporters, the keeper Alexander Gordon was captured and hanged. The castle changed hands repeatedly in the 17th century, occupied at various times by Royalists, Covenanters, and British government troops. Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden, Bonnie Prince Charlie ordered the castle destroyed. According to legend, a French soldier triggered the explosion, and was blown across the river, while his poodle survived. The site lay derelict until the 19th century, when the present courthouse and prison were constructed. It later became the seat of Inverness-shire Constabulary and remained in use until the courts service relocated in 2020. The grounds still contain the original medieval well, and the striking statue of Highland heroine Flora MacDonald, completed in 1896 by local sculptor Andrew Davidson, still looks out across the River Ness.
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- Daily Record
The ancient stone pillar that gives insight into Scotland's Pictish history
The forgotten Pictish stone found in a Caithness burial ground has been restored and unveiled at the North Coast Visitor Centre An important piece of Scotland's ancient past has been carefully restored and helped shed light on the nation's history. The long-forgotten Pictish stone was rediscovered in a remote Christian burial ground in Caithness. Thought to have been used as a grave marker in more recent times, the Ulbster 2 Pictish Stone has now been restored and is on public display at the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso. Unveiled on Friday, June 13, the decorated pillar was formally revealed by Lord Thurso, who has generously loaned the artefact to High Life Highland, which operates the centre. The new find joins the original Ulbster Stone, discovered 250 years ago, in the centre's Stone Room, offering visitors a deeper glimpse into the Pictish period, which spanned from 300 to 900AD. Lord Thurso said: 'When my ancestor moved the Ulbster Stone to Thurso Castle he had no idea of its historical importance. "Today, thanks to the excellent work of all involved a sister stone has been recovered and restored which adds to the greater understanding we now have of these amazing artefacts and helps to enhance the collection in the North Coast Visitor Centre. I congratulate everyone who contributed to this great success.' The Ulbster 2 Stone is a significant example of early Pictish art, classified as a Class 1 stone due to its lack of overt Christian symbols. Experts believe it dates from the 6th to 8th century. Though weathered by time, it still clearly features distinct Pictish symbols including a double disc and z-rod, a mirror and a comb, motifs whose meanings continue to intrigue archaeologists and historians. Discovered lying flat in a line of unmarked gravestones at St Martin's Burial Ground in Ulbster, just south of Wick, the stone was initially spotted by Fiona Begg Wade in 2022 as she was clearing the site where several of her relatives are buried. Thanks to the efforts of Yarrows Heritage SCIO and support from the local landowner, the stone was successfully recovered and conserved. Roland Spencer-Jones, Chair of Yarrows Heritage, praised the collaborative effort: 'This is an important day for Caithness archaeology, when another newly discovered Pictish stone gets added to the stunning collection of Pictish art already in the North Coast Visitor Centre. We are grateful to all our funders in providing the money to rescue this stone and allow it to be displayed in the museum.' In contrast to the original Ulbster Stone, which features carvings on both sides, the Ulbster 2 Stone is decorated on one face only. The addition of the stone to the collection is expected to help shed further light on the lives, beliefs and symbols of the Pictish people who once inhabited the far north of Scotland. Funding for the recovery and conservation came from a wide range of supporters, including Historic Environment Scotland, The Highland Council, Nuclear Restoration Services at Dounreay, the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund, the Lybster and Tannach Fund and the Pictish Arts Society. Conservation was carried out by Graciela Ainsworth of Edinburgh, with mounting work in the museum completed by Norbloc Construction Ltd of Halkirk. Attending the ceremony was Highland Council Leader and Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner, who praised the stone's significance for both local identity and wider Scottish heritage. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'Today marks a profound moment in the cultural life of Caithness and the wider Highlands,' he said. 'It's a fantastic find by someone in the local area where I live, and the Mausoleum and its history has always been of interest locally and in the wider area. 'The unveiling of this Pictish Stone reconnects us with the artistry, and enduring legacy of the Picts, an ancient people whose stories are etched in stone and woven into the fabric of our landscape. 'This monument is not only a tribute to our rich heritage but a beacon for future generations to explore, cherish, and preserve the mysteries of our past. "It connects us to the beliefs and identity of the Picts, a people whose legacy still shapes the cultural landscape of Scotland. We are proud to share this remarkable piece of our heritage with the communities and visitors to our area from all over the world.'
BBC News
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Inverness Castle ticket prices announced
Entry fees for Inverness Castle have been former sheriff court and prison is being redeveloped as a visitor attraction at a cost of about £30m, and is due to open later this Life Highland (HLH), which will operate the site, has released the ticket prices which range from the cheapest - £14 for a child - to up to £65 for a family of two adults and three said deals would be available to Highland residents. The redevelopment has received funding from the £315m Inverness and Highland City Region the Inverness Castle Experience, it will have an interactive "journey" taking visitors through the history of the Highlands. How much will tickets cost? HLH said tickets would be cheaper if booked online in costs include:Adult - £20 (online)/£22Seniors - £18/£20Child - £14/£16Family (two adults and two children) - £46/£54Family (two adults and three children) £55/£65HLH said Highland residents who pay for its High Life Highland card would have access to more booking options, and 10% discount on food and drinks after purchasing full-price tickets. Ian Brown, a councillor and co-chairman of Inverness Castle Delivery Group, has welcomed ticket deals for Highland added: "The Inverness Castle Experience is set to become a key landmark in the region and ensuring that our Highland communities can enjoy it throughout the year is a great move. "This initiative encourages local engagement and fosters pride in our heritage and Highland stories."The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved out of the castle in 2020, and Highland Council has been leading the month, public agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) put an extra £863,000 towards the project. What is the castle's history? The sandstone Inverness Castle was built in 1836 to plans drawn by architect William was constructed on a mound overlooking the city and the River Ness. In 1848, a building known as the North Block was added and served as a a castle had occupied the site from possibly as far back as the 11th the centuries, the fortification fell under the control of the forces of Edward I, Robert the Bruce and James I, II and 1562, it was attacked and damaged by soldiers loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, before it was almost destroyed by Royalist troops in the Prince Charlie's forces blew the castle up in 1746 to prevent it from falling into the hands of government was said that a French sergeant, who had brought his poodle with him to Scotland, set off the soldier was caught in the blast, and his body was blown across to the opposite side of the River Ness. His dog survived.
