Latest news with #InvernessCastle
BBC News
16-07-2025
- BBC News
Delay to opening Inverness Castle as £30m visitor attraction
The opening of Inverness Castle as a new £30m tourist attraction has been delayed until later this to redevelop the former sheriff court and prison started in 2022 and was expected to be completed this Inverness Castle Experience, which involves Highland Council and Highlife Highland, said it was a complex and specilised said the main construction phase was ongoing but nearing completion. Councillor Ian Brown, who is co-chairman of the Inverness Castle delivery group, said it was a landmark project for the said: "This is a complex project - it involves a unique blend of historic architecture, modern building techniques and innovative exhibits. "The teamwork between contractors, designers and fit-out specialists has been commendable, especially considering the challenges with workforce availability."Mr Brown added: "With construction drawing to a close, we are moving into the final phase with energy and clear focus." What does the castle look like just now? Once open, visitors will be able to take an interactive journey through the castle and learn about the history and legends of the people will be offered the chance to follow a virtual guide - a dog called castle will also have a bar and this year, an information day was held on jobs being created at the castle. The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved out of the castle in redevelopment has received funding from the £315m Inverness and Highland City Region February, public agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) put an extra £863,000 towards the cost of the building's additional funding brought HIE's total investment in the project to £2.86m. The sandstone Inverness Castle was built in 1830s and 40s to plans drawn by architect William was constructed on Castle Hill, which overlooks the city and the River Ness. The property's North Block served as a prison. But 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.
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Food and drink licence secured for Inverness Castle
People will be able to have afternoon tea and cocktails in a new bar that is to be opened as part of a new visitor attraction at Inverness North Tower Bar - in part of the castle previously used as a police station - will be a bookable venue with space for 40 have also been revealed about a new Saltire Bistro with seating for 120 people and a linked terraced outdoor at the Inverness Castle Experience hope the variety of food and drink experiences on offer will attract locals as well as tourists. Both venues could be open from as early as 08:00, but would not be able to serve alcohol until 10:00 under the terms of a newly-granted licence. They would close at 22:00, unless booked for private gatherings or events. Garry Marsden, head of the Inverness Castle Experience, said the venues would be family-friendly and would be a place for both visitors to the area and locals to gather. Highland Council is leading the project to turn the former sheriff court into a visitor is expected to open later this by local democracy reporter Will Angus.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Plan to fence off Inverness Castle with railings and gates
Highland Council has proposed fencing off Inverness Castle and its former sheriff court is being turned into a tourist attraction with landscaped council, which is leading the redevelopment, plans to put up railings and gates around the property and open the site from 08:00 to 22: work started on the transformation in 2022, the castle's grounds were open to the public at all times - though there was more restricted access to the castle's court buildings. The new Inverness Castle Experience is being redeveloped a cost of about £30m, and is due to open later this year. The plans for railings and gates were first reported in the Inverness application for the fencing is currently in Highland Council's planning system.A feature of the castle's grounds is a statue dedicated to Flora famously helped Bonnie Prince Charlie evade capture after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in of the grounds also offer views over Inverness' Riverside, and towards Loch Ness in one direction and the mountain Ben Wyvis in the grounds are currently blocked off by wire fences erected due to the construction Council said the railings and gates would form part of the landscaping around the castle, and contribute to the management of the building and gardens.A spokesperson said: "It is intended that the site will be open from 08:00 until 22:00, allowing access throughout this period. "The opening hours are planned to be all year round. "We will put all necessary measures in place to ensure appropriate management of The Inverness Castle Experience building and gardens when it opens later this year."Ticket prices for the tourist attraction were announced in March. The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved out of the castle in redevelopment has received funding from the £315m Inverness and Highland City Region 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.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Crash shuts Inverness city centre road
Police have closed Inverness' Castle Street after a crash involving a vehicle and cyclist. The incident happened on the road near Inverness Castle in the city centre. Police asked motorists to avoid the area. A police van was parked across Castle Street near to where it joins Culduthel Road, and drivers were being diverted along Old Edinburgh Road. How to contact Police Scotland
BBC News
09-05-2025
- BBC News
Crash shuts Inverness city centre road
Police have closed Inverness' Castle Street after a crash involving a vehicle and incident happened on the road near Inverness Castle in the city asked motorists to avoid the area.A police van was parked across Castle Street near to where it joins Culduthel Road, and drivers were being diverted along Old Edinburgh Road.
