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Plans in progress for Inverness Castle opening ceremony

News imageDuncan Walker A grand stone castle is dramatically illuminated in warm golden lights against a pitch-black night sky. Its towers and battlements stand out with sharp architectural details, creating a striking silhouette.Duncan Walker
The castle is being transformed from a court building into a new visitor destination

A new report says plans are in progress for an opening ceremony for Inverness Castle as a tourist attraction, but no date has been given for when that might be.

Work to transform the former sheriff court and prison started in 2022 and was expected to be completed this summer.

In July, Highland Council said the opening of the new Inverness Castle Experience had been delayed until later this year.

The report to next week's meeting of Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee said the castle would be redeveloped at a total cost of £47m, and was expected to attract about 400,000 visitors a year.

In the report, council officials said: "Preparations for launch are advancing, with ticket sales set to begin approximately one month prior to opening."

It added: "Final snagging and commissioning activities are under way to ensure a smooth handover of the building.

"Meanwhile, plans for the official opening ceremony are in progress."

High Life Highland, the organisation running the attraction, said last week that almost 90 staff had been inducted across part-time, full-time, and seasonal roles.

News imageGetty Images Inverness Castle is a red sandstone building with mock turrets and battlements. The castle is reflected in the mirror-like water of the river below.Getty Images
The total cost of the redevelopment runs to £47m according to the report

Once open, visitors will be able to take an interactive journey through the castle and learn about the history and legends of the Highlands.

Younger people will be offered the chance to follow a virtual guide - a dog called Cuillin.

The castle will also have a bar and bistro.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved out of the castle in 2020.

The sandstone Inverness Castle was built in 1830s and 40s to plans drawn by architect William Burn.

It was constructed on Castle Hill, which overlooks the city and the River Ness.

The property's North Block served as a prison.