Inverness Castle revamp recommended for approval

Highland Council has submitted a planning application to transform Inverness Castle into a tourist attraction.

The 19th Century property was used as a sheriff court until the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved to a new building last year.

Exhibition space, cafes and a roof terrace have been proposed for the hilltop landmark.

Council planning officials have recommended approving the plans.

Highland Council's south planning applications committee will consider the application at a meeting next week.

Work to revamp the castle could take five years to complete.

The sandstone castle was built in 1836.

It 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 prison.

It is thought that there may have been a castle on the site from as far back as the 11th Century.