Cancellation of Inverness Castle Doors Open Weekend

17th March 2020

In line with national guidance regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in relation to gatherings of over 500 and to minimise social contact, the Inverness Castle ‘Doors Open Weekend' event planned for 8, 9 and 10 May 2020 will not go ahead.

The event had been intended to offer people an opportunity to come along, see inside the Castle and to find out about the exciting plans for its transformation into a visitor attraction.

However, plans are being developed to capture video footage of the interior of the building prior to work beginning later this year and to make it available online in due course. In addition, a series of events will follow to provide the opportunity for members of the public to find out about the plans to develop the Castle and to keep up to date with the project's progress.

An enabling works contract for the Castle is due to begin in early summer and the aim is to film inside the building before the start of this work. Public access to the building will not be possible after the start of the enabling works, which involve demolition work, asbestos surveys, timber preservation surveys and structural checks.

Hoardings around the castle buildings for the construction period which are due to be put in place in May, will remain in place for the duration of the both the enabling contract and main building contract, adjusted as necessary during the works.

The transformation of Inverness Castle is a Highland Council project, managed by High Life Highland on behalf of The Highland Council. The Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland, Scottish Development International, Historic Environment Scotland, and Scottish Natural Heritage are partners in the project.

When completed, Inverness Castle will be a gateway for Highland tourism and a vital part of the regeneration of Inverness city centre. The project will support economic growth in the city and throughout the Highland area, creating a sustainable, viable and "must-see" attraction that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.

The project forms part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region deal. The City-Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.