New timescale for completion of the purchase of South Tower of Inverness Castle

30th April 2020

Due to the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the planned date of the purchase of the South Tower by The Highland Council has changed. The Highland Council was due to complete its purchase of the building on 1 May 2020 and this is now likely to happen once the current period of lockdown is lifted. The date to complete the purchase has not been set but will become clearer when arrangements for the easing of social distancing are known.

The associated work to erect hoardings around the castle buildings for the construction period, which were due to be put in place following the purchase, will also be programmed after the period of lockdown begins to ease.

The Castle 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.

Provost of Inverness,Cllr Helen Carmichael, said: "This project is vital to the regeneration of our city centre and the wider tourism economy of the Highland region and we are looking forward to pushing ahead with its implementation once the period of lockdown is eased. However, our priority just now must be the response to the ongoing Covid-19 emergency and keeping people safe at this time."

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.

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.

The South Tower is currently owned by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.