HIE approves further £863k for Inverness Castle project

28th February 2025

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a further £863,000 contribution to the Inverness Castle Experience project.

Led by The Highland Council, the Inverness Castle Experience is a key project within the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, 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.

It involves the transformation of the landmark into a world-class visitor attraction, celebrating the landscapes, culture, Gaelic language, and communities of the Highlands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.

The additional funding brings HIE's total investment in the project to £2.863m, ensuring the continued enrichment of the visitor experience. The project is set to deliver significant economic and social benefits, supporting 82 jobs directly and 480 indirectly across the region.

Audrey MacIver, HIE area manager for Inner Moray Firth, said:

"The Inverness Castle project is progressing at pace and set to deliver substantial economic and social benefits well beyond Inverness.

“We are pleased to provide additional funding to further enhance features in the castle, which is set to open later this year. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with The Highland Council and High Life Highland on this transformative initiative."

Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness City and Area and Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said:

“This is an exciting time for the Highlands. The Inverness Castle Experience will be a key attraction for visitors and this additional investment is helping us strengthen the visitor experience. The Castle will showcase the spirit of the Highlands, celebrating our stories, culture, and heritage in a way that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit."

The Inverness Castle Experience project, opening later this year, will benefit from £30m in investment to support its redevelopment from the Scottish and UK governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and a range of other partners.

 

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