Key appointments form core leadership team at Inverness Castle Experience

21st March 2025

The Inverness Castle Experience is delighted to announce the appointment of three senior roles, adding to its leadership team ahead of its highly anticipated opening later this summer.

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

Rebecca Macdonald joins as Visitor Services Manager, born and raised in Inverness, she developed a passion for history through her dad's influence, earning a BA Hons from the University of Strathclyde and a Master's from the University of Liverpool. With over a decade of experience in customer service roles, she has a strong commitment to creating meaningful and engaging visitor experiences. Rebecca has worked with The National Trust for Scotland for the past six years, including a leadership role at Culloden Battlefield. She is excited to bring her experience to Inverness Castle and help create a lasting experience for local and international visitors.

Robert Ince has been appointed as Food and Beverage Manager. Robert brings extensive experience from a leading local auction firm, where he managed catering and events, improving offerings and creating new business opportunities. Previously, he managed The Torridon, winning the AA Scottish Hotel of the Year award twice and earned a Manager’s Gold Medal from the Scottish Hotel Awards. Robert’s career spans prestigious Scottish properties like the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle and Cromlix House. Known for innovation, reliability, and staff training, Robert is eager to bring the best of Highland hospitality to the Inverness Castle Experience.

John Currie, a native of North Uist, is a Hebridean fisherman turned retail professional with over 10 years of experience takes on the role of Retail Manager, He has driven retail success at The Isle of Skye Candle Company and, for the past seven years, led retail operations at the National Trust for Scotland’s Glencoe and Glenfinnan visitor centres, tripling retail income and contributing a third of the charity’s total revenue. Joining the Inverness Castle Experience, John aims to combine his passion for the Highlands with his retail expertise to create something memorable and sustainable in Inverness, while also finding time to enjoy the hills where he feels most at home.

These key appointments mark an exciting milestone as the Inverness Castle Experience prepares to welcome visitors later this year. The attraction will offer an immersive journey into contemporary Highland life, celebrating the Spirit of the Highlands through engaging stories, exhibits and experiences.

Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness City and Area and Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said: "We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to our team. Their expertise and enthusiasm will be instrumental in helping to shape an unforgettable experience for visitors from near and far."

High Life Highland Chief Executive Steve Walsh added, “These appointments demonstrate High Life Highland's commitment to delivering the highest-quality visitor experience. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience and fresh ideas, ensuring, along with others in the team, that the castle becomes a must-visit destination in the Highlands.”

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.