Inverness Castle is set to reopen as a top tourist spot in mid-2025, providing big economic benefits to the Highlands. The redevelopment, funded by various sources, is expected to create up to 90 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs in local tourism and hospitality.
The project, called the Inverness Castle Experience, will mix modern storytelling with the Highlands' cultural heritage, offering a special experience for visitors and locals. With construction nearly finished, everyone involved is hopeful about the positive impact the castle's transformation will have on the area's economy.
Key Takeaways
Inverness Castle is undergoing a transformation to become a major tourist attraction, set to bolster the local economy and create numerous jobs.
- The redevelopment of Inverness Castle is expected to create up to 90 direct jobs and many more indirect roles in the tourism sector.
- The project will offer a unique visitor experience that marries modern storytelling with the Highlands' rich cultural heritage.
- The castle's transformation forms part of a £30 million investment and is poised to enhance tourism in the region, establishing Inverness as a premier destination.
Economic impact and job creation
The reopening of Inverness Castle is set to give a big boost to the economy of the Highlands. This attraction will create 82 direct jobs, and an estimated 480 more jobs could come up in hospitality, retail, and other tourism-related businesses in the region.
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Garry Marsden, the new head of the Inverness Castle Experience, announced that hiring for various jobs will start as soon as January 2025. These jobs will cover areas like visitor services, hospitality, and operations.
Besides creating direct jobs, this project is expected to bring more customers to local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Thanks to its great location and new attractions, the castle is likely to draw visitors from all over Scotland and beyond, boosting the broader tourism sector.
Audrey MacIver, who manages the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the Inner Moray Firth area, spoke about the wide-ranging benefits of the redevelopment. She pointed out that the project will bring lasting economic and social benefits not just to Inverness, but to the surrounding areas as well.
A unique and modern visitor experience
The Inverness Castle Experience is more than just history. It uses storytelling to make the Highlands' culture vibrant and alive. The attraction will highlight the area's strong heritage, focusing on themes like community and Gaelic traditions.
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Vicki Miller, the CEO of VisitScotland, recently visited the site. She showed excitement about what the project could achieve. She called the redevelopment a unique initiative that sets Inverness Castle apart from other Scottish landmarks.
The castle’s new design emphasizes experiences that capture the Highlands’ past and present. Instead of just focusing on historical items, it uses digital storytelling and interactive displays for a dynamic and engaging setting.
Marsden also noted that the castle would be a key spot for the local community. He called it a beacon for Inverness, offering a place for both locals and tourists to connect with the area’s history interactively and meaningfully.
Major investments and future prospects
The redevelopment of Inverness Castle has received a large financial boost from various sources to turn it into a top tourist spot. HIE recently added £863,000 to its investment, making it a total of £2.863 million. This additional money will cover unexpected repairs and improve visitor features in the North Tower.
The project has a £30 million investment, thanks to contributions from the Scottish and UK governments, The Highland Council, HIE, and other partners. It is a key part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is focused on encouraging economic growth through important infrastructure projects.
Councillor Ian Brown, who leads Inverness City and Area and co-chairs the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, emphasized that the castle’s transformation will play a key role in boosting tourism in the region.
The initiative seeks to establish Inverness as a top destination, drawing visitors eager to explore Scotland’s landscapes, heritage, and traditions. It aligns with broader efforts to promote the Highlands as a must-visit spot for both domestic and international travelers.
With the reopening just over a year away, excitement is growing around the Inverness Castle Experience. As final touches are added, local businesses and tourism operators are gearing up for a wave of visitors eager to check out the newly revamped landmark.
By mixing old-world charm with modern storytelling, the project is set to change how visitors connect with the history and culture of the Highlands, ensuring Inverness Castle stays an important part of Scotland’s tourism scene for years.