Reassembly of 'magnificent' Rose Window begins at Inverness Castle
The new visitor attraction is due to open next year
A window which was once a prominent feature in the centre of Inverness is being reassembled to form part of the city's new castle visitor attraction.
The 'Rose Window' has been restored and will be contained within a custom-designed steel framework where it will become a focal feature within the Inverness Castle Experience.
Each piece of the Rose Window has been carefully conserved and cataloged, as every stone must be perfectly aligned to recreate the frame for the window's intricate glass design.
Those behind the project say local stonemasons have painstakingly cleaned and repaired the stone frame fragments, ensuring each piece is ready to return to its original position.
Financial support towards restoring the window was given through the Inverness Common Good Fund, the Rotary Club of Inverness and other Rotary clubs across the Highlands.
Leader of Inverness City and Area and Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, Councillor Ian Brown said: "The reassembly of the ‘Rose Window’ is not just a technical achievement; it's a celebration of our cultural heritage.
"This restoration allows us to honour the craftsmanship of the past while ensuring that this magnificent piece can be enjoyed by future generations."
The Highland Council’s Senior Community Development Manager for Inverness and South, David Haas said: "The Inverness Castle Experience, set to open to the public next year, will offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness the Rose Window in all its restored glory.
"It is a very exciting time to see it being pieced back together and being so lovingly restored."
President of the Rotary Club of Inverness, Colin Munro said: "Highland Rotarians were thrilled to be able to set aside a significant sum in the centenary year towards the restoration of the Rose Window and involved several other clubs across the Highlands.
"Seeing it all come together, piece by piece, in its new home is very exciting."
Ahead of it opening next year, those behind the project are looking for someone to run the attraction.
The ‘Head of Inverness Castle Experience’ will collaborate closely with the project team, steering the project from pre-opening preparations through to full operation.
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.