Concept designs set out "unique" vision for Inverness Castle
The visitor experience is set to use the very latest technology
Last updated 19th May 2022
Images showing what the interior of Inverness Castle will look like once it has been transformed have been revealed.
The concept designs, from exhibition designers Mather & Co, highlight the transformation of the inside of the castle from its use as a prison and courtroom to a world-class visitor attraction.
The visitor experience will use the very latest technology to excite the senses with full 360-degree immersion through audio, interactive and digital means.
Various stories from throughout the Highlands will be told using these high-tech features
Inverness Castle
"We've set the bar high"
CEO Chris Mather believes Inverness Castle will be a "unique" attraction once work has been completed
He said: “There will be elements within this that are leading in technology and design that has not been done before.
"We’ve set the bar high and we fully intend to create something which is unique in historic buildings.
"When we’re finished, we’ll have preserved all the original historic elements within the castle and we’ll have also put a fully immersive visitor attraction in the castle as well."
Despite many aspects of the project being positive, Chris outlined how there have been some challenges with design, due to how the Castle wasn't built as a visitor attraction.
He added: "We want the project to flow smoothly, we want visitors to flow through the building smoothly and it wasn’t designed as a visitor attraction.
"It was designed as a castle and a prison so there are some issues that we are dealing with."
Castle will capture past, present and future spirit of Highland
Guided with traditional Scottish storytelling, visitors will connect to Highland stories through a series of themed immersive rooms, where they can walk through forests, gather round the fire for story time, join in a cèilidh, and witness iconic moments of Highland history.
The stories have been crowdsourced from across the Highlands, capturing the spirit of the region’s past, present and future, showcasing people’s accounts of the region.
Director of the Inverness Castle Project Fiona Hampton said: “Mather & Co have really brought their creativity, experience and innovation to the project.
“Their approach will consider the whole experience of the visitor, including what people see and interact with before, during and after their visit, to make sure that everyone who visits the castle has an incredible time and can’t wait to return.”
The Inverness Castle project will benefit from £30m investment to support its re-development from the Scottish and UK Governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partners.
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.