Highland Council purchase bids to reveal the true potential of Bridge Street

Plans to revitalise the centre of Inverness have taken a step forward with the purchase of a site on the southern side of city's Bridge Street which have been unveiled by Highland Council. This will support the development of Inverness Castle and the regeneration of the surrounding area of the city centre.

It is hoped that the move will provide a gateway for Highland tourism and support economic growth in the city and throughout the wider Highland area. The vision for the new attraction is to create a sustainable, viable and “must-see” attraction that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.

The Inverness Castle project is part of the City-Region deal supported by up to £315 million investment. The purchase price for the site is made up of borrowing by Highland Council and a contribution of £1.5 million from Scottish Government (through funding in the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal).

Leader of Highland Council Margaret Davidson said: “With support from Scottish Government through the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, we are ensuring the Highland economy benefits from tourism for the long-term"

"This purchase will help us to achieve our vision for this iconic site and Inverness Castle’s place as part of a range of tourism assets this region has to offer. Together with partners, we will be consulting with the community and stakeholders about the options for developing the site in the months to come.”

"For too long has this important asset been detracted by its surrounding buildings" - Fraser Grieve, SCDI

“A key part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, this project will not only benefit Inverness but will support tourism throughout the region by opening up the castle and regenerating this gateway for so many visitors to the city.

Fraser Grieve, Scottish Council for Development and Industry (Highlands and Islands) Director, said: “(The purchase) is a great leap forward for the development of Inverness Castle. For too long has this important asset been detracted by its surrounding buildings and now we’re thankfully seeing a major step to enable the future redevelopment of this important site"

“A key part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, this project will not only benefit Inverness but will support tourism throughout the region by opening up the castle and regenerating this gateway for so many visitors to the city"