Major recruitment drive for Highland attraction which is set to generate 'millions' of pounds for region

Around 65 people are wanted for a range of roles when Inverness Castle opens as a visitor attraction later this year.

It's currently undergoing a major transformation project, as part of the £315m Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.

With those behind the revamp saying they're set to welcome guests soon, there's now a big push to hire people for when it opens.

Similarity between Inverness Castle and Royal retreat

Part-time and seasonal workers are among those being sought.

Roles available span a variety of areas, including visitor experience, retail, catering, and operations.

Head of the Experience, Garry Marsden, outlined how the project is coming on and who're they're looking to take on.

He said: "Work is on schedule, we're still on for that summer opening this year which is great.

"We call it an experience because it is indeed something that's as important to the people who live locally as it is to the visitors who are going to come.

"We want people who can engage with our customers and make sure the experience they have when they come to the Highlands and Inverness Castle is a world class experience."

Mr Marsden has worked in tourism attraction management for 35 years, including on Balmoral and Sandringham estates, and outlined some similarities Inverness has with the latter.

He added: "We probably had 500,000 visitors who didn't actually go and visit the house and gardens, but they were there to come and visit the wider parkland and enjoy the catering experiences, shop and playground.

"So it was very relevant to people who lived up to a two hour drive away, but it was equally relevant to those who travelled around the world to visit an iconic location.

"Invereness castle will be very much like that.

"It will become relevant to people who live in the Highlands who have the ability to come and travel all year round, but it will be massively important to people who've come from the other side of the world.

"There hasn't been any official studies done yet in terms of what the rebound will be economically, but it will be in the millions.

"It's a huge amount."

'Fulfilling career paths' being offered

The Inverness Castle transformation is a Highland Council project, managed by arms length charity High Life Highland.

Councillor Ian Brown, Co-Chair Inverness Castle Delivery Group, Highland Council’s Inverness City Leader, said, “This level of recruitment represents a significant investment in the Highland economy, creating numerous opportunities for residents to join a landmark project and contribute directly to the region's cultural and economic future.

"Crucially, it also aims to retain our talented workforce within the Highlands, offering fulfilling career paths and preventing the loss of valuable skills to other regions."

Michael Golding, Chair of High Life Highland’s Board of Directors, added, “We’re thrilled to take this next step and provide a truly unique opportunity for individuals to join this exciting new attraction from the beginning.

"High Life Highland welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and provides an inclusive environment, where people are valued while being empowered to play a role in delivering world-class experiences.”

Recruitment days are being held on May 29th and 30th, between 1 –4 pm, and May 31st, between 11am-4pm.   

These will take place at 4 Castle Wynd in Inverness.