Progress for Inverness Castle transformation

Progress in the transformation of Inverness Castle to become a new visitor attraction for the city was marked today with the announcement of contracts awarded to the architect and the creative director for the project.

The Inverness Castle project forms part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region deal. The City-Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.

For the architect services, LDN Architects bring their conservation architectural experience to the transformation of the Castle from its current use as a court house to a future visitor attraction. The Inverness Castle project is a vital part of the regeneration of the city centre and will be a gateway for Highland tourism. The project will support economic growth in the city and throughout the Highland area, creating a sustainable, viable and “must-see” attraction that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.

The architect’s brief will focus on refurbishment of the Castle, and the transformation will involve dialogue with Historic Environment Scotland, The Highland Council, High Life Highland, the people of Inverness and the Highlands, as well as many other stakeholders in the coming months.

Creative Services, led by Bryan Beattie, will lead the creative direction for the Inverness Castle project, supporting development of the identity for the new international quality Inverness Castle visitor attraction, as well as preparing a programme of events involving people living and working in the Highlands. They will also support the development of partnerships with creative producers, organisations, agencies and networks to maximise promotional and creative opportunities for the project.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy Fergus Ewing said:

"These appointments mark another important step forward in progressing the development of Inverness Castle. This key project from the Scottish Government is being supported through the City Region Deal. It will help to revitalise the city centre, as well as the wider Highlands, benefiting both locals and tourists."

The Provost of Inverness and Area, Cllr Helen Carmichael, said:

“The appointment of both LDN Architects and Creative Services is an important step in the development of this exciting project. With support from Scottish Government through the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, we are ensuring the ambitious Inverness Castle project will bring benefits and sustainability to the whole Highland economy through development of our unique tourism assets in the long term.”

Stuart MacKellar of LDN Architects said:

“We are delighted to be involved with the Inverness Castle development, given the importance of the project to the city centre and the economic development of the Highlands. As architect for the recent improvements to the neighbouring Inverness Town House, as well as a range of other heritage projects in the UK and beyond, we are excited to be bringing our experience to bear for the castle project.”

Bryan Beattie of Creative Services said:

“It’s a tremendous privilege to be involved in one of the most important and ambitious infrastructure projects for both the city and the Highlands. We have been involved in a range of major culture, leisure and sporting infrastructure development projects including the V&A at Dundee, Fort Regent in Jersey, Battersea Power Station in London, as well as many other cultural attractions in the Highlands. We are very keen to work with people and organisations throughout the area on this project.”

Notes:

1. Image: Inverness Castle © Ewen Weatherspoon.
2. Inverness Castle building will become available for development after the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service moves to the new Inverness Justice Centre.
3. The visitor attraction will add to the tourism offer in the area by creating a must-see visitor attraction that celebrates the spirit of the Highlands past, present and future, including its creativity, well-being, culture, heritage and natural environment.
4. The vision for the project includes:

• The Castle Viewpoint  - already complete and open to the public
• New galleries to bring national and international exhibitions to the Highlands
• New museum displays celebrating the culture and heritage of the Highlands
• New visitor attractions showcasing all areas of the Highlands
• Shops, restaurants, bars and cafes promoting the best of Highland crafts and produce
• The development of public spaces within the Castle esplanade
• Potential new hotel accommodation in the vicinity of the development

5. The attraction will be supported by a digital presence designed to encourage people to learn more about and to visit all parts of the Highlands.
6. The development of Inverness Castle is a Highland Council project, managed by High Life Highland on behalf of the Council. The Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland, Scottish Development International, Historic Environment Scotland, and Scottish Natural Heritage are partners in the project.
7. A delivery group, chaired by the Provost of Inverness and the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, leads the project.
8. LDN Architects is an award-winning practice based in Edinburgh and Forres. They work throughout the UK on commissions of all scales. LDN is best known for their award-winning approach to conservation complemented with creative design; delivering projects that meet the aspirations of each client and buildings that enhance the lives of those who use them.
9. Creative Services is an independent cultural consultancy practice based in the Black Isle and founded in 1992 by current director Bryan Beattie. Since then it has undertaken over 300 short and long-term projects, from developing national cultural policy to writing television scripts. Bryan Beattie has strong roots in the Highlands’ cultural sector and has held roles including Chairman of Eden Court, Feis Rois, Eigg Box, and Booth Scotland; vice-Chairman of Ross and Cromarty Enterprise; elected representative of Highland Council and Highland Regional Council. Nationally, Bryan’s roles have included expert adviser to two Ministers of Culture, Chairman of Scottish Youth Theatre, and Board member of Scottish Screen.