Virtual talk to explore the history of Rose Street Foundry and Midmills campus

Issued by WASPS & Inverness Townscape Heritage Project

An online talk has been organised by Wasps’ Inverness Creative Academy and Inverness Townscape Heritage Project on two of Inverness’ most historic and architecturally important buildings; Rose Street Foundry and Midmills campus.

The talk, which will take place via Zoom and Facebook Live on Thursday 11th June at 3pm, will be hosted by conservation architect Calum Maclean, and coincides with the launch of Calum’s new publication ‘The Architecture of Inverness’.

The talk will focus on the architectural practice of Ross & Macbeth in Inverness and two of its most iconic buildings; the Inverness Creative Academy at the Midmills campus, formally the home of Inverness Royal Academy, and the Rose Street Foundry/AI Welders building at 96 Academy Street.

Calum Maclean, who owns architectural practice MAAC Studio, will also be answering questions from the audience alongside a panel from Inverness Creative Academy and Inverness Townscape Heritage Project.

Commenting on the talk, Calum said: “Alexander Ross is one of the Highland’s one most celebrated architects. Inverness expanded dramatically during the Victorian period and Ross was responsible for designing many of our most important streets and buildings including Inverness Cathedral. In 1887 he entered into a long-running partnership with his then assistant Robert John Macbeth, creating the Ross & Macbeth practice. I’m looking forward to sharing details of their iconic work during this talk and bringing the beauty of their work to people at home.”

Audrey Carlin, Chief Executive Officer at Wasps Studios, said: “This talk is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the long and colourful history of two of Inverness’ most iconic buildings. Wasps is thrilled to be bringing the ‘Midmills’ buildings back to life as Inverness Creative Academy, looking forward to a vibrant future as the Highlands’ first major creative hub.”

The Townscape Heritage Project is a collaboration of funding partners including Inverness City Heritage Trust (ICHT), Historic Environment Scotland (HES), The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and it is coordinated and led by The Highland Council. 

Cllr Jimmy Gray, Chairman of the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project, added: “Recently I have been doing a great deal of walking around Inverness Old Town centre and looking up at some of the beautiful buildings we have. I’d encourage others to do the same and this talk is a great opportunity to learn about the Rose Street Foundry and Midmills campus.

“I’m particularly looking forward to the long-awaited reopening of the Rose Street Foundry following extensive refurbishment, which has been delayed by the ongoing Coronavirus lockdown. I’m sure this talk will only add to the anticipation and have us all desperate to visit when it opens!”

The talk takes place on Thursday 11th June at 3-4pm.

Further details can be found at: https://invernesscreativeacademy.org.uk/2020/05/19/ross-macbeth-architectural-talk-with-calum-maclean/

Those who wish to join the talk and ask questions should register in advance via the following link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom with information on joining the webinar. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JRdR-ZndRteLGHKKOn6q5w

The talk can also be viewed via a live stream to the Inverness Creative Academy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/invernesscreativeacademy