PICTURES: New glimpse given inside works at Inverness Castle
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NEW pictures have been released of ongoing work to transform Inverness Castle into a major visitor attraction – as construction begins on the superstructure of the new link building.
The photos show the preparation for the first elements of the superstructure for the link building being put in place, along with roof works.
Cllr Ian Brown, leader of Inverness City and Area and co-chairman of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said: “It is fantastic to see these visual markers of the key construction steps on the new link building, which, when completed, will allow visitors indoor access between the two buildings for the first time ever.”
“Work is progressing extremely well, even with the events globally over the past few years producing unexpected pressure on construction projects everywhere. Having this superstructure in place is an exciting milestone and people will see that the Inverness Castle Experience is really starting to take shape.”
With foundations, sub-structure and below ground services now installed at Inverness Castle, the first elements of superstructure for the new link building, which will provide café and restaurant facilities connecting the former courthouse and prison for the first time, are beginning to be installed.
The first to arrive were the new floor elements, and these are now in place, followed by bespoke columns and beams. With both in place, the new saltire roof structure will be able to commence as the link building takes shape.
At roof level, on the former courthouse, work has been carried out to secure the future of the building. This has included the substantial renewal of intricate leadwork in and around the various towers, refurbished rainwater goods, traditional slate repairs, and replacement stonework and pointing to the original stone parapets.
In addition, the top of a new lift shaft – hidden behind the parapets – is being completed and preparatory work has been carried out in anticipation of the installation of a new fully accessible public roof terrace.
The Inverness Castle Experience project, opening in 2025, will benefit from £30 million in investment to support its re-development from the Scottish and UK governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partners.
