Structural work begins on new accessible roof terrace for iconic multimillion-pound Highland visitor development
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The first major phase of work has started on the installation of a new accessible roof terrace at Inverness Castle.
The building is undergoing major work as it is transformed into a visitor attraction which will open in 2025.
The work to create the roof terrace involves the removal of an original section of a concealed slate roof and the installation of a new structural deck in its place.
The roof steel will be lifted and lowered in through a pre-prepared opening in existing roof structure.
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As a temporary measure only, part of the existing roof will be retained to avoid opening the full area of terrace to inclement weather.
The new deck, which will be craned into place behind the parapet over the main entrance of the former courthouse, will provide visitors with views across Inverness and down the Great Glen.
Access to the new terrace will be via a new lift which is currently being installed discreetly within the historic fabric.
At the same time, a new circular steel frame has also been craned in through the same roof opening.
It will be positioned in the room below the new roof terrace to hold the historic Rose Window which is being restored away from site.
The window, which dates back to 1867, became a popular landmark in the years following installation in the gable end of a Methodist church in Inglis Street.
The building – which had since become a restaurant – was later torn down as part of road layout changes in the area in the 1980s.
Although the window was not listed, it was deemed to be of "sufficient architectural merit" to be preserved and was put into storage.
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The Inverness Castle Experience project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315 million investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
