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WATCH: Hidden features revealed during work at iconic Highland castle


By Val Sweeney

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A member of a specialist company is lowered into the well at Inverness Castle to carry out a survey.
A member of a specialist company is lowered into the well at Inverness Castle to carry out a survey.

Hidden features have been uncovered during work at Inverness Castle, giving a new insight into its past life.

Construction workers have carried out surveys of the well between the two towers of the castle building ahead of its multi-million pound transformation into a gateway tourist attraction celebrating the spirit of the Highlands.

The visible parts of the well are about 180 years old but a false bottom has been in place for some time and has collected litter and vegetation over past decades.

The well has now been cleared out and an employee of a specialist company was lowered into the shaft to undertake a survey.

It was found to extend to 12m deep where it has been filled with stone and rubble in its past.

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Other archaeological investigations at the site have also revealed new information about the history of the building.

Former footings of the prison’s airing shelters were found in the north courtyard and artefacts including 19th century pottery, clay pipe fragments, a bowl – possibly 18th century – and iron objects were also recovered.

Hidden features have have discovered during work at Inverness Castle.
Hidden features have have discovered during work at Inverness Castle.

Within the castle building, specialists undertook historic paint investigations, painstakingly peeling back the layers of new paint to reveal hidden layers.

This has provided more information about how some areas of the building had been decorated at the time of its construction over 180 years ago, including finely painted colour schemes in the grand entrance lobby and principal court room.

A survey is carried out of the well.
A survey is carried out of the well.

Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael, said: "It is fascinating that items are being discovered during the project works.

"The finds will be added to the rich tapestry of the story and history of Inverness Castle that will be told to future visitors to this major new visitor attraction."

The transformation of Inverness Castle is supported by £15 million Scottish Government and £3 million UK Government investment through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.

It will create a gateway for Highland tourism, contributing to reinvigoration of tourism across the area and providing much needed investment for the industry to aid the recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Inverness and Highland City Region Deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m 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.

Related story: Planning green light for Highland landmark building


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