Visitors to the new Inverness Castle Experience will see a unique and symbolic wayfinding marker on arrival within the new gardens on the castle esplanade. The Journey Stone, a feature that will mark the gateway to the Highlands, has been made possible through the generous financial support of Global Energy Group and will serve as a welcoming entrance for visitors embarking on, or concluding, their journey through the Highlands.
The Journey Stone is composed of static steel cut panels, mounted into Caithness stone at an angle to each other, creating a dynamic ‘open doorway’ effect. This design symbolises both the openness of the Highlands and the idea of transition—a perfect metaphor for the start or end of an unforgettable journey at Inverness Castle Experience. Surrounding the Journey Stone are benches, offering visitors a place to rest, take in the views, and reflect on their journey.
The Journey Stone and surrounding seating area offer a perfect spot for visitors to take in the magnificent views of Inverness. Its strategic location makes it an ideal place to pause and capture the beauty of the Castle grounds, ensuring the Inverness Castle Experience remains a must-visit destination in the heart of the Highlands.
Cllr Ian Brown Leader of Inverness City and Area and Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said, “We are immensely grateful to Global Energy Group for their financial support in making our Journey Stone a reality,”
“It’s a wonderful place to begin or conclude your journey—whether you’re taking in the breath-taking views of Inverness, capturing memories with photos, or simply enjoying a moment.”
Roy MacGregor, Chairman of Global Energy Group, said, “We’re delighted to support the Inverness Castle Experience and the Journey Stone project. As a proud Highlander, I believe there’s no better way to celebrate the rich heritage and beauty of our region than by creating a welcoming landmark for visitors.”
“The Highlands and its people have a unique spirit, and this project highlights the importance of honouring that. We’re thrilled that Global Energy Group can play a part in ensuring future generations experience this incredible region.”
The Inverness Castle Experience project, opening in mid-2025, will benefit from £30m investment to support its redevelopment from the Scottish and UK Governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partners.
The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.