The Inverness Castle Experience was officially opened today (Monday 9 February) by Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister of Scotland, and Kirsty McNeill, UK Government Minister for Scotland, marking completion of a landmark City Region Deal project.
The £47 million investment has transformed Inverness Castle into a world-class visitor attraction for the Highlands, which will strengthen the regional economy, support jobs, and generate an estimated £13.9 million in net annual expenditure. It is expected to attract around 450,000 visitors each year, including 200,000 to the paid attraction, with the remainder visiting the bistro, shop and gardens.
The Inverness Castle Experience project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
The Scottish Government has invested £19.6 million in the castle’s transformation (£15 million via the City Region Deal and £4.6 million in tourism funding). The UK Government has contributed £7.5 million to the project through the Deal and Levelling Up funding.
The Inverness Castle Experience brings Highland culture to life through creative design and immersive storytelling, alongside panoramic views of the city and its river, exhibitions, gardens, café, shop and bar.
During a tour of the castle led by Convener of The Highland Council, Cllr Bill Lobban, the Ministers met members of the team involved in the construction phase, including local apprentices who contributed to the restoration of the castle and the city’s iconic Rose Window, which now features in the experience.
They also learned how the attraction is driving economic growth across Inverness and the wider Highlands, meeting some of the 100-plus staff now employed by the experience, official tartan producer Clare Campbell, and local ‘voices’ and stitchers whose personal stories and tapestries are inspiring visitors and promoting tourism across the region.
Scottish Government Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, said, “Inverness Castle is an iconic landmark at the heart of the Highlands. Through a £19.6 million Scottish Government investment, the castle has been transformed into a star attraction which will welcome thousands of visitors every year, generating millions of pounds for the Highlands’ economy. It is fitting that today’s opening, which honours the castle’s rich history, will inspire a new generation to explore all that this stunning part of Scotland has to offer. Funding for the renovation was delivered as part of a £135 million Scottish Government City Deal investment to boost economic opportunities across the Highlands.”
UK Government Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said, “The opening of the Inverness Castle Experience is a significant achievement for the Highland region. By supporting local jobs, attracting visitors to the region, and providing a platform for Highland culture and producers, this attraction will be a driver for the regional economy. I am delighted to see this iconic landmark begin its new chapter as a gateway for visitors from across the world to discover everything the Highlands have to offer. The UK Government proudly supports this project as part of our £53 million investment under the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.”
Highland Council Convener Cllr, Bill Lobban, added, “The transformation of Inverness Castle into a gateway for Highland tourism has been a long-held ambition of The Highland Council. By bringing the region’s stories to life, it will inspire visitors to stay longer, explore further and discover the landscapes, cultures and traditions of the Highlands for themselves. The Inverness Castle Experience is now directly supporting more than 100 jobs, including work experience opportunities for young people interested in careers in the retail, visitor services, and hospitality industries. Indirectly, it is also supporting jobs across the local food, drink and gift supply chain. I have great faith that the Castle Experience will become not only a top visitor attraction in Highland but also in Scotland.”
Operated and managed by High Life Highland, on behalf of The Highland Council, The Inverness Castle Experience is now being promoted as Scotland’s must-see visitor attraction. It follows a winter preview phase for local residents in December and January.
The transformation of the castle from its former uses as a prison and sheriff court has been a long-held ambition of Highlanders, with an Inverness Castle Working Group formed more than a decade ago to consider the future use of Inverness Castle as a tourist attraction, maximising its iconic status in the heart of the city.
The new website, invernesscastle.scot offers an overview of what visitors can look forward to at The Inverness Castle Experience. Tickets for both the Experience and Afternoon Tea in the North Tower Bar can be booked online, while access to the gardens, Saltire Bistro, and shop remains free for all visitors.
Highland Council residents with a highlife card will be able to purchase a Highlander Pass, providing them with unlimited, bookable, free access to the paid Experience until 31 March 2026.