Parking improvement works are set to begin at Ardvreck Castle as Highland Council moves to improve safety, access, and the visitor experience at one of Sutherland’s most visited historic sites.
The project began on Monday 19 January 2026 and is expected to last around 10 weeks, during which the main car park will be closed.
Limited lay by parking will remain available throughout the works, with access managed in phases to minimise disruption.
Located on the A837 and along the popular North Coast 500, Ardvreck Castle attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Its dramatic setting overlooking Loch Assynt has seen visitor numbers rise sharply during peak season, leading to congestion, informal parking, and road safety concerns.
Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Ken Gowans, said the site had outgrown its existing facilities.
“Ardvreck Castle is a key destination for day visitors, its popularity has outgrown the current facilities and as part of the Council’s aim of delivering sustainable and responsible tourism in the Highlands, Ardvreck Castle facilities were identified as an improvement priority.”
The £318,450.35 project is being supported by Rural Tourism Infrastructure Funding administered by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, alongside funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Contractor D & I Bain Ltd has been appointed to deliver the works.
The improvements will extend and formalise the existing car park to provide around 25 spaces, including seven motorhome bays, a disabled bay, cycle racks, refreshed interpretation panels, and waste facilities.
Seven roadside lay bys will also be reconfigured to improve traffic flow, drainage, and safety, including the creation of a dedicated coach lay by and the closure of two lay bys where safety concerns have been identified.
Clear signage and defined paths will be introduced to reduce informal parking and protect the surrounding landscape.
Overnight parking and camping will be discouraged through signage and continued engagement by the Outdoor Access Rangers service.
The council says the works will deliver wider benefits including improved road safety, reduced pressure on local communities, and stronger support for sustainable tourism.
The project forms part of a wider programme of infrastructure upgrades across northwest Sutherland aimed at strengthening visitor facilities while protecting local environments and communities.
