Secondary school pupils from across the Highlands have taken part in a new hands on work experience programme at the Inverness Castle Experience.
The three day initiative welcomed eight students from Inverness Royal Academy, Millburn Academy, Dingwall Academy, Fortrose Academy, Charleston Academy, Nairn Academy and Kilchuimen Academy during February.
The programme was designed for pupils from S4 to S6 and offered a practical introduction to working within one of the Highlands’ newest visitor attractions.
Students rotated through several departments during the placement including Visitor Services, Retail and Food and Beverage.
The experience allowed pupils to develop practical skills including customer service, serving food and drinks, barista training, stock control and guiding visitors through the attraction.
Participants also learned about the castle’s interpretation spaces and the storytelling that sits behind the visitor experience.
As part of the programme the students were introduced to the wider organisation behind the attraction through an overview of High Life Highland.
Members of staff including the Chief Executive of High Life Highland and representatives from the security and management teams met with the pupils to share their own career journeys and offer advice on entering the heritage, tourism and hospitality sectors.
The initiative forms part of a wider effort to encourage young people in the Highlands to consider careers in tourism and visitor services.
Students who complete the programme will also receive support if they wish to apply for roles at the Inverness Castle Experience in the future.
John West, Director of Culture and Learning, said:
“This initiative reflects The Inverness Castle Experience’s commitment to nurturing local talent, supporting young people into employment, and ensuring the flagship visitor attraction continues to be shaped by the community it serves.”
The Inverness Castle Experience itself has been created through significant public investment.
The Scottish Government contributed £19.6 million towards the transformation of the site, including £15 million through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal and a further £4.6 million in tourism funding.
The UK Government also provided £7.5 million through City Region Deal support and Levelling Up funding.
Additional backing for the project has come from The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partner organisations.
Together the investment aims to position Inverness Castle as a major cultural attraction while creating new opportunities for employment, education and tourism across the region.
