The Inverness Castle Experience has officially opened today, 9 February, marking the completion of a major Highlands regeneration project and the start of a new chapter for one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The attraction was formally opened by Kate Forbes and Kirsty McNeill, following a multi-million pound transformation delivered through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.
A total investment of £47 million has converted Inverness Castle into a world class visitor attraction expected to welcome around 450,000 visitors each year, including an estimated 200,000 to the paid experience, with the remainder visiting the bistro, shop and gardens.
The project is forecast to generate £13.9 million in net annual expenditure for the Highlands economy and support more than 100 jobs.
The Inverness Castle Experience forms part of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, supported by up to £315 million from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands.
The Scottish Government has invested £19.6 million in the project, including £15 million through the City Region Deal and £4.6 million in tourism funding, while the UK Government contributed £7.5 million through City Deal and Levelling Up funding.
The experience brings Highland culture and history to life through immersive storytelling, creative design, exhibitions, gardens, a café, shop and bar, alongside panoramic views across Inverness and the River Ness.
During a tour of the castle led by Highland Council Convener Bill Lobban, ministers met members of the construction team, including local apprentices involved in restoring the castle and its iconic Rose Window.
They also met staff now employed by the attraction, local producers and craftspeople whose stories and work feature within the experience, and representatives from the wider supply chain supporting the project.
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.”
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.”
Bill Lobban said:
“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 industry.
“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.”
The Inverness Castle Experience is operated and managed by High Life Highland on behalf of The Highland Council and follows a winter preview phase for local residents.
The transformation of the castle from its former roles as a prison and sheriff court has been a long-standing ambition in Inverness.
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.
