Two specially created time capsules have been lowered into the original well at Inverness Castle, offering a glimpse of Highland life in 2023 for future generations.
The capsules were placed during a ceremony at the Saltire Bistro, part of the new Inverness Castle Experience in front of pupils, councillors and project partners.
Primary 7 pupils from North Kessock Primary School were invited to attend after their class won a Highland-wide competition to choose items for one of the capsules.
Representing their school were Isla McManus, Archie Nicholson, Callum Ross and Ava-Mae Stuart, alongside acting head teacher Andrea Millar.
The pupils’ chosen items included a personal diary from the Covid-19 lockdown, a King Charles III coronation ribbon, a set of 2023 coins, an aerial photo of Inverness and an iPhone.
These items were carefully sealed and suspended in the well, where they will remain for over 50 years.
A second capsule contains five symbolic items based on themes submitted by schools across the Highlands: a Nessie toy, a Harry Gow dream ring, local football club logos, a diary welcoming a Ukrainian pupil, and newspaper clippings of Highland news stories.
Councillor Ian Brown, Co-Chair of the Inverness Castle Experience Delivery Group, said:
“This is a historic moment, quite literally.
“These capsules reflect the voices and choices of Highland pupils today, offering a window into our world for future generations.”
Councillor Sarah Atkin, Black Isle ward member, added:
“It’s a wonderful way of honouring the creativity and insight of young people across the Highlands.
“These time capsules are their generation’s gift to the future, a moment of our present captured for history.”
The well now lies beneath the Saltire Bistro, which will open as part of the Inverness Castle Experience later this year.
Garry Marsden, Head of Inverness Castle Experience, said:
“The bistro will be a place for people to gather and enjoy the view over the city and now, hidden just beneath it, a piece of Highland history will be quietly waiting to be discovered again one day.”
The Inverness Castle Experience is supported through the £315 million Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, funded by the Scottish and UK governments alongside Highland Council and other partners.
