Boss sought for Inverness Castle visitor destination

A recruitment campaign has started to find a boss to head up the new Inverness Castle visitor destination.

The 19th Century red sandstone property was built as a court and prison.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved out of the castle in 2020, and Highland Council is leading a project to redevelop it as a tourist attraction.

The head of Inverness Castle Experience has a salary of up to £63,973 and the job involves helping to prepare the site for its opening next summer.

Highland Council's Inverness city and area leader Ian Brown said the role needed a person with a "deep passion for the Highlands".

He said: "We are thrilled to reach this pivotal point in our project where the search begins to find an outstanding leader with a proven track record in delivering exceptional visitor experiences.”

The castle is to have an immersive interactive experience called Spirit of the Highlands telling stories from the region.

Attractions will include the Rose Window, a stained glass window made in 1867 and a once prominent feature on Academy Street in Inverness. It is currently being restored.

There will also be a café with a view over the River Ness.

One of the contractors involved is Spider Entertainment which has previously worked with Disney and Legoland Windsor on building attractions.

The Inverness Castle project is part of the £315m Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is funded by UK and Scottish governments and Highland Council.