The former sheriff court and prison has opened its doors after more than three years, following a major transformation to attract visitors to the region.
Celebrating the ‘spirit of the Highlands’, the Inverness Castle Experience explores stories, history and the culture of the Highlands and the communities that have shaped the region.
Built on the banks of the River Ness, overlooking the city, the attraction is located on the site of the original medieval fortification and occupies the North and South Towers.
What to expect
Visitors can explore the interactive journey through the castle. In the South Tower, originally built as the city’s courthouse in the 1830s, there is a multi-sensory experience featuring immersive stories about Highland landscapes, culture, heritage and the people.
There is an opportunity to meet the seanchaidh - a traditional Gaelic storyteller passing down tales through generations. During a visit the seanchaidh will colourful stories and facts about the Highlands.
The South Tower also features the colourful Rose Window, a virtual journey from the waters of Loch Ness across mountains to see the Northern Lights and a roof terrace offering 360 degree views of the surrounding landscapes and city.
In the North Tower, which began as a prison, visitors can experience Highland music, art, food including the story of Runrig, one of the most celebrated bands from the Highlands.
In this immersive exhibition visitors can listen to their music and find out how it has helped to shape Celtic music today. Elsewhere there will be an interactive exhibition featuring tapestry panels created by more than 600 stitchers from the Highlands and Islands.
Afternoon tea will be available to book in the North Tower Bar, once home to a smaller court, and the castle shop will feature products including tartan, whisky, crafts and souvenirs.
Group bookings
Open year-round the experience will welcome groups of 20 or more with special visit times ahead of general admission.
During winter, group booking time slots are 9am and 9:30am, accommodating up to 60 visitors. From April, group booking timing slots will be 8am, 8.40am and 9.20am.
Group benefits include a dedicated meet and greet host, one free group leader place for every 20 paying visitors and refreshment vouchers for the guide and driver to use in the bistro.
For more information about the experience, visit invernesscastle.scot.
