Mather & Co

Plans to transform Inverness Castle from a prison into a visitor attraction have taken shape with the reveal of concept images Mather & Co.

The experiential design agency has been commissioned to bring its visitor attraction expertise to the Highland capital, bringing the romantic red sandstone pile to life by taking visitors on a journey through wild glens through three separate tower experiences.

The North Tower will be transformed into the Cèilidh Rooms, a music-themed embodiment of Highland culture developed in concert with Celtic Rock band Runrig.

The West Tower meanwhile will serve up a whisky tasting experience with samples brought from 49 distilleries across the region and beyond.

Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “A coordinated marketing, promotion, and recruitment campaign over the coming months will be needed to ensure a successful launch.”

Rounding off the trio of towers the South Tower will whisk guests through a mysterious forest in the company of an enigmatic reindeer. All three elements will be joined by a link building doubling as an events space and refreshment area.