Inverness Castle Viewpoint will be free for first visitors

A view from upon high in the Highland capital will open to visitors for the first time over the long Easter holiday weekend.

Easter Monday will see the much-anticipated opening of the newest visitor attraction in Inverness.

High Life Highland will be opening the doors of Inverness Castle Viewpoint to the public for the very first time.

Visitors and locals alike will be able to enjoy fabulous 360 degree views of the city as they pick out landmarks in the surrounding area.

A High Life Highland spokesman said: "Key Inverness landmarks are visible from the top of Castle Viewpoint and are explained on the interpretation giving visitors unique insights into local legends related to the city as they make their way to the viewing platform.

"The Viewpoint is housed over three floors and on your climb to the top you can enjoy a taste of the most famous myths associated with the City.

"The Brahan Seer, the legendary 17th Century highland mystic, many of whose prophecies actually came true.

"Also visitors can learn how St Columba met and banished the monster from the River Ness thus beginning the legend of Nessie."

Access to the view point is being provided free of charge from Monday to Friday 21st April.

Stuart Black, Highland Council’s Director of Development and Infrastructure said: "The council owns the North Tower of the castle and is delighted to be working with High Life Highland who are managing the Castle Viewpoint on our behalf.

"The council, Inverness Common Good Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and City-Region deal funding have all contributed to the cost of the Castle Viewpoint.

"We have also improved the approaches to the North Tower and Castle. This can be seen as the first phase in the exciting transformation of Inverness Castle into a major tourist attraction for Inverness and the Highlands."

High Life Highland Chief Executive Ian Murray said: "We are really pleased to be working with Highland Council and other partners on this brand new Highland visitor attraction.

"We are looking forward to opening during the Easter holiday period and welcoming our first guests when the doors to the Inverness Castle Viewpoint open on Monday morning.

"The view from the top is stunning and I am sure will be enjoyed by many local residents as well as visitors over the coming months."

Thirty minute slots for the Viewpoint can be booked by calling Inverness Museum and Art Gallery on (01463) 237114 or (01463) 732430.

The booking line for the free period is available 9am to 5pm and opens this Monday. Bookings can also be made in person during the museum’s opening hours.

From Saturday 22nd April admission will be priced at £5 for adults and £3 for children. Due to the nature of the attraction numbers are limited to 59 at any one time in the Viewpoint.

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