The Inverness Castle Experience

There’s something about the Highlands of Scotland which stirs the heart.

It’s one of the most magical parts of the UK and manages to keep hold of its beauty and history with a pride that just bursts through.

The capital Inverness is a vibrant city which has a small town feel about it and the stunning River Ness running through it.

And poised high above the water is the historic Inverness Castle which is one of Scotland’s most loved landmarks, symbolising strength, heritage and pride.

The quirk is that although it’s called a castle, it was never built for that use, instead it was a prison and a court, with an imposing statue of Scotland’s heroine, Flora MacDonald and her faithful Collie dog outside its front doors. Flora made her name helping Bonnie Prince Charlie evade Government troops in the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

The castle was built in 1836 by architect William Burn, from red sandstone which appears pink in the sunlight and is a lovely building to spot, walking around the city. In February it re-opened after a £39 million transformation to become The Inverness Castle Experience.

Designed to celebrate the Spirit of the Highlands, its people, culture and landscapes, it’s a fabulous idea to while away a couple of hours.

Modern and interactive, it takes the visitor through the region with inspiration drawn from 600 stories told by the locals and has been done in a thoughtful and inventive way.

The entrance greets you with a sweeping staircase and an interactive hello from Cuillin, the dog who is dotted around the castle ready to give away fascinating facts.

Each visitor is given a headset to use around the experience which instead of being a history lesson on the castle, is based on a senchaidh, a Gaelic storyteller who guides you through the exhibition inspired by the land, the people and the enduring power of a right good tale. Split between two towers with a bistro in between, it’s a wonderful new attraction.

A highlight is the rose window room in the south tower. The piece is a restored 1867 stained glass masterpiece originally placed in Academy Street in the city and was saved when the Eastgate Centre was built in the 1980s.

Here the senchaidh starts to unveil the magic of the Highlands with dramatic sound and light shows adding a real depth to the experience.

Highlights include creative collaborations from two of the Highland’s most inspiring designers, Clare Campbell of Prickly Thistle in Alness and Inverness’s Sandra Murray, artist couturier whose centrepiece of a striking frock coat with all things Scottish on it, is a real eye catcher.

The old courtroom is one of the best, with a hauntingly beautiful spirit area with a welcoming fire and lovely music and light show.

The north tower is reserved for two very different but empowering displays. The first features the work of Gaelic rock band Runrig from the Isle of Skye and formed in 1973, with brothers Rory and Calum MacDonald at the forefront. With a chance to see memorabilia and listen to their most famous songs, it’s a cracking display.

Next door is dedicated to Scotland’s quilters, with expert sewers from across The Highlands creating some impressive works including one on the aurora borealis and another on crofting, using a fleece from one of the expert’s sheep taking pride of place.

The Saltire Bistro offers Highland flavours in its breakfast, light and Sunday lunches and afternoon teas to round off a perfect experience full of the beauty of this special part of Scotland.

The experience is open from March to December with differing times to reflect the season and tickets are priced from £22 (£20 online) for adults to £16 for 5 to 15-year-olds or Young Scot holders (£14 online), over 65’s, £20 (£18 online) or one adult and one child, £28 (£24 online).

For more information on Inverness Castle, please visit: www.invernesscastle.scot.

Author Bio:

Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.

Photographs courtesy of The Inverness Castle Experience