A highly anticipated new viewing platform at Inverness Castle is 95% finished and on course for an Easter opening.
The tourist attraction is the first phase of wider plans to open the castle to the public.
The facility in the castle’s North Tower features a platform at giving a panoramic view across the city and further afield.
It has now been completed and the remaining work will focus on finishing the interior of the tower in preparation for opening to the public.
The council had been hoping the viewing platform would be ready for opening to the public by Easter last year – but extensive repairs to the castle’eroded stonework pushed the delivery date back.
But now the facility is finally due to open its doors.
In a progress report due to be put before councillors next week, project manager Jason Kelman said that “works have been progressing well and the internal works are 95% complete”.
He added: “Progress meetings are taking place every two weeks until completion. The aim is to open the viewpoint in early April in time for Easter and the rest of the tourist season.”
The project has developed over time through funding from the City Region Deal.
In total £1.4million has been committed to the project, a rise from an original allocation of £360,000.
The original budget only covered minor internal alterations and a spiral stair to access the platform – but the increased budget allowed for a far more extensive revamp inside.
The facility will be run by High Life Highland and managed by staff from the nearby Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
The tower is expected to prove very popular – but due to space constraints admission will be limited to 59 people at any one time for the overall facility and 10 on the platform.
The council report added: “It is expected that the Castle Viewpoint will be very popular and the intention is to open seven days a week April to October, with extended opening hours in July and August.
“Winter opening hours will be considered in due course.
“Following the first season the opening hours will be reviewed with a decision on hours based on achieving maximum profitability.
“Any profits from the facility will be shared between the council and High Life Highland and the facility will not be subsidised by the council in the unlikely situation of making a loss.”
A period of free entry is also proposed for a short spell after the facility opens to the public.
