The number of visitors to the Inverness Castle Viewpoint fell by more than half in its second week, following an opening week of free access.
But operators High Life Highland said they were “very pleased” with customer feedback during the first two weeks at the city’s latest visitor attraction, and insisted the numbers were still good, given the move into the post-Easter period.
The viewing platform at the castle’s North Tower, which gives 360 degree views of the city and beyond, was fully booked in its first week with all 1,500 slots being filled.
However, in its second week, the number declined to about 600.
Since Saturday, April 22, adults have been charged £5 for entry to the attraction and children under 12 have been charged £3.
The castle viewpoint is the first phase in a wider project to convert the castle building into a tourist attraction of “national significance”, which is due to open at the start of next decade.
At present, Inverness’s main castle building solely serves as the city’s courthouse, but the court service has indicated it aims to move into the new justice centre in Longman Road in 2019.
It is hoped the new attraction will have the same sort of impact as the £80million Victoria and Albert design museum currently under construction in Dundee.
A total of £15milion from the City Region Deal will be used to convert the castle, and an application will also be submitted for lottery funding as part of the project.
Yesterday, a spokesman for High Life Highland said: “Castle Viewpoint opened during the school holidays and visitors were offered free access for the first week, resulting in all 1,500 available booking slots being taken up by both local residents and visitors to the area.
“Despite falling into the post-Easter holiday period, the second week of opening the Castle Viewpoint has welcomed around 600 visitors.
“All customers have been extremely positive and complimentary about the whole attraction – but, in particular, the panoramic views from the top which allows visitors to see a brand new perspectives of the city and beyond.
“We will continue to review the customer experience to ensure the viewpoint maintains positive feedback.
“But we have been delighted with the first couple of weeks at Castle Viewpoint and look forward to what we hope will be a busy summer.”
