A new live entertainment venue is shortly to open in the heart of Inverness, filling the spot left empty by a Castle Street nightclub more than two years ago.
The Botanic House has moved into former night time haunt, Gs nightclub, which closed in May 2017.
It will initially open on Fridays and Saturdays as a music and performance venue, with a licence to 3am.
The new owners are Simpsons, of the award-winning Simpsons Garden Centre, but operations manager Chris Stewart is at the helm of the new development.
Mr Stewart said: “The Botanic House will be a stylish new addition to the city’s entertainment scene.
“It’s a step away from the stereotypical nightclub into a multi-function venue and something completely different.
“We will initially open two days a week but the intention is to increase this if the demand is there.”
The development is expected to create 30 jobs, which are currently being advertised.
Mr Stewart said he is firming up the schedule of entertainment planned for the venue.
He said: “We’re really excited about what we’re putting forward.
“This is a really exciting time for Inverness, with new retail and housing developments in the city centre, new hotels under construction and visitor numbers soaring.
“As a growing city and increasingly popular tourist destination, we believe The Botanic House will add to the depth and variety of venues already available in the city.
“We want to create a must-see attraction that puts Inverness on the map as a performance venue and supports the regeneration of the city centre.
“A vibrant entertainment scene in the heart of Inverness is good news for visitors and locals alike and good for the night-time economy.”
Inverness South councillor Duncan MacPherson has had a sneak preview.
He said: “It’s a very inviting bar and music venue and a nice idea. A lot of work and repairs have been done on it and some of the features are stunning.
“It will be a great offering for locals and tourists alike.”
City councillor Bet McAllister also welcomed the development.
She said: “It’s wonderful news and wonderful people who will be running the venue.
“I’m delighted that this empty building is being brought back to life.
“It will be good for Castle Street and I know it will be a venue where everyone will be welcome.”
