Inverness Castle – enabling contract announced

In a significant step forward in the transformation of Inverness Castle, The Highland Council today announced the successful company to win the tender for the enabling contract is local Highland company, Compass Building and Construction Services Limited.

The enabling contract will start on 5th October and is anticipated to last for one year.  The findings of these works will influence the length of the main construction contract, which is estimated to last for three years.  The enabling contract is initial work carried out in advance of the main contract, including checks for asbestos, timber preservation and the building structure, all of which cannot be started until the building is vacant. 

Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said, “Inverness Castle is a project close to my heart and I’m pleased to see it take another major step forward in its transformation from Sheriff Court to world-class visitor attraction with this announcement that a local business, Compass Building and Construction Services, has won the contract. 

“Scottish Government funding through the Inverness City Region Deal has enabled this and I am pleased we are able to contribute £15million to the transformation of the Castle.” 

UK Government Minister for Scotland, David Duguid said, “I’m very pleased that we are one step closer to the transformation of Inverness Castle. 

 “The UK Government is investing £3 million in this major renovation project to create a must-see visitor attraction in the Highlands. We know tourism will contribute greatly to the economic recovery of the region as we bounce back from Covid-19. 

 “We are creating opportunities and unlocking growth across Inverness and the Highlands by investing £53m into the City Region Deal as part of more than £1.5bn of investment into Growth Deals right across Scotland, supporting the future of our economy.” 

Thom Macleod, Managing Director with Compass Building and Construction Services said: “I am very proud of the fact that the Compass team has been successful in winning this contract. The Award of the contract is made all the more special on the basis that Compass is a local Highland company. Being able to take part in such a high-profile project that will play a role in the generations to come is so exciting. The team is very much looking forward to getting started.” 

The transformation of Inverness Castle is supported by a £15 million Scottish Government and £3 million UK Government investment through the city region deal. It will create a gateway for Highland tourism, contributing to reinvigoration of tourism across the area and providing much needed investment for the industry to aid the recovery from the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic. The project will support economic growth throughout the Highland area, creating a sustainable, viable and “must-see” attraction that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands. 

The Inverness and Highland City Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.