End of an era for Inverness Castle

Grampian, Highland and Islands Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle, ‘locked up’ and handed over the keys of Inverness Castle yesterday, closing the door on more than 180 years as the sheriff courthouse for Inverness.

The Castle is now in the hands of Highland Council, following the move of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service to the new Inverness Justice Centre earlier this year.

“Inverness Castle was specifically built as a sheriff courthouse and county hall, and has served justice and the people of Inverness well for over 180 years,” said Sheriff Principal Pyle.

“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has worked in this building, supporting its work and its history over the years. As that chapter closes, I am pleased that the Castle will continue to serve Inverness and its community in this new role.”

Inverness Castle is now destined to become an Inverness attraction, swapping custodies for visitors eager to take in the views from the castle and, eventually, a new museum, gallery, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. For now, the building will become a building site as enabling works begin this transformation.