The Inverness Castle Experience has been formally opened by Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister of Scotland, and Kirsty McNeill, UK Government Minister for Scotland, marking the completion of a landmark Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal project.

The £47 million overhaul has turned the castle into a world-class attraction designed to boost the Highlands' economy. The venue is projected to generate £13.9 million in net annual expenditure and draw around 450,000 visitors each year, including approximately 200,000 to the paid Experience, with additional footfall to the bistro, shop and gardens.

Part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, the project sits within a wider programme of up to £315 million of investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the University of the Highlands and Islands to foster sustainable economic growth across the region.

The Scottish Government contributed £19.6 million to the castle's transformation (£15 million via the City-Region Deal and £4.6 million in tourism funding). The UK Government provided £7.5 million through the Deal and Levelling Up funding.

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Scottish Government Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: "Inverness Castle is an iconic landmark at the heart of the Highlands. Through a £19.6 million Scottish Government investment the castle has been transformed into a star attraction which will welcome thousands of visitors every year, generating millions of pounds for the Highlands' economy. It is fitting that today's opening, which honours the castle's rich history, will inspire a new generation to explore all that this stunning part of Scotland has to offer. Funding for the renovation was delivered as part of a £135 million Scottish Government City Deal investment to boost economic opportunities across the Highlands."

UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: "The opening of the Inverness Castle Experience is a significant achievement for the Highland region. By supporting local jobs, attracting visitors to the region, and providing a platform for Highland culture and producers, this attraction will be a driver for the regional economy. I am delighted to see this iconic landmark begin its new chapter as a gateway for visitors from across the world to discover everything the Highlands have to offer. The UK Government proudly supports this project as part of our £53 million investment under the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal."

Highland Council Convener Cllr Bill Lobban added: "The transformation of Inverness Castle into a gateway for Highland tourism has been a long-held ambition of The Highland Council. By bringing the region's stories to life, it will inspire visitors to stay longer, explore further and discover the landscapes, cultures and traditions of the Highlands for themselves. The Inverness Castle Experience is now directly supporting more than 100 jobs, including work experience opportunities for young people interested in careers in the retail, visitor services, and hospitality industry. Indirectly, it is also supporting jobs across the local food, drink and gift supply chain. I have great faith that the Castle Experience will become not only a top visitor attraction in Highland but also in Scotland."