Nestled on the banks of the River Ness, Inverness Castle has long captured the imaginations of travelers. The site has been a focal point since the 11th century, with the current castle built in 1836. Historical records indicate that the original fortification was a wooden structure, which would have been common for the time. Over the centuries, the castle has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times, leading to the Victorian-era construction that tourists see today.
Tourism at Inverness Castle began to pick up as far back as the Victorian era, where the Scottish Highlands became an increasingly popular destination for the adventurous and romantic souls inspired by Queen Victoria's love for Scotland.
The 20th century saw a more formal development of the tourism industry in the Highlands and at Inverness Castle. The establishment of public transport and creation of the A82 road, a major route through the Scottish Highlands, made Inverness and the castle much more accessible to visitors from both within the United Kingdom and internationally. Post World War II, travel became something of a cultural phenomenon and sites like Inverness Castle began to draw more interest.
In recent years, Inverness Castle has seen a surge in tourists, partly due to the growing interest in genealogy and ancestral tourism. Visitors come from all corners of the world to connect with their Scottish roots, and Inverness Castle is a significant landmark in that journey.
Another trend contributing to the increased footfall is the "Outlander effect", following the success of the historical television series set in Scotland. Although Inverness Castle does not feature directly in the show, the series has spurred a fascination with all things related to Scottish history and culture, with the castle benefiting from this heightened interest.
Moreover, recent developments have been focused on making the castle more visitor-friendly. The castle's North Tower opened to the public in April 2021 with a new viewing platform offering panoramic views of the city. Plans are also underway to develop a new visitor attraction within the castle grounds that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.
As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Inverness Castle remains a key tourist spot, rich in cultural heritage and history. The Castle is open to the public throughout the year, and it hosts a number of attractions inside including the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
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