Perched above the River Ness, Inverness Castle is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Scottish Highlands. Although a castle has stood on this strategic site since medieval times, the present red sandstone structure largely dates from the 19th century. Built in 1836 by architect William Burn, it replaced an earlier fortress that had witnessed centuries of conflict, including episodes linked to the Jacobite uprisings and the shifting control of the Highlands.

For much of its modern history, the castle functioned as a courthouse and sheriff court, limiting public access to its dramatic hilltop setting. In the 21st century, however, it has been reimagined as a major visitor attraction. Reopening as the “Inverness Castle Experience,” the building now offers immersive exhibitions, storytelling spaces, and panoramic viewpoints. The reinvention celebrates Highland culture, landscape, and people, transforming a former seat of authority into a welcoming gateway to the region’s heritage.