The enabling contract will start on October 5 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.

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 Deal has enabled this and I am pleased we are able to contribute £15 million 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 £3m 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 £15m Scottish Government and £3m UK Government investment through the Inverness and Highland City Region deal.