The landscaping proposals show how the Castle grounds will become an integral part of the experience for people visiting the attraction in years to come. The designs, which remodel the castle esplanade and external courtyards, are intended to create a new and accessible city-centre destination. They include new hard and soft landscaping, seating areas, viewpoints and feature plantings that reflect the native species of the Highlands.

The proposals have been designed to integrate with the castle itself to allow the renovated interiors to connect with the new external areas.

The proposals can be seen within the application for listed building consent and building warrant approval submitted last month by project architects LDN Architects. These applications are in preparation for the main building works contract. This contract will be subject to a tender process beginning in spring of 2021. Enabling works are already underway involving demolition work, asbestos surveys, timber preservation surveys and structural checks.