Food and drink licence secured for Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle is a former sheriff court and jail

People will be able to have afternoon tea and cocktails in a new bar that is to be opened as part of a new visitor attraction at Inverness Castle.

The North Tower Bar - in part of the castle previously used as a police station - will be a bookable venue with space for 40 guests.

Details have also been revealed about a new Saltire Bistro with seating for 120 people and a linked terraced outdoor area.

Bosses at the Inverness Castle Experience hope the variety of food and drink experiences on offer will attract locals as well as tourists.

Both venues could be open from as early as 08:00, but would not be able to serve alcohol until 10:00 under the terms of a newly-granted licence.

They would close at 22:00, unless booked for private gatherings or events.

Garry Marsden, head of the Inverness Castle Experience, said the venues would be family-friendly and would be a place for both visitors to the area and locals to gather.

Highland Council is leading the project to turn the former sheriff court into a visitor destination.

It is expected to open later this year.

Reporting by local democracy reporter Will Angus.