Inverness Castle redevelopment approved

Highland Council has secured planning permission to transform Inverness Castle into a visitor attraction.

The 19th Century property was used as a sheriff court until the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved to a new building last year.

Exhibition space, cafes and a roof terrace have been proposed for the hilltop landmark.

The revamp of the castle - which was built in 1836 - could take five years to complete.

• Designs unveiled for revamped Inverness Castle

The red sandstone building was constructed on a mound overlooking the city and the River Ness.

The castle could open as a tourist attraction in five years' time

A new building linking the castle's two towers has been proposed

In 1848, a building known as the North Block was added and served as a prison.

It is thought there may have been a castle on the site from as far back as the 11th Century.

Highland Council's south planning applications committee granted permission for the conversion work.