A castle with magnificent views down the Great Glen and north to Ben Wyvis, overlooking a sparkling salmon-rich river running through tree-filled islands, has given Inverness the reputation as one of the most attractive riverside cities in the UK.

ICP has identified seven activities which will help preserve and exploit the value of these key city centre assets, and allocated £500,000 for improvements in the period to 2006-07.

 

The Inverness Riverside Study, completed in May 2004, analyses topography and habitat and makes proposals for short, medium and long-term developments.

 

Tree felling at the Castle Motte has improved views of and from the castle. Environmental improvements to the castle grounds will involve traffic calming, upgraded and extended footpaths and improved interpretation to make more of the fact that the castle marks the start of the Great Glen Footpath. The scheme, linked to an enhanced pedestrian approach from the High Street, will be completed in 2005-06.

 

On the Ness Islands, the jewel of the riverside, footpaths and lighting will be upgraded to improve disabled access and safety. Trees will be thinned and interpretation facilities installed, possibly along with a sculpture trail or outdoor performance area.

 

The Ness Walk Streetscape will also undergo major improvements. Traffic orders have been approved to reduce the traffic flow in Ardross Terrace to one way, northwards, and introduce a cycleway and enhanced pedestrian footways. The section of riverside from Ardross Terrace to Bishop’s Road will be redesigned to enhance appearance and link with the current redevelopment of Eden Court Theatre.

 

A programme of tree works along the length of the River Ness, including the islands, will maintain the important contribution the trees make to the outline and appearance of the riverside. Lighting will also be improved, including bridges and prominent buildings along the riverside.