
Inverness Castle ticket prices announced
Entry fees for Inverness Castle have been revealed.The former sheriff court and prison is being redeveloped as a visitor attraction at a cost of about £30m, and is due to open later this year.High Life Highland (HLH), which will operate the site, has released the ticket prices which range from the cheapest - £14 for a child - to up to £65 for a family of two adults and three children.HLH said deals would be available to Highland residents.
The redevelopment has received funding from the £315m Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.Called the Inverness Castle Experience, it will have an interactive "journey" taking visitors through the history of the Highlands.
How much will tickets cost?
HLH said tickets would be cheaper if booked online in advance.The costs include:Adult - £20 (online)/£22Seniors - £18/£20Child - £14/£16Family (two adults and two children) - £46/£54Family (two adults and three children) £55/£65HLH said Highland residents who pay for its High Life Highland card would have access to more booking options, and 10% discount on food and drinks after purchasing full-price tickets.
Ian Brown, a councillor and co-chairman of Inverness Castle Delivery Group, has welcomed ticket deals for Highland residents.He added: "The Inverness Castle Experience is set to become a key landmark in the region and ensuring that our Highland communities can enjoy it throughout the year is a great move. "This initiative encourages local engagement and fosters pride in our heritage and Highland stories."The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved out of the castle in 2020, and Highland Council has been leading the revamp.Last month, public agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) put an extra £863,000 towards the project.
What is the castle's history?
The sandstone Inverness Castle was built in 1836 to plans drawn by architect William Burn.It was constructed on a mound overlooking the city and the River Ness. In 1848, a building known as the North Block was added and served as a prison.But a castle had occupied the site from possibly as far back as the 11th Century.Over the centuries, the fortification fell under the control of the forces of Edward I, Robert the Bruce and James I, II and IV.In 1562, it was attacked and damaged by soldiers loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, before it was almost destroyed by Royalist troops in the 1600s.Bonnie Prince Charlie's forces blew the castle up in 1746 to prevent it from falling into the hands of government troops.It was said that a French sergeant, who had brought his poodle with him to Scotland, set off the explosives.The soldier was caught in the blast, and his body was blown across to the opposite side of the River Ness. His dog survived.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
They call it Scotland's most romantic garden - I fell in love with it
Here, enclosed within high walls, is a rose garden like no other. It is the work of the appropriately-named Rose Foyle, who fell in love with the flower as a child and who has filled the grounds of her Georgian home with such extravagant numbers of them that in early summer the garden takes on a dream-like quality. The roses at Carolside tumble from heavy rope swags, they climb the walls and spill from the borders, where they mingle in cottage-garden profusion with lady's mantle, sweet peas, artichokes and strawberries. Hardly an inch of soil is visible beneath the dense planting while the roses that scramble up arches add to the feeling of being totally immersed in flowers. Carolside in the Borders (Image: unknown) Not only do the roses look beautiful, but the scent is almost overpowering and the colours of the perennials that surround them, including the tall spikes of blue delphiniums and the sky blue flowers of Campanula persicifolia 'Cornish Mist' have been carefully selected to blend with the soft shades of roses that Rose Foyle prefers. Most of the roses are pre-1900 Gallicas. These 'French' roses, which are the ones grown by the Empress Josephine at Malmaison near Paris, are actually native to Turkey and the group includes the Apothecary's rose 'Rosa gallica Officionalis' and the pink striped Rosa mundi, or 'Versicolour', while one of the most prolific roses to grow in the garden is the exuberant rambler 'Paul's Himalayan Musk'. This is a remarkably vigorous plant, which can grow up to 12 metres in length and so is only found in gardens which can give it space to spread. It produces an abundance of sprays of tiny pink flowers that give off the strong, musky fragrance that gives it its name. The roses at Carolside (Image: unknown) Despite being in a heavy frost pocket, Carolside's roses are strong and healthy and they thrive on the free-draining soil thanks to regular applications of compost which gives them the richness and nutrients that they need. Careful pruning early in the year helps to encourage good growth and an abundance of flower buds while the shelter provided by the walls prevents the flowers from being damaged by high winds. Set at the far end of the garden is a range of heritage greenhouses, filled with pelargoniums and other hot-house plants, while the lawn close to the house, where teas are served on special open days, is edged with tall grasses which give this part of the garden a more contemporary feel. Outside of the walled garden the mood is more restrained, with a herb garden, smooth lawns and clipped box hedging, while the wooded slopes that surround the house create a natural amphitheatre. Details Carolside is 35 miles from Edinburgh, one mile north of Earlston on the A68. Carolside is open on Saturdays and Sundays until September 1, 11am - 5pm. Tickets: £8/children under 16 free. Tel: 01896 849272 info@


Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Scotsman
Parklife 2025: Could these acts join this year's performers for a secret appearance?
Our round up of murmurings from Reddit and social media ahead of this year's Parklife event in Manchester. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Could Charli XCX be joined by New Zealand royalty at Heaton Park, or could a French dynamic duo collaborate with her once again? Who could be one of the DJs in the VIP stage and could they become the next UK prime minister? Here are your last minute-rumours ahead of Parklife 2025 this weekend in Manchester Forget Glastonbury Festival rumours for one week (please!), as we look to the more immediate future: Parklife 2025 in Manchester this week. While there's still guesswork involved who might be Patchwork and who else might fill those TBA slots at Worthy Farm, things seem a little less speculative when it comes to this weekend's event at Heaton Park, with the full timetable now available through the official Parklife app. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That doesn't mean there won't be any surprises this year, though. Instead of solely looking at secret sets, we've taken a look through Reddit and the depths of social media to see who people think might make a guest appearance at Parklife this year. Be it Lorde or French house icons teaming up with a 'brat,' or a guerrilla gig potentially before or after what will be an incredibly lively set, here's five rumours currently doing the rounds before festival-goers converge on Manchester this weekend Last minute Parklife 2025 rumours From who could guest with Charli XCX to who might play a guerrilla gig this weekend; here's a round up of the last minute rumours for Parklife 2025. | Getty Images Will Lorde or Air join Charli XCX this weekend? There has been increased speculation that New Zealand musician Lorde could make a surprise appearance during Charli XCX's set. The singer, on the brink of releasing her brand new album, Virgin, has featured regularly alongside Charli XCX in recent months, thanks to their stunning collaborative effort Girl, So Confusing . Lorde was even seen on stage during both of the BRAT performer's Coachella 2025 sets in April. Given their recent proximity and obvious chemistry, a repeat performance in Manchester is high on many fans' wish lists. Lorde is due to play a full UK tour in November 2025, but a quick pop-up this weekend isn't out of the question for a collaborator. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But could an appearance by French dance giants Air be on the cards too? Charli XCX famously performed with the duo in Paris during their June 8, 2025 show. With Air's next tour date taking place in Dublin on June 17, 2025 – just two days after Parklife – a quick journey across the Irish Sea could certainly be in order for a surprise cameo. Who could perform alongside 50 Cent as he returns to the United Kingdom? Though wishful thinking means some hope either Eminem or Dr. Dre makes an appearance at Parklife 2025, there are still members of 50 Cent's G-Unit who could make the trip to appear on stage with him. The name Tony Yayo frequently gets mentioned, owing to him being the most consistent member of G-Unit alongside 50 Cent and having regularly appeared with the rapper. However, some think another core member, Lloyd Banks , could also be a guest during the set. Neither artist currently has independent tour dates scheduled, and if Fiddy is bringing any of the crew, those two names are highly probable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Could Jora Smith bring on a who's who of UK rap icons? Jorja Smith's soulful R&B often blends seamlessly with the UK's vibrant rap and grime scenes. Fans are hoping she might invite some of her esteemed collaborators to share the stage. A top contender is Loyle Carner , with whom she released the acclaimed Loose Ends, and a joint performance would be a smooth and well-received addition to her set. What's more, there's significant buzz around AJ Tracey . The pair just reunited for their brand new single Crush in February 2025, and their chemistry is undeniable – a surprise live rendition of this fresh track would send the crowd wild. While a cameo from giants like Stormzy would be truly monumental, such high-profile appearances are often closely guarded secrets, and a full "who's who" might be as wishful as some of the wildest 50 Cent reunion rumours. However, with Jorja's extensive network of influential UK artists, her set remains a hotbed for potential unexpected collaborations. With a history of guerrilla gigs, will Loopdaddy take to the streets of Manchester? One of the highlights I'll be missing out on could potentially sneak a set on the streets of Manchester this weekend. We're talking about Loopdaddy himself, Marc Rebillet. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Given his official festival slot at Parklife in Manchester, it wouldn't be out of character for the incredibly fun producer to set up a quick, unannounced performance in a public space before or after his main set. Perhaps a quick gig at Victoria or Piccadilly Station could be something fans traveling to the event might spot? Guest DJs on the VIP Stage; is Andy Burnham about to spin the decks? Official Parklife information often explicitly mentions 'VIP DJs and special guests playing on the VIP stage, which is separate from the rest of the festival.' There's also the new Backstage Ticket which grants 'on-stage access at The Hangar stage' and access to 'exclusive VIP area with luxury loos, charging points, and a street food market and VIP cocktail bar.' While not a 'secret' headliner per se, this does pose a unique opportunity for some very important people to step into the DJ booth and lay on some tunes for those with the privilege to be there – and of all the names we've mentioned, why not add Andy Burnham as one of those potential guest DJs? Known for his own occasional DJ sets at local venues, it's not entirely out of the question for Burnham to pop up for a quick, unannounced turn on the decks. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was well-known in Auckland for getting behind the decks before standing in front of the world as the then-leader of Aotearoa Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Do you have an event you'd like to share with us? You can now promote your What's On stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.


Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Scotsman
Parklife 2025: Could these acts join this year's performers for a secret appearance?
Our round up of murmurings from Reddit and social media ahead of this year's Parklife event in Manchester. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Could Charli XCX be joined by New Zealand royalty at Heaton Park, or could a French dynamic duo collaborate with her once again? Who could be one of the DJs in the VIP stage and could they become the next UK prime minister? Here are your last minute-rumours ahead of Parklife 2025 this weekend in Manchester Forget Glastonbury Festival rumours for one week (please!), as we look to the more immediate future: Parklife 2025 in Manchester this week. While there's still guesswork involved who might be Patchwork and who else might fill those TBA slots at Worthy Farm, things seem a little less speculative when it comes to this weekend's event at Heaton Park, with the full timetable now available through the official Parklife app. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That doesn't mean there won't be any surprises this year, though. Instead of solely looking at secret sets, we've taken a look through Reddit and the depths of social media to see who people think might make a guest appearance at Parklife this year. Be it Lorde or French house icons teaming up with a 'brat,' or a guerrilla gig potentially before or after what will be an incredibly lively set, here's five rumours currently doing the rounds before festival-goers converge on Manchester this weekend Last minute Parklife 2025 rumours From who could guest with Charli XCX to who might play a guerrilla gig this weekend; here's a round up of the last minute rumours for Parklife 2025. | Getty Images Will Lorde or Air join Charli XCX this weekend? There has been increased speculation that New Zealand musician Lorde could make a surprise appearance during Charli XCX's set. The singer, on the brink of releasing her brand new album, Virgin, has featured regularly alongside Charli XCX in recent months, thanks to their stunning collaborative effort Girl, So Confusing . Lorde was even seen on stage during both of the BRAT performer's Coachella 2025 sets in April. Given their recent proximity and obvious chemistry, a repeat performance in Manchester is high on many fans' wish lists. Lorde is due to play a full UK tour in November 2025, but a quick pop-up this weekend isn't out of the question for a collaborator. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But could an appearance by French dance giants Air be on the cards too? Charli XCX famously performed with the duo in Paris during their June 8, 2025 show. With Air's next tour date taking place in Dublin on June 17, 2025 – just two days after Parklife – a quick journey across the Irish Sea could certainly be in order for a surprise cameo. Who could perform alongside 50 Cent as he returns to the United Kingdom? Though wishful thinking means some hope either Eminem or Dr. Dre makes an appearance at Parklife 2025, there are still members of 50 Cent's G-Unit who could make the trip to appear on stage with him. The name Tony Yayo frequently gets mentioned, owing to him being the most consistent member of G-Unit alongside 50 Cent and having regularly appeared with the rapper. However, some think another core member, Lloyd Banks , could also be a guest during the set. Neither artist currently has independent tour dates scheduled, and if Fiddy is bringing any of the crew, those two names are highly probable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Could Jora Smith bring on a who's who of UK rap icons? Jorja Smith's soulful R&B often blends seamlessly with the UK's vibrant rap and grime scenes. Fans are hoping she might invite some of her esteemed collaborators to share the stage. A top contender is Loyle Carner , with whom she released the acclaimed Loose Ends, and a joint performance would be a smooth and well-received addition to her set. What's more, there's significant buzz around AJ Tracey . The pair just reunited for their brand new single Crush in February 2025, and their chemistry is undeniable – a surprise live rendition of this fresh track would send the crowd wild. While a cameo from giants like Stormzy would be truly monumental, such high-profile appearances are often closely guarded secrets, and a full "who's who" might be as wishful as some of the wildest 50 Cent reunion rumours. However, with Jorja's extensive network of influential UK artists, her set remains a hotbed for potential unexpected collaborations. With a history of guerrilla gigs, will Loopdaddy take to the streets of Manchester? One of the highlights I'll be missing out on could potentially sneak a set on the streets of Manchester this weekend. We're talking about Loopdaddy himself, Marc Rebillet. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Given his official festival slot at Parklife in Manchester, it wouldn't be out of character for the incredibly fun producer to set up a quick, unannounced performance in a public space before or after his main set. Perhaps a quick gig at Victoria or Piccadilly Station could be something fans traveling to the event might spot? Guest DJs on the VIP Stage; is Andy Burnham about to spin the decks? Official Parklife information often explicitly mentions 'VIP DJs and special guests playing on the VIP stage, which is separate from the rest of the festival.' There's also the new Backstage Ticket which grants 'on-stage access at The Hangar stage' and access to 'exclusive VIP area with luxury loos, charging points, and a street food market and VIP cocktail bar.' While not a 'secret' headliner per se, this does pose a unique opportunity for some very important people to step into the DJ booth and lay on some tunes for those with the privilege to be there – and of all the names we've mentioned, why not add Andy Burnham as one of those potential guest DJs? Known for his own occasional DJ sets at local venues, it's not entirely out of the question for Burnham to pop up for a quick, unannounced turn on the decks. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was well-known in Auckland for getting behind the decks before standing in front of the world as the then-leader of Aotearoa Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad