Heritage: City regeneration a collaboration

The development represents the first major investment by the Inverness Townscape Heritage (TH) Project.

It is a partnership regeneration project focusing on Academy Street, once a thriving part of the city but which has degenerated in recent years.

The TH Project is a collaboration of funding partners including Inverness City Heritage Trust, Historic Environment Scotland, the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and it is co-ordinated and led by Highland Council.

The fine building was designed by Highland architect Alexander Ross in the French Renaissance style.

Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “Investing National Lottery money to revitalise this historic building

“It will also provide jobs and training opportunities”

which lies at the heart of the Inverness, will not only make the area more attractive to live, visit and invest in, it will also provide jobs and training opportunities for locals.”

Cairngorm Taverns have been involved in a number of successful renovations of historic buildings and Sam Faircliff, managing director of Cairngorm Brewery Company, said: “It will restore an iconic building back to its former glory in addition to creating a superb venue as a flagship for Cairngorm and Loch Ness Breweries to serve fantastic beers alongside great food, all served in a truly historic setting.”

The industrial heritage of the building is portrayed in the four mosaics depicting foundry men at work, which are set within arches on the Academy Street and Rose Street elevations of the building.