Primary schools across the strath invited to take part in castle time capsule project
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Primary schools in Badenoch and Strathspey are being invited to take part in a new project to create 'a unique link between the present and future' of Inverness Castle.
As works continue on the transformation of the castle – which is set to open in 2025 – the project delivery group behind its redevelopment have extended an invitation to primary schools in the Highlands to take part in a project that will see a time capsule, sponsored by Bancon Construction, suspended in the original well of the building.
Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group is asking pupils to nominate the top five items they would put into a time capsule to reflect what they believe is special about the area of the Highlands they live in.
The five items selected by the panel of judges will be buried for over 50 years and the winning school will be invited to attend the suspension of the time capsule in Inverness Castle.
Teachers can access the entry form on a dedicated Google Classroom or by emailing the Spirit of the Highlands team at info@spiritofthehighlands.com.
The deadline for entries is March 31, 2023, with the time capsule suspension planned to take place in April.
Councillor Ian Brown, leader of Inverness City and Area and co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said: "The time capsule gives pupils the opportunity to be creative and think about life in the Highlands in present day which could be sealed and reopened in over 50 years from now.
"It provides a unique link between the present and future in physical objects against the juxtaposition of the timeless stories that will be told within Inverness Castle as a visitor experience."
High Life Highland chairman Mark Tate said: “Involving the voices and thoughts of the younger generation around the Highlands in this time capsule project is really important in developing the visitor experience within Inverness Castle.
"We would encourage all primary schools to take part in this project to let us know what young people think is uniquely special about their area in the Highlands.”
Dawn Kane, business development manager at Bancon Construction, said: “Bancon Construction is excited to be sponsoring the time capsule at Inverness Castle. It is fantastic that we will be part of creating an exciting gift for future generations here in the Highlands.
"We look forward to seeing the inventive ideas young people from schools around the area come up with.”
The Inverness Castle project, opening in 2025, will benefit from £30 million investment to support its re-development from the Scottish and UK Governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partners.
The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315 million investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.’
