Royal pedigree for person who will head up Inverness Castle Experience attraction
The person who will head up the Inverness Castle Experience has been named - and he has some very strong royal connections.
Garry Marsden has today been announced as the head of the tourist attraction when it opens next year.
And he brings a “wealth of experience” from two of the most prestigious estates in the UK.
He joins the Inverness Castle Experience team from his role as visitor enterprise manager at Sandringham Estate, the private residence of King Charles III, where he manages all aspects of the visitor experience for this major attraction, which has around 600,000 annual visitors.
Before joining Sandringham, Garry was also visitor enterprise manager at Balmoral Estate, where he managed visitor services for the castle, gardens, and related retail and catering operations — his time at Balmoral enhanced his reputation for delivering top-quality visitor experiences and managing high-profile estates.
And those behind his new Inverness appointment believe his extensive experience in managing attractions, and understanding both local and international visitor needs, will “make him a key asset to lead the castle team”.
In this new role at the castle, he will focus on overseeing daily operations, coordinating staff, and handling logistics to ensure the castle runs smoothly and delivers a seamless visitor experience.
Cllr Ian Brown, leader of Inverness City and Area and co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said: “Garry’s expertise will be crucial as the project moves towards opening next year.
“His operational skills will help streamline our processes and ensure everything runs smoothly, ensuring we deliver a top-notch experience for all visitors.”
Michael Golding, chair of the High Life Highland board of directors added: “We are delighted to welcome Garry to the role of Head of the Inverness Castle Experience and look forward to him joining us in the new year.
“His extensive background in managing prestigious estates, combined with his deep appreciation for the Highlands and its people, make him the perfect fit for leading our team to its next chapter.”
“Having spent considerable time in the Highlands with my family, I am particularly thrilled to make our home here. Inverness Castle Experience will be a treasure trove of Highland stories, and I look forward to leading the team in showcasing these stories while ensuring that every visitor has an unforgettable experience.”
The Inverness Castle Experience is eager to benefit from Garry’s leadership and expertise as it prepares for a vibrant future. His appointment marks a new chapter of growth and development for the Castle, which will become a key part of the Highlands’ tourism landscape.
The Inverness Castle Experience project, opening in mid-2025, will benefit from £30m investment to support its redevelopment 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 £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
