Visiting The Inverness Castle Experience: What to Expect (Part two)

Continue Your Journey in the North Tower at The Inverness Castle Experience

After finishing the South Tower experience in the Spirit room and discovering your connection to the Spirit of the Highlands, your journey and that Spirit continue onto the North Tower.

Arriving at the North Tower Experience

Emerging from the South Tower, visitors arrive at the welcoming Saltire Bistro, a central hub within The Inverness Castle Experience. Here, you can pause, relax, or continue directly to the North Tower.

As you make your way through:

• You’ll pass the Castle Shop, filled with experience-inspired gifts and Highland mementoes

• Your ticket will be checked again here, so keep it to hand

• You can access the North Tower via lift or stairs

This transition marks the next stage in your Highland experience visitor journey.

Discover the North Tower

Once used as a small jail and later court offices, the North Tower has been carefully transformed into a vibrant cultural attraction.

As you explore, interpretation panels highlight original architectural features, connecting the building’s past with the stories of the Highlands today.

The North Tower is home to two key exhibition spaces:

• The Cèilidh Rooms

• The North Tower Gallery

The Cèilidh Rooms: Music and Culture at the Experience

Located on the first floor, this space celebrates music as a central part of Highland identity.

Before entering, you’ll pass the North Tower Bar, currently offering a luxurious Afternoon Tea experience — perfect for visitors looking to enhance their trip.

Runrig: A Bigger Music Exhibition

The Cèilidh Rooms is currently hosting Runrig: A Bigger Music, a major exhibition at The Inverness Castle Experience.

Runrig, one of Scotland’s most influential bands, helped bring Gaelic music and Highland culture to global audiences — shaping cultural identity far beyond the Highlands.

Within this immersive exhibition, visitors can:

• Follow Runrig’s journey from the Isle of Skye to international success

• Discover their influence on artists like Julie Fowlis, Tide Lines, and Niteworks

• Explore the connection between music, place, and Highland identity

• Learn about their links to major global music events

This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in Scottish music history and culture in the Highlands.

The North Tower Gallery: Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands

Continue to the second floor to experience the North Tower Gallery, currently home to the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.

This standout exhibition celebrates Highland heritage, community stories, and craftsmanship.

A Unique Historic Setting

What makes this exhibition especially memorable is its location within the former jail cells.

This creates a striking contrast between:

• The building’s historic past

• The vibrant community stories on display

Original features, including a stone doorway, remain visible - adding depth and authenticity to the experience.

Interactive Experiences for Visitors

The North Tower Gallery is another interactive area of The Inverness Castle Experience, making it ideal for families.

Why the North Tower is a Must-See

The North Tower at The Inverness Castle Experience brings together:

• Highland music and culture

• Community storytelling

• Interactive visitor experiences

What's next?

After exploring the North Tower, you are free to:

• Visit the Castle Shop for Highland gifts

• Relax at the Saltire Bistro

• Continue to the West Tower to experience Spirits of the Highlands

• Explore the curated Castle Gardens, full of native plants, stories and more.