1. What do you want to do?

The project seeks funding to reinstate the historic Inverness Floral Clock on Castle Hill and deliver associated landscape improvements that complement the recently opened Inverness Castle Experience. The original clock was removed in 2016 after the mechanism failed and was considered beyond economic repair.

Funding is required to:

Install a replacement clock mechanism and associated power supply. Reinstate the floral clock as a prominent civic feature. Deliver an enhanced landscape design around the clock area. Create a sustainable and attractive public space that complements the Inverness Castle Experience and surrounding gardens. Reduce long term maintenance requirements through an appropriate landscape solution. Improve the appearance of Castle Hill for residents and visitors. The preferred project outcome is the restoration of a recognisable landmark that strengthens the city's identity while supporting the wider visitor experience associated with Inverness Castle. 

2. Why is your project important for your community? The Inverness Floral Clock was a well-known and much-loved feature of the city centre for many decades. Its reinstatement responds to requests from local elected members and community interest in restoring an important civic landmark. The project will help preserve local heritage while creating an attractive focal point within one of Inverness' most visited areas. 

The project is particularly important because it sits adjacent to the recently redeveloped Inverness Castle Experience, a major visitor attraction and cultural destination. Restoring the clock will enhance the setting of the Castle, improve the public realm and contribute to a stronger sense of place for residents and visitors alike. 

The proposal aligns with the ambitions of the Inverness Area Place Plan by:

Enhancing the city centre environment and public spaces. Celebrating and protecting local heritage and cultural identity. Supporting tourism and the visitor economy. Improving the attractiveness and vibrancy of the city centre. Creating welcoming and high quality civic spaces that encourage community pride and visitor engagement. The project also builds upon recent public investment in Inverness Castle and supports wider city centre regeneration objectives by ensuring the surrounding landscape reflects the quality and ambition of the Castle redevelopment 

3. What positive impact will your project have? The project will deliver a range of community, economic and placemaking benefits.

Expected outcomes include:

Restoration of a historic civic landmark valued by local residents. Enhanced visitor experience at Inverness Castle and Castle Hill. Increased footfall and dwell time within the city centre. Improved visual appearance and quality of a key gateway location. Strengthened civic pride and local identity. Creation of an attractive, high-profile public feature that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Increased opportunities for tourism promotion and destination marketing. Delivery of a landscape solution that balances visual impact, sustainability and long-term affordability. The project will provide a focal point for both residents and visitors, reinforcing Inverness' identity as the capital of the Highlands and supporting the city's growing tourism sector

4. What key milestones have you achieved so far and what will your next steps be? Community Engagement & Support Evidenced

The reinstatement of the Floral Clock has been supported through discussions with Inverness City elected members, who have requested the return of the feature as part of the wider enhancement of Castle Hill and the Inverness Castle Experience.  Project Plan / Feasibility / Business Case Created

A detailed feasibility and landscape design study has been completed by SLR Consulting. The study explored a range of design options, assessed sustainability and maintenance implications, and identified indicative implementation costs. Necessary Consents Obtained

The project is being developed within an existing Council-owned civic space and preliminary investigations have been completed to inform the reinstatement proposals. Any further permissions required for implementation will be progressed as part of detailed design development. Quotes Obtained

Costs have been obtained for restoration and installation of the clock mechanism. Landscape implementation costs have been developed through the SLR feasibility study. Quotations have also been obtained from Inverness Botanic Gardens and other specialist suppliers to inform the options appraisal.  Funding Applications Submitted

A successful application to the Community Regeneration Fund secured £35,000 towards reinstatement of the Floral Clock and replacement mechanism.  Next Steps

Secure remaining capital funding required to deliver the preferred option. Confirm the preferred design approach. Progress detailed design and cost development. Complete procurement and tender processes. Install the replacement mechanism and undertake associated landscape works. Launch the reinstated Floral Clock as part of the wider Castle Hill visitor experience. Subject to funding approval, the project is anticipated to commence detailed design and procurement in early 2027, with installation works undertaken during spring 2027 to allow the Floral Clock to be operational and on display for the 2027 visitor season.

Anticipated Start Date: January 2027 Anticipated End Date: June 2027

This programme aligns with the feasibility study, which concluded that permanent implementation was unlikely before 2027 and identified May 2027 as a realistic target for the reinstated clock to be operational