For young people looking for holiday activities, the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery (IMAG) has this week launched Flora’s Museum Explorer Trail. Families can pick up their Flora Museum Explorer Trail pack on arrival at IMAG in Castle Wynd, Inverness. The self-led trail invites participants to find Flora’s picture as they explore the museum, and to spot the fascinating ‘Flora Fact’ on a special label nearby, highlighting key museum objects including an enormous trebuchet ball and jolly face jug from Castle Street.
The trail is available during opening hours at IMAG (currently Tuesday to Saturday, 10 to 5pm). Due to the impact of the pandemic, booking is advisable for visits to IMAG, although it is not essential. However, there is a maximum capacity for the building, so booking ahead will ensure you are able to visit at the time you want. For more details visit www.highlifehighland.com .
More of Young Flora’s fascinating facts can be found on the hoardings surrounding Inverness Castle, a short walk from Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, as part of the information and imagery telling the story of the castle’s past, present and future. The hoardings are in place during the ongoing transformation of the Castle, giving people visiting the location an insight into the Highlands of the past, as well as providing a look into the future for Castle Hill.
Stories on the hoardings design include that of Flora MacDonald, subject of the famous statue installed in front of the castle around 120 years ago – and, of course, namesake of Young Flora! Highland residents and visitors alike are encouraged to visit, meet ‘Young Flora’ and learn about the history of Caste Hill as they walk around the area being transformed through the Inverness Castle – Spirit of the Highlands project.
The transformation of Inverness Castle is supported by £15 million Scottish Government and £3 million UK Government investment through the city region deal. It will create a gateway for Highland tourism, contributing to reinvigoration of tourism across the area and providing much needed investment for the industry to aid the recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project will support economic growth throughout the Highland area, creating a sustainable, viable and “must-see” attraction that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.
The Inverness and Highland City Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m 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.
