My Castle Campaign
The population of Inverness, it seems, is comprised of a high proportion of frustrated town planners. People here like talking about the layout of the city in the way that taxi drivers in Glasgow offer team-tactics to footballl managers. Everyone, it seems, has their own idea of how the city's development should be managed and none of these ideas seem to square with the council's official strategy.
The other day, for example, I overheard an animated discussion about the one-way traffic system and how this should be scrapped. Instead, it was suggested, the whole area between Academy Street and the riverfront should be paved and pedestrianised, thus creating a European-style plaza where Highland Bohemians could gather to discuss art and philosophy.
Hmmm. I'm not so sure. I have my own bee buzzing in my own bonnet: This Victorian construction is said to be sited on the grounds of a much older fortresss. Shakespeare thought the original Inverness Castle was home to King Duncan. Until, that is, he offered bed & breakfast to that nice Mrs Macbeth and her hubby. Of course Shakespeare's version of Scottish history was more than a little suspect.
In any case the modern castle dates from the mid nineteenth century and now houses the city's Sheriff Court. What a waste of a beautiful (if somewhat artificial) landmark. How much better if we could relocate the lawyers and alleged neds to some purpose-built complex on the outskirts of town. Then we could recalim the castle for the use of people with no legal qualifications or criminal tendencies or both.
All suggestions for its future use are welcome. Failing that, feel free to offer your game plan for the Caley-Celtic cup tie.
