Following the successful acquisition of the historic Old High Church by the charitable group Save the Old High Inverness (SOHI), new details have emerged regarding the long-term vision for the city’s oldest church.
After years of negotiations and successful community fundraising, SOHI is now working to establish the site as a vibrant, sustainable community and heritage hub. Vice-chair Thomas Prag recently outlined a multi-phase “five-year plan” designed to restore the building to the heart of Inverness civic life.
Key Aspects of the Proposed Transformation:
- Focus on Heritage and Education: SOHI intends to prioritize the building’s history, with plans for an interactive heritage display on the upper gallery. Inspired by the Inverness Castle Experience, the group is exploring immersive storytelling techniques, such as audio-visual pods, to engage visitors with the church’s long connection to the city.
- Community and Cultural Venue: The group envisions the church as a multi-purpose space for locals. Potential uses include hosting concerts, theatrical performances, and providing rehearsal space for local musicians. Officials have emphasized that the space is intended to remain flexible to meet community demand.
- Economic Sustainability: To manage the significant maintenance costs of an A-listed building, the charity is exploring income-generating activities. This includes organized heritage tours—which are expected to launch in a limited capacity in the coming weeks—and a small retail area featuring local history publications and souvenirs. The group is also considering a café, though they are currently assessing potential impacts on existing nearby businesses to ensure a collaborative approach.
- Restoration of Historic Features: While the upper levels of the 14th-century tower will remain closed for safety reasons, the group is committed to restoring the four-faced burgh clock to full working order. They are also investigating the feasibility of once again ringing the iconic 1703 curfew bell, which remained a city fixture until 1999. The church’s notable Victorian-era pipe organ will also be preserved as a focal point of the building’s musical heritage.
Next Steps
Mr. Prag noted that the group is taking a measured approach to development, focusing first on safety and accessibility. “Planning isn’t the word yet because we can’t commit ourselves to anything; we have to give ourselves time to grow,” he stated.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Inverness, ensuring that a building of deep historical and cultural importance remains in public hands. Further updates on the site’s opening hours and event schedule are expected as the five-year plan progresses.