Innovative Digital 3D Scanning of Historic Highland Artefacts for the Inverness Castle Experience

The project involves collaboration with a selection of Highland museums:

• West Highland Museum, Fort William
• Strathnaver Museum, Clachan, Bettyhill
• Glencoe Folk Museum, Glencoe
• Cromarty Courthouse Museum, Cromarty
• The Highlander's Museum, Fort George, Ardesier
• Grantown Museum
• Ullapool Museum
• Groam House, Rosemarkie  
• Highland Museum of Childhood, Strathpeffer

Key historical objects, such as a powder horn (used to hold blasting powder), a Ballachulish Goddess and a Mesolithic harpoon, are among the fascinating items that have been scanned. These artefacts, and many others, will be featured in the People Room, within Inverness Castle’s South Tower Experience, where they will serve as signposts guiding visitors to the individual museums where the original pieces are housed.

The 3D scans will offer a unique view of these items, preserving their detail and authenticity. This project aligns with the aims of the Inverness Castle Experience: to promote exploration throughout the Highlands, rather than replicate the excellent work already done by local institutions.

Cllr Ian Brown Leader of Inverness City and Area and Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said, “As Inverness Castle Experience becomes a gateway to the rest of the Highlands in 2025, these 3D scanned objects are another unique way of connecting to our Highland communities, while also supporting the important work of regional museums."

“Visitors will not only explore the experience itself but will be encouraged to stay longer in the area and fully appreciate all that our region has to offer.”

Museums and Heritage Highlands (MHH), a key partner in the planning process, has played a pivotal role in ensuring the project's success. MMH’s digital learning hub will also host the 3D objects so that families and schools can interact with the museum collections.

Nicola Henderson, Innovation and Network Manager, Museums and Heritage Highlands, said " We are delighted to support this project. Seeing this cutting-edge technology in use is exciting, allowing people to interact with Highland history in new and engaging ways.”

"These digital representations look to showcase Highland heritage in an interactive and inspiring way, encouraging visitors to venture out and discover the treasures held by museums all over the region."

The Inverness Castle Experience project, opening in mid-2025, will benefit from £30m investment to support its redevelopment from the Scottish and UK Governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a range of other partners.   

The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which 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.

ENDS