Drew Hendry was a driving force behind the early development of the Inverness Castle redevelopment transformation project during his tenure as Leader of The Highland Council from 2012 to 2015. After discussions with the former First Minister, the late Right Honourable Alex Salmond, Drew pressed for help opening the Castle. The development of the Inverness Justice Centre was a key catalyst for the castle’s repurposing, which was subsequently enabled by funding from the Scottish Government.
Recognising the castle’s potential as a major tourist attraction, he co-chaired the Inverness Castle Working Group alongside then-Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing MSP. This group was established to explore sustainable and economically viable uses for the castle following the relocation of the Sheriff Court (Highland Council).
Under Hendry’s leadership, the working group commissioned a feasibility study to assess potential future uses of the castle complex. The aim was to enhance public access and maximise the site’s cultural and economic value for Inverness and the wider Highlands. A key initiative during this period was the proposal to develop the North Tower into a public viewing platform, offering panoramic views over the city. This project received funding from the Inverness Common Good Fund and was intended as a first step towards broader redevelopment (Highland Council).
Hendry emphasised the importance of transforming Inverness Castle from a functioning courthouse into a landmark destination that reflects its historic significance and appeals to both locals and visitors. He advocated for swift progress, stating that the project was “not just about a viewing platform” but about “realising an ambition for many people about improving access to the castle” (Inverness Courier).
Although Hendry stepped down as Council Leader in 2015 to become an MP, his contributions laid the groundwork for the ongoing transformation of Inverness Castle into a cultural and tourism hub.
The Justice Centre was officially opened on 30 March 2020. It is Scotland’s first purpose-built facility for integrated justice services (Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service). It houses the Sheriff Court, Justice of the Peace Court, Procurator Fiscal’s office, and partner organisations such as Police Scotland, NHS Highland, and Victim Support Scotland.
Construction began in 2017, led by Robertson Northern and procured through the SCAPE Scotland framework. The project achieved over £9 million in community benefits and incorporated £1 million in value engineering savings (SCAPE).
The Justice Centre remains a cornerstone of the region’s judicial infrastructure, enabling Inverness Castle to be reimagined as a significant cultural asset.
Drew Hendry played a pivotal role in the development of the Inverness West Link during his tenure as Leader of The Highland Council from 2012 to 2015. The West Link project aimed to enhance connectivity in Inverness by linking the Southern Distributor Road at Dores Road to the A82 at Torvean, involving crossings over the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal.(BBC)
Hendry was a strong advocate for the West Link, emphasising its potential to alleviate city centre congestion and unlock development opportunities in the Torvean and Charleston areas. He highlighted the project’s capacity to support recreational, tourism, and housing developments, stating:(Highland Council)
“We are on course to present a planning application in late summer. I am very pleased with the hugely positive response we are getting to the future development of the lands made available as a result of the route chosen for the road.” (Highland Council)
Under Hendry’s leadership, the council conducted extensive public consultations, leading to significant design revisions. Feedback from the community prompted enhancements to the sports hub and golf course realignment, ensuring that public concerns were addressed. Hendry remarked:(Highland Council)
“We have responded very positively to comments made by the public to the Inverness West Link consultations and the sports hub/golf course realignment.” (Highland Council)
The selection of Option Six for the route, which traversed green space at Canal Park, faced opposition from some community members and scrutiny over potential developer influence. Hendry defended the council’s decision-making process, asserting its transparency and broad support:(BBC)
“The solution was chosen through a very comprehensive and extensive process. It was unanimously supported by 16 members of an all-party working group, by the 26 members of the City of Inverness Committee, the 22 members of the TEC Services Committee and then the 80 members of the Highland Council.” (Highland Council)
Hendry’s leadership was instrumental in progressing the West Link project, which was designed to be constructed in phases. Stage 2 commenced in June 2019, including the construction of a second bridge over the Caledonian Canal to improve traffic flow. The project’s completion has been integral to enhancing Inverness’s infrastructure, supporting economic growth, and improving quality of life for residents.(Highland Council)
Through his commitment to the Inverness West Link, Drew Hendry demonstrated a focus on strategic infrastructure development, community engagement, and transparent governance, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s connectivity and development.
Drew Hendry has been instrumental in the conception and realisation of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a transformative initiative aimed at bolstering economic growth and infrastructure development across the Highlands.(Highland Council)
During his tenure as Leader of The Highland Council, Hendry championed the pursuit of a City-Region Deal, recognising its potential to catalyse regional development. In March 2015, he expressed optimism about the transformative impact such a deal could have, stating, “This is something much wider than just benefiting Inverness. A city-region deal could transform the Highlands” .(Highland Council)
Hendry’s persistent advocacy culminated in the formal signing of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal in January 2017. The agreement secured a £315 million investment package, comprising £135 million from the Scottish Government, £127 million from The Highland Council and its partners, and £53 million from the UK Government . This funding was earmarked for projects aimed at enhancing digital connectivity, infrastructure, housing, and skills development across the region.(Highland Council, GOV.UK)
Even after transitioning to his role as Member of Parliament for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch, and Strathspey, Hendry remained actively involved in regional development initiatives. He chaired the Inverness Futures Group, which collaborates with stakeholders to shape the city’s long-term strategic vision, aligning with the objectives of the City-Region Deal .(Highland Council, Highland Council)
Hendry’s vision and persistence underscored his dedication to ensuring that the investments secured through the City-Region Deal yield tangible benefits for communities throughout the Highlands.
Drew Hendry played a pivotal role in the establishment and early development of the Science Skills Academy (SSA) in the Highlands, an initiative designed to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and career opportunities for young people across the region.
As Leader of The Highland Council, Hendry was instrumental in initiating the SSA concept. In 2014, he chaired a leadership group comprising representatives from Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), and other stakeholders. This group aimed to develop a new generation of highly qualified workers in IT, life sciences, and engineering, with a specific focus on encouraging more female participation in these fields. (Caithness Business, Highland Council)
Hendry emphasized the importance of the SSA in transforming education and training delivery across the Highlands and Islands. He stated, “This is a hugely imaginative and exciting development. Together with our partners we will work to co-ordinate and deliver a whole range of positive impacts.” (Highland Council, Caithness Business)
Under Hendry’s leadership, the SSA was envisioned to have a footprint on the Inverness Campus, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to engage digitally across the region. The initiative included the development of Newton Rooms—modern, bright, and stimulating spaces where pupils are taught by enthusiastic and inspirational STEM experts. These rooms are based on the Norwegian Newton Rooms experience and aim to provide equal access to STEM provision for all schools across the Highlands. (Caithness Business, scienceskillsacademy.co.uk)
The SSA received significant backing, including a £400,000 grant from the SSE Highland Sustainable Development Fund to support science and technology in Highland schools. This funding was aimed at rolling out the Highland CREST programme across the primary and secondary schools network in the Highland region, coordinated from the proposed Science Academy hub at the new Inverness Campus. (uhi.ac.uk)
Additionally, the SSA was supported through the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which committed £3 million in January 2017 to promote the programme. (Caithness Business)
Hendry’s contributions to the SSA have been acknowledged by various stakeholders. Councillor Andrew Baxter, Chair of the Care, Learning and Housing Committee, commended Hendry’s considerable contribution in assisting and driving the project forward in its early days. (Highland Council)
The SSA continues to play a crucial role in aligning STEM activity in the Highlands and attracting more STEM employers to the region. Its efforts aim to increase the number of young people taking up opportunities in life sciences, renewable energy, and digital technologies, thereby contributing to the region’s economic development. (Caithness Business)
Through his strategic leadership and commitment, Drew Hendry has significantly influenced the advancement of STEM education and career pathways for young people in the Highlands, ensuring the region is well-positioned to meet future workforce demands. These achievements exemplify Drew Hendry’s Purposeful Leadership in action.