WASPS Studio Inverness

Robertson has transformed the former Inverness Royal Academy building at Midmills into a new Inverness Creative Academy for WASPS Studios.

The project, completed in 2018, is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Creative Scotland, Inverness City Heritage Trust and McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles Limited.

The initial £1.2 phase of the £5.7 million scheme provided high quality, affordable workspaces for 39 artists and makers.

Phase one was carried out by Robertson Northern.

The venture Рa first for the region Рwas led by Scottish award-winning charity and social enterprise Wasps Artists Studios, which was also fundraising for work on a second building to provide exhibition, performance and events space, a public caf̩, workshop areas and offices for business working in the creative industries.

As one of the largest developments of its kind outside the Scottish central belt, the centre is expected to play a valuable economic role by supporting jobs and providing new business opportunities.

Tenants could include everything from visual artists, theatre groups and craft makers to media companies or businesses at the cutting edge of the digital arts.

As the only creative hub in the region, it greatly improves opportunities for collaborative working, skills sharing and networking, as well as support for, and retention of, creative talent in the Highlands.