Inverness Castle in Scotland could become a free-to-visit museum, with £8m (US$11.5m, €10.3m) plans to transform the heritage site into an attraction winning approval at a recent public consultation.

Currently home to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, which is vacating the castle and moving to a new purpose-built justice centre, there had been stern opposition to proposals for a hotel, while a public campaign had been running to turn the heritage site into an attraction.

The consultation on 5 February found that a “large majority” of the public are backing plans to create a new museum and gallery at the site.

“We want to see a new life for the castle that builds on its existing attraction, offering visitors and locals alike a quality offering that encourages tourists to both visit and stay longer in the city,” said Scottish tourism minister, Fergus Ewing, speaking to The Press and Journal.

“Tourism is not just a key part of the local economy but a key driver of growth across Scotland and I am very keen that Inverness Castle finds a new life that benefits the Highlands and Scotland as a whole.”

The site dates back to the 11th Century, with the existing red sandstone complex built during the 1830s. Planning permission has already been granted by the Highland Council to convert the castle’s north tower into a £360,000 (US$520,000, €468,000) attraction in its own right, offering a viewing platform which is scheduled to open in June this year.

The museum plan appears to be the front-runner for the 19th Century castle, which has also been touted as a visitor centre, a wedding venue and a self-catering tourist accommodation.