Crown Connects, a local charity, aims to acquire Porterfield Prison after its closure for community use.
Crown Connects started during the Covid pandemic and is now a local community charity. They run a food cupboard and an orchard.
The old prison was built in 1902 and is being phased out now. A new £209 million prison is being built to replace it. The new prison is near Inverness Shopping Park and should open next year. Then, the old prison will become available.
People are exploring what to do with the old building. Planners suggest housing or tourism options and about 30 houses could fit there. Green spaces and a hub are also possible. Crown Connects seeks a community asset transfer for this; it was reported on BBC Radio Scotland.
Rebecca Robertson spoke for Crown Connects, stating that the area lacks green spaces and needs a community center. She thinks a buyout is a rare chance and wants more green spaces for residents, while also desiring a new local community hub.
It would offer a place for the community. Inverness Courier contacted the organization and asked about their plans to buy the prison.