Rybka delivers new £8M ‘Home of Shinty’ as part of Inverness Zero Carbon Cultural Regeneration Project

Rybka, a leading UK provider of mechanical and electrical engineering design solutions with
offices across Scotland, has successfully delivered a new £8M ‘Home of Shinty’ in Inverness.
The project, which was recently opened by UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty
McNeill, saw Rybka provide full mechanical and electrical engineering design, with the multi-
use facility successfully delivered in time for the Camanachd Association to host its showpiece
event – the Camanachd Cup final on 20 September 2025.

The new pavilion, which sits on Bught Park, adjacent to a large sports field area, refurbished
grandstand and shinty pitch, was developed as part of the Highland Council’s Inverness Zero
Carbon Cultural Regeneration Project. Funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund,
Rybka undertook an 18-month design phase, followed by 20 months on site, with mechanical
and electrical engineering design for the project modelled by Rybka’s digital construction
team using building information software. They were supported by the Rybka-s team
providing overheating analysis and operational energy analysis, with SBEM and EPC delivered
upon completion.

Speaking on Rybka’s involvement in the project, Martin Bell, Rybka’s Business Development
Director, had this to say:

“We were delighted to be part of the redevelopment at Bught Park in Inverness. The building works
were part of a wider scheme known as the ‘Zero Carbon Cultural Regeneration Project’, with low
carbon targets at the core, this project aligned perfectly with Rybka’s strategic vision and our
position as a leader in low carbon building design.

“This ambitious development not only enhances facilities but also strengthens cultural identity,
creating a home for shinty at the very heart of the Highlands. With their heat pump driven systems
and on-site renewable generation, these buildings are an exemplar of low carbon building design.”
Bell continued:

“Blending heritage with sustainability for the benefit of the wider community, Rybka are proud to
be part of this project, and as a member of the shinty community myself, there’s a huge sense of
pride to be involved in a project that will have such a lasting impact on the sport.”

The pavilion will house Scotland’s first dedicated shinty museum, which is set to open later
this year. On the first floor the new building comprises a large function suite that overlooks
the main shinty pitch as well as new office accommodation for Sport Scotland. Additionally, the
project saw the existing grandstand refurbished with a large changing village built onto the
rear, serving the shinty pitch and the array of football pitches.

Zero Carbon Cultural Regeneration

Key features include:

• Hybrid VRF (variable refrigerant flow) provides heating and cooling with a very low refrigerant
  volume.
• Natural refrigerant (R290/propane) air source heat pumps provide heating to the underfloor
  system in the changing block.
• Changing block boasts mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR).
• Hot water is provided in the changing rooms from the latest CO₂ heat pumps ((R744/CO₂)
• Hot water usage is reduced via waste water heat recovery built into the showers.
• The buildings have good air tightness with MVHR.
• Whole development is reinforced by two large solar PV systems, providing a very low
  operational carbon project.

Sponsorship

With this ambitious project delivered on schedule, ahead of the Camanachd Association’s blue
riband event, the Camanachd Cup final, held on 20 September 2025, Rybka is looking forward
to hosting guests for some VIP Hospitality in the new function suite on the day.