Scotland

Inverness is one of Europe’s fastest growing cities and has the finest quality of life out of most of the cities in the UK (ranked fifth by the Telegraph). Although Inverness is a thoroughly modern city, like many others in Scotland, it has a long and, sometimes, turbulent history dating back to the time of St Columba and the Picts. One of the most terrible times for the city was during the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and especially around the time of the Battle of Culloden (1746) when many fleeing Jacobites sought refuge in there (Culloden Morr is not too far away).

Today Inverness is the main administrative center for the Highland region and is often quoted as being the Highland capital. This makes the city a perfect base for a vacation in the Scottish Highlands with many historic places to visit, spectacular scenery, superb sporting opportunities and plenty of visitor attractions to keep you entertained. Below I take a look at three popular tourist attractions that are well worth visiting if you can find the time, Beauly Priory, Inverness Castle and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle, as it stands today, was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. The castle is a red sandstone structure, positioned on a cliff, overlooking the River Ness, and the cathedral on the opposite bank. A succession of castles have stood on this site since 1057. The first Inverness Castle was partially destroyed by King Robert I of Scotland. In 1427 King James I of Scotland held a parliament in the castle to which the northern chieftains were all summoned. Inverness Castle is featured on the reverse of the Royal Bank of Scotland £50 note, which was introduced into circulation in 2005.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is located in the heart of Inverness. The museum recently underwent a full refurbishment of all it’s facilities and dispays. At the museum you can explore the past and learn about the people, environment and traditions of the Highlands. There are many things to do and see, with collections featuring geology, archaeology, and history. There is also a wildlife collection where you can get face to face with a pine marten, or scratch a badger’s belly. There are also many fine art and crafts collections to see. All the collections have a connection with the Highlands, and were either made, used or collected there.

Beauly Priory

Beauly Priory was one of three priories founded in Scotland by monks of the Valliscaulian order, probably around 1230. Beauly’s patron was Sir John Bisset, whose family’s lands were later joined by marriage to the predominant landowners of the area, the Frasers of Lovat. The French monks, along with Bisset, gave the location of the priory and the river the name ‘beau lieu’ (beautiful place), which was then translated into English as Beauly. After the Reformation the priory fell into disuse, and the lead was removed from the roof in 1582. Beauly Priory has been in the care of the state since 1913 and is now looked after by Historic Scotland.

Below is a selection of web sites offering accommodation in Inverness;

Inverness Hotel Scotland – http://www.invernesshotelscotland.com/

Inverness Hotel Guide – http://www.virtualscotland.co.uk/accommodation/invernesshotels.htm

Inverness Hotels & Accommodation – http://inverness.hotelreservationhelper.com/