Inverness castle
The city is dominated by its red sandstone castle. Built in 1834, this Victorian edifice is very much the new kid on the block in terms of Scottish castles.
The original castle dates from the 12th century and was built on a ridge to the east of the present structure. Nothing remains of the old castle, which is unsurprising given its bloody and eventful history. It was here that King Duncan of Scotland was slain by Macbeth, an event dramatically (and erroneously) portrayed in Shakespeare's eponymous work. The castle was occupied three times during the Wars of Independence in the 13th century, and when Robert the Bruce recaptured it in 1307 he destroyed it. In the mid-17th century Cromwell ordered his men to build a stone version on the same site. In 1715 James Francis Edward was proclaimed king there, but not long after it was destroyed by the Jacobites to prevent it from falling into enemy hands following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden.
The present castle houses the Sheriff Court and also stages the Castle Garrison Encounter, where you can sign up as a mid-18th-century soldier. New recruits (that's you) pass through the Quartermaster's Store and are introduced to the Sergeant of the Guard, before being accosted by a female camp follower and finally led out through the garrison shop. Info - Mar-Nov Mon-Sat (Sun only in Jul/Aug) 1030-1730. Tel. 243363.
Around the castle
On the castle terrace is a statue of Flora MacDonald, to honour her part in helping the prince to escape. Below the castle is Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, on Castle Wynd beside the Tourist Information Centre . During summer and autumn this wonderful museum, complete with cafe to rest tired feet, underwnet a £1 million refurbishment. Scheduled to repen in time for the year long Highland 2007 celebrations, the museum provides an overview of the history of the town and the region, while the gallery hosts some special exhibitions that have included paintings by the Scottish colourist JD Fergusson.Info - Mon-Sat 0900-1700. Free.
Just around the corner, on High Street, is the Gothic-style Town House, where Prime Minister Lloyd George held an emergency cabinet meeting in 1921, the first ever to be held outside London.
Opening Times
Daily during the tourist season from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
Contact Phone Number
01463 243 363Travel Directions to Inverness castle
Travel Directions
rominently situated overlooking the River Ness in the City of Inverness.
20 Minutes from Drumnadrochit
-
Sea Kayaking (coastal) on Moray Coast - Full Day Session
Full day Sea Kayaking session on Moray Coast.The trips are conducted by fully trained instructors taking you to coastal inlets in Scotland. -
White Water Rafting Near Aviemore
Experience nature and its power while rafting down a river, this activity is great for groups and we can arrange transport and places to stay and eat as well. -
Rock Climb & Abseil Intro Aviemore - Half Day Session
Feel the heights and enjoy the challenges of an exciting spell of rock climbing & Abseiling in Aviemore, which is well suited for everyone! -
Mountain Biking Half day in Aviemore
Enjoy mountain biking experience in the Cairngorms. We have chosen some of the best biking trails in Scotland to plot an adrenalin day for your group. We provide everything you need! -
Gorge Walking close to Inverness
Gorge walking experience of craggy rocks includes professional guidance 7 safety equipment. -
Climbing at Kushi Adventures - Inverness
Scale new heights with mates and kill your fear for heights in your Inverness climbing event. -
Fun Dance Classes - Inverness
Choose any one style from this eclectic mix of Dance Classes, each lasting for about 90mins makes for a great time out with the girls. Exhilarating and entertaining addition to any girls day out. -
Gorge Swimming- Inverness
2.5-3hrs of Gorge Swimming. Fighting upstream, clambering up rocks, sliding down water chutes and jumping into deep pools. Helmets,wet suits and buoyancy aids are provided. -
Kayaking at Kushi Adventures - Inverness
Time to headout for some paddling session with your friends and experience a great time out trying this watery treat in Inverness. -
Canoeing at Kushi Adventures - Inverness
Experience a cool watery treat with mates and enjoy paddling on some of the most picturesque outdoors in Inverness in your canoeing day.
Nearby Castles
-
Fort George
Visitor guide to Fort George in Ardersier in the Scottish Highlands. Includes descriptions, directions and timings to make a visit.
-
Abertarff House
The oldest secular house in Inverness. Originally the town house for the Frasers of Lovat and now headquarters for National Trust of Scotland.
-
Urquhart Castle
Semi ruinous castle in strong position beside Loch Ness controlling the route North. Captured by Robert the Bruce by clever negotiation. Visitor centre open all year.
Inverness castle Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
Featured Advertisers
-
Kilcoy Chalets, Highlands - Sleep 2
Kilcoy Chalets, specially designed for couples, situated on The Black Isle only 7 miles from Inverness. We do not accept families as we are for couples.
- Sleeps: 2
-
Minard Holiday Cottage, Inverness - Sleeps 6
Charming 19th century canal side cottage on the edge of Inverness city and Clachnaharry village with stunning views. Views also include the Black Isle and Beauly Firth.
- Sleeps: 6
Cottages Nearby
-
Driftwood, Inverfarigaig, nr. Inverness, sleeps 6
This cosy detached holiday cottage nestling on the hillside above the shores of Loch Ness makes a delightful base for exploring the area. Set in the quiet village of Inverfarigaig it is surrounded by fores... -
Allt Boidheach, Inverness - Sleeps 9
An attractive, spacious, detached house in an elevated position with views overlooking part of the local golf course. Set at the edge of the city centre, it is a short easy walk to the heart of the Highlan... -
Shalom, nr Inverness, sleeps 4/5
Enjoy panoramic views over the town and across the Moray Firth to the Black Isle and the Ross-shire mountains from this welcoming, well presented holiday bungalow. Set in the peaceful Westhill area of Inve... -
Woodpecker Cottage, nr Inverness - Sleeps 2
With magnificent views over the Moray Firth to the Highland capital of Inverness just 4 miles away, this tastefully modernised holiday cottage is set next to the owners home in 2 acres of shared grounds. A... -
Dhuallow, Aberarder, sleeps 8
Nestling amid the glorious Highland countryside, with a stunning backdrop of mountains, this traditionally built stone house stands detached on the site of an old croft, on a 350-acre estate. Ideal for yea... -
The Loanings, nr Inverness - Sleeps 2
Enjoying a rural setting, this traditional holiday cottage with a central courtyard is only a few miles from the Highland capital of Inverness. Wonderfully presented, the cottage is perfectly placed for to... -
Garden Cottage, nr Moray Firth - Sleeps 2
This attractive single storey cottage is situated in the pretty village of Munlochy, close to the shores of the Moray Firth. The holiday property provides accommodation for couples wishing to explore this ... -
Squirrel Cottage, nr Inverness - Sleeps 4
Nestling amongst the trees of Ord Hill above North Kessock and just minutes drive from the Highland capital of Inverness, Squirrel Cottage makes the perfect holiday base for exploring the wonders of the Hi... -
Jenny's, nr Inverness - sleeps 4
Set in lovely countryside just a few miles from the Highland capital, Inverness, this wonderfully presented, cosy holiday cottage is perfectly placed for touring the scenic beauty of the area. Lots to see and do... -
Corrimony Cottage, by Inverness - Sleeps 4
Set on a family farm, these beautifully renovated, semi-detached stone cottages overlook a pretty courtyard and enjoy a wonderful countryside setting, yet are only five miles from Inverness. The holiday co... -
Clava Cottage nr Inverness - Sleeps 2-4
Set on a family farm, these beautifully renovated, semi-detached stone cottages overlook a pretty courtyard and enjoy a wonderful countryside setting, yet are only five miles from Inverness. The holiday co... -
Eagle's Nest, nr Inverness - Sleeps 2
This refurbished holiday cottage is set in an orchard amidst the Ord Hill Forest, a few miles from the city of Inverness. In 2 acres of shared garden grounds near the owner’s home and next to Woodpec... -
Inverness Studio - Sleeps 2
Enjoying wonderful panoramic views over this historic city to the distant mountains, this charming studio apartment is ideal for a Highland city break. In a quiet residential area, the first floor .... -
Squirrel Lodge Apartment near Croy
This first floor apartment, located just two miles from Croy in the stunning Scottish Highlands sleeps two people. -
Douglas Row on River Ness - Sleeps 4
This pretty little terraced house in the heart of Inverness faces on to the river and can sleep four people in two bedrooms. -
Hillview House on Moray Firth - Sleeps 8
Hillview House boasts spectacular panoramic views over the waters of Moray Firth and the Highland capital city of Inverness.. Enjoying spectacular panoramic vie
-
LADYBIRD COTTAGE, Scaniport, near Inverness, Highlands Sleeps 6
This property enjoys a peaceful, wooded setting on the outskirts of Inverness, just 4 miles away from Loch Ness. All on ground level.
-
Witchelm House in Inverness - Sleeps 4
Semi-detached cottage in the centre of Inverness. Sleeps four people in two bedrooms. No pets, wifi available.
