Museums
Galleries
Visitor Attractions
Visitor Information - Inverness & Nairn
History and Heritage
Castles
Activities
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Museums
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Visitor Attractions Visitor Information - Inverness & NairnHistory and Heritage |
Castles
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Out and About: |
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Only recently was Inverness given 'city' status, though it has always been regarded as the 'capital' of the Highlands. It marks the northern end of the Great Glen and has a bustling city centre. To the east of Inverness is Culloden Moor scene of the famous battle which spelt the end of the Jacobite uprising. Further along the Moray Firth is the resort town of Nairn. The Great Glen itself runs south west from Inverness. Loch Ness is just few miles away and Fort Augustus sits at its southern end.
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Historic Buildings and Castles: |
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Fort Augustus Abbey
Fort Augustus was built by the Duke of Cumberland after his victory at Culloden as part of a defensive line down the Great Glen. The Benedictine Abbey was founded in 1876. |
Ardeseir, near Inverness. A huge artillery fortification built on the Moray Firth coast. |
Cawdor, near Nairn. Built for the Thanes of Cawdor some 600 years ago and, of course, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. |
Maintained by Historic Scotland, Urquhart Castle sits proudly on the shore of Loch Ness and is a much-photographed landmark. |
Museums and Galleries: |
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Inverness Museum & Art Gallery Castle Wynd, Inverness. Displays and exhibitions depicting Highland heritage, archaeology, art, natural and local history. |
Viewfield House, Viewfield Drive. Local history, particularly the fishing industry and associated heritage. Archaeology and geology. |
Bank Streeet, Inverness. Contemporary art in an award-winning gallery. Crafts gallery, artists' prints, artwork, jewellry, ceramics and textiles. |
Fort Augustus. Clan museum with presentations and displays of Highland life. Weapon demonstrations. Craft shop. |
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Interpretation includes a reconstructed trial in the 18th century courtroom, children's costumes, prison cells, a video presentation of 800 years of Cromarty's history, artefacts, high quality display panels, an audio tape tour of the older part of the town and leaflets for walks in and around Cromarty. |
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Parks and Gardens: |
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Whin Park Inverness. Boating pond, childrens' play area, mini railway. |
Culbin Sands Culbin Sands and Forest, near Nairn. An RSPB reserve on the coast with forest walks and a cycle trail. |
Highland & Rare Breeds Croft Auchterawe Road, Fort Augustus. Red deer, Highland cattle and rare breeds of sheep and goats plus many others. Guided tours available. |
Drumnadrochit. Indoor sandpit and play areas for children, trampoline, tractors and trailer rides. |
Visitor Attractions: |
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Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre Fort Augustus, near the flight of lochs. History of the canal and associated exhibits. |
Culloden battlefield and visitor centre. The battle in 1746 marked the end of the Uprising. Jacobite exhibition and displays. |
Highland Wineries Moniack Castle, Kirkhill, near Beauly. Tour of wine and liqueur making and tasting. |
The official Loch Ness Monster exhibition, Drumnadrochit. Graphics, animations, special effects and simulations.
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Sport & Leisure: |
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Golf
Nairn Golf Club. This Traditional Scottish Golf Links Course was created on the shores of the Moray Firth from a Highland wilderness of whins and heather. |
Nairn Leisure Park Indoor pool and steam room. Outdoor games and activities include table tennis, putting and adventure play area. |
Aquadome Bught Park, Inverness. The Aquadome and Sports Centre has a wave pool, outdoor pool, flumes and spa pool. Health suite and sports centre. |
Cruising Caley Cruisers, Inverness. Motor cruisers available for hire. Cruise Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal. No experience necessary as full instruction given. |
Tours: |
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Orkneys John O'Groats Ferries organises day tours to the Orkney Islands from Inverness. |
Loch Ness Discover Loch Ness. An all-year-round guided tour on the natural history, mystery and heritage of the area departing daily from the centre of Inverness. |
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Car Hire: |
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Rental for cars, vans, mpv's, 4x4 and motorhomes.
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Inverness.
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Shopping: |
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Inverness. Beneath the shadow of Inverness Castle, Chisholms have gathered together a unique range of tartans, tweeds and Highland dress accessories that's second to none. |
Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre Inverness. Stocks a wide range of kilts, highland dress and accessories. |
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