The Scottish Highland city of Inverness is found in some of the most awe inspiring countryside in the United Kingdom. The city and surrounding are countless sites associated with important events in the history of Scotland, frequently these sites saw an immeasurable amount of violence and suffering. Of course the city of Inverness has a amazing collection of visitor attractions (and the number is always on the increase). In the paragraphs below I introduce readers to three places to visit in Inverness Inverness Castle, Beauly Priory and Inverness Museum & Art Gallery:
Beauly Priory
It was in the Thirteenth century that Monks, from the Valliscaulian order, first set up a community at Beauly Priory. Sadly no-one has the evidence to say the accurate date of foundation but it is commonly agreed that is was about the year 1230. The landowner, and patron, of Beauly was Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat. Bisset, together with the French monks, are those who named the place Beauly, derived from ‘beau lieu’ which means beautiful place in French. Unfortunately, the priory was abandoned after the 1582 Reformation and the stone was used in the building of other local structures. Today the ruins of Beauly Priory are in the hands of Historic Scotland as they were handed to the State in the year 1913.
Inverness Castle
Over time there have been various structures where Inverness Castle is today, some dating as far back as 1057. King Robert I (of Scotland) almost destroyed the first Inverness Castle. The castle you see today was designed and constructed by William Burn in 1836. The bold structure, of red sandstone, hold a prominent position at the top of a cliff looking down across the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite side. King James I, of Scotland, held parliament in Inverness Castle in 1427, and called all the Northern Chieftains to attend. Alarmingly 3 of these chieftains were later condemed to death for asserting an independent sovereignty.
Inverness Museum (& Art Gallery)
Found in Inverness’s town center is the newly renovated Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is really worth visiting especially if it is wet outside. Inside the museum visitors can investigate Scottish History and learn about how the Highlands are linked with the rest of the world. It is also possible to learn about the folk of the Highlands, their culture and traditions. There are several different collections featuring, archaeology, wildlife, fine arts, crafts, costumes and textiles.
If you are taking a vacation in the United Kingdom of Great Britain this year and you wish to spend some time in Scotland, you may wish to consider spending a few days staying in Inverness. Finding Inverness hotel accommodation online is relatively easy as the vast majority of establishments have their own web site. Hotels in Inverness, small hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts are always excellent and Scotland is renowned for first class hospitality, so you can be sure of have a most incredible time.