Archive for February 16th, 2009

Ever since Inverness became a city Fort William has been the largest town in the Highlands. The town is an amazingly popular tourist destination with many people appearing to climb Ben Nevis. In the article below I introduce to you a small number of different attractions worth visiting if you are visiting Fort William.

The Highly Interesting West Highland Museum

The West Highland Museum in Fort William was founded in 1922. A group of people from Lochaber wanted to create a museum, about life in the Highlands, for the people of the Highlands. The present building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and can be found in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Fascinating and small is how some people describe the museum. The collections in the museum present a fascinating insight into life in the West Highlands over the years. People from all walks of life are represented, through the fascinating collections of photograph’s, artefact’s and picture’s

The Bold Old Inverlochy Castle

In fort William there are two Inverlochy Castle’s, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the more recent Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, constructed in the village of Torlundy (which is now a luxurious hotel). The Old castle was said to of been constructed around 1270-1280, by John “the Black” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Even though the castle is ruined, the layout hasn’t altered very much since it was constructed. Lord Abinger made alterations and enhancements to the house, for a visit by Queen Victoria. Old Inverlochy Castle is still an important part of Scottish and English history, because of the role it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s.

The Fascinating Jacobite Steam Train

A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an exciting way to experience the magnificent scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the port of Mallaig journey takes one on a magical journey through the glens. One of the most riveting elements of the journey is going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the majority of folk will know due to the fact that it has appeared in the films of the exploits of Harry Potter and his friends. The 84 mile journey takes you past Ben Nevis, Loch Morar and Loch Nevis, with a break in Glenfinnan before reaching Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to look around Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has often been declared, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the planet.

There is plenty of hotel accommodation in Fort William available to book online but you will find a comprehensive list of hotels in Fort William at http://www.fortwilliamhotelscotland.com/