Inverness, a city in the Highlands of Scotland is found in some of the most breathtaking countryside in Britain. In and around the city are many places associated with key moments in the history of Scotland, often these witnessed a large amount of suffering and violence. Of course Inverness has a amazing number of visitor attractions (and the number is always growing). In the paragraphs below I introduce readers to 3 visitor attractions in Inverness, Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery and Beauly Priory:

Beauly Priory

It was in the 13th century that Valliscaulian Monks founded a community at Beauly Priory. Sadly nobody has the evidence tofactual foundation date but it is commonly agreed roughly sometime during the year of 1230. Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat, was the patron and landowner of Beauly. The French monks and Sir John are those who named the community Beauly, coming from, ‘beau lieu’, the French for ‘beautiful place’. Sadly, Beauly Priory was abandoned following the 1582 Reformation and blocks of stone were thieved for use the building of other structures in the area. Beauly Priory was passed into state hands in 1913 and the ruins are now cared for by the organization Historic Scotland.

Inverness Castle

Over time there have been various structures where Inverness Castle is today, evidence shows that the site had a structure there as far back as 1057. The very first Inverness Castle was attacked by King Robert I of Scotland, and nearly destroyed. The current castle was designed and built by William Burn in 1836. The bold red sandstone castle, is positioned high on a cliff looking down onto the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite side. King James I of Scotland conducted parliament at Inverness Castle in the year 1427, and instructed all the Northern Chieftains to be in attendance. Shockingly 3 of these chieftains were later executed for supporting an independent sovereignty.

Inverness Museum (& Art Gallery)

Found in the Center of Inverness is the newly refurbished Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is well worth a visit especially if it is raining. Inside the museum it is possible to explore Scottish History and discover how the Highlands are connected with the rest of the world. It is also possible to learn about the folk of the Highlands, their traditions and culture. There are several different exhibitions featuring, costumes, textiles, fine arts, crafts, wildlife and archaeology.

If you are considering taking a vacation in the United Kingdom of Great Britain this year and you wishtake some time to consider spending a few days staying in Inverness. Finding hotel accommodation in Inverness online is relatively easy as many establishments have their own web site. Hotels in Inverness, small hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts are always of the finest quality and the Highlands are very well know for unrivalled hospitality, so you can be certain of have a wonderful time.