Vacations In Scotland And Three Captivating Places To Visit In Inverness

Posted on February 15, 2009
Filed Under Europe

The Highland city of Inverness, Scotland is found in some of the finest countryside in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In and around Inverness are a number of important historic sites, frequently these witnessed a large amount of violence and human suffering. Obviously Inverness has a amazing selection of visitor attractions (and the number is continually increasing). In the following paragraphs I introduce 3 tourist attractions in Inverness, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, Beauly Priory and Inverness Castle:

Beauly Priory

It was in the 13th century that Valliscaulian Monks first set up a community at Beauly Priory. Unfortunately no-one has the evidence to say the accurate date of foundation but it is roughly sometime in the year 1230. At that time Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat, was the patron and landowner of Beauly. Sir John Bisset, together with the French monks, are those who named Beauly, coming from, ‘beau lieu’, the French for ‘beautiful place’. Unfortunately, Beauly Priory became deserted after the Scottish Reformation of 1582 and the stone was used in the building of other local structures. In 1913 the priory ruins were passed into state hands and it is now cared for by Historic Scotland.

Inverness Castle

There have been many structures on the site of Inverness Castle through the centuries, evidence shows that the site had a structure there as far back as 1057. King Robert I almost destroyed the very first Inverness Castle. Today’s castle was constructed and designed by William Burn in 1836. The bold castle, constructed of red sandstone, sits high on a cliff gazing down across the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite side. King James I of Scotland conducted parliament at Inverness Castle in 1427, and called all the Northern Chieftains to attend. Shockingly 3 of these chieftains were later killed for their support of an independent monarchy.

Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

Located in the Center of Inverness is the newly renovated Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is well worth a visit especially if the weather is wet and windy. Inside the museum visitors can enjoy Scottish History and find out how the Highlands are associated with the rest of the world. It is also possible to find out about the people of the Highlands, their traditions and culture. There are many different collections featuring, archaeology, wildlife, crafts, fine arts, textiles and costumes.

If you are thinking about a vacation in the UK this year and you hope in Scotland, you may wish to consider spending some time staying in Inverness. Finding Inverness hotel accommodation online is relatively easy as many establishments have their own web site. Hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts are always superb and the Highlands are very well know for unrivalled hospitality, so you can be certain of have a wonderful time.