Inverness, a city in the Scottish Highlands is set in some of the most awe inspiring countryside in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In and around Inverness are a number of important historic sites, frequently these places saw an immeasurable amount of violence and human suffering. Thankfully the city of Inverness has a incredible number of tourist attractions (and the number is continually growing). In the following paragraphs I introduce 3 places to visit in Inverness Inverness Castle, Beauly Priory and Inverness Museum:
Beauly Priory
Monks, from the Valliscaulian order, set up a community at Beauly Priory in 13th century. Sadly no-one has the evidence to state the accurate date of foundation but it is commonly accepted that is would have been roughly around 1230. The patron, and landowner, of Beauly, was Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat. The French monks and Bisset are those who named the place Beauly, from the French ‘beau lieu’ meaning ‘beautiful place’. Unfortunately, the priory at Beauly became deserted after the Scottish Reformation and stone from the walls were stolen for the construction of other structures in the area. In 1913 the priory ruins were passed into state hands and it is now cared for by Historic Scotland.
Inverness Castle
Over the centuries there have been various structures on the site where you can now see Inverness Castle, some dating as far back as 1057. King Robert I, of Scotland, almost destroyed the very first Inverness Castle. The castle which stands today was designed and built by William Burn in 1836. The bold red sandstone building, sits at the top of a cliff gazing down over the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite side. King James I, of Scotland, held parliament in Inverness Castle in the year 1427, and called all the Northern Chieftains to attend. Shockingly three of these chieftains were later killed for supporting an independent monarchy.
Inverness Museum
Found in Inverness town center is the recently refurbished Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is really worth visiting especially if it is wet and windy weather. Inside the museum one can enjoy Scottish History and discover how the Highlands are linked with the rest of the world. You can also find out about the folk of the Highlands, their culture and traditions. There are many different exhibitions featuring, costumes, textiles, wildlife, archaeology, crafts and fine arts.
If you are considering taking a vacation in the United Kingdom this year and you plan to spend a short time 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 in Inverness, small hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts are always of superb quality and the Highlands are renowned for hospitality of the highest order, so you can be sure of have a most incredible time.
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