Inverness, a city in the Scottish Highlands is found in some of the most beautiful countryside in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. There are a great many places, in and around the city, which have strong associations with important periods in Scottish history, frequently these places saw a great deal of suffering and violence. Happily the city of Inverness has a incredible collection of visitor attractions (and the number is continually increasing). In the following paragraphs I introduce 3 places to visit in Inverness Inverness Museum, Beauly Priory and Inverness Castle:
Beauly Priory
In the 13th century Monks, from the Valliscaulian order, set up a community at Beauly Priory. Sadly no-one has the information to say the accurate date of the foundation of the settlement but it is widely accepted that is was sometime around 1230. The landowner, and patron, of Beauly was Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat. The French monks, together with Bisset, are accredited with the naming of Beauly, derived from ‘beau lieu’ which means beautiful place in French. Unfortunately, the priory became deserted after the Reformation and stone from the walls were stolen for the building of other structures. In the year 1913 the ruins of Beauly Priory were handed over to the state for the nation and they are now looked after by Historic Scotland.
Inverness Castle
Over time there have been various structures where Inverness Castle is today, as far back as 1057 there was something there. King Robert I almost destroyed the very first Inverness Castle. The castle which sits on the site today was designed and built by William Burn in 1836. The bold structure, of red sandstone, sits on a cliff gazing down onto the the cathedral on the opposite side and the River Ness. King James I of Scotland held parliament at Inverness Castle in 1427, and called all the Northern Chieftains to attend. Shockingly 3 of these chieftains were later killed for asserting an independent monarchy.
Inverness Museum & Art Gallery
Found in Inverness town center is the recently refurbished Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is really worth visiting especially if the weather is poor. Inside the museum it is possible to investigate Scottish History and learn about how the Highlands are connected with the rest of the world. You can also find out about the people of the Highlands, their traditions and culture. There are several different exhibitions featuring, archaeology, wildlife, fine arts, crafts, textiles and costumes.
If you are considering taking a vacation in Great Britain this year and you wish to spend a short time in Scotland, take some time to consider spending a few days 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 the finest quality and the Highlands are well known for hospitality of the highest order, so you can be sure of have a wonderful time.
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