Inverness Weekend City Breaks And A Selection Of Top Class Visitor Attractions to Visit
Inverness, in the Scottish Highlands, is set in some of the most incredible countryside in Scotland. In and around Inverness are a number of important historic sites, frequently these places lay witness to a large amount of human suffering and violence. Thankfully Inverness has a amazing number of visitor attractions (and the number is continually increasing). In the following paragraphs I introduce readers to 3 places to visit in Inverness Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum and Beauly Priory:
Beauly Priory
It was in the 13th century that Valliscaulian Monks founded a community at Beauly Priory. Unfortunately no-one has the ability to say the accurate date of foundation but it is widely accepted that is would have been sometime around 1230. At that time Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat, was the landowner and patron of Beauly. The French monks and Sir John are accredited with the naming of Beauly, coming from, ‘beau lieu’, the French for ‘beautiful place’. Sadly, the priory was abandoned after the Scottish Reformation of 1582 and stone from the walls were thieved for use the construction 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
Throughout the centuries there have been many structures on the site of Inverness Castle, as far back as 1057 there was something there. The first Inverness Castle was almost destroyed by an attack by King Robert I of Scotland. Today’s castle was built and designed , in 1836, by William Burn. The picturesque structure, of red sandstone, is perched on a cliff gazing down onto the the cathedral on the opposite side and the River Ness. King James I of Scotland held parliament in Inverness Castle in 1427, and called all the Northern Chieftains to attend. Horrifically three of these chieftains were later condemed to death for asserting an independent sovereignty.
Inverness Museum
Situated in the Center of Inverness is the recently renovated Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is well worth a visit especially if it is wet and windy weather. Inside the museum you can enjoy Scottish History and learn about how the Highlands are linked with the rest of the world. It is also possible to find out about the folk of the Highlands, their traditions and culture. There are several different exhibitions featuring, wildlife, archaeology, fine arts, crafts, costumes and textiles.
If you are planning a vacation in Great Britain this year and you plan to spend a short time in Scotland, think about 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 superb and Inverness is very well know for unrivalled hospitality, so you can be sure of have a wonderful time.