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Scotland Attractions |
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Though it is the capital of the Highlands, the first impression of Inverness is that of a modern town with few signs of antiquity - because, in ancient days, as a meeting point of Highland and Lowland, it was a place of conflict. Clan Donald is said to have burned the town at least seven times, while Bonnie Prince Charlie's forces destroyed the fort here in 1745. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery displays the heritage of the area, from archaeology to natural history. Inverness Castle, dating from the1830s, is a castellated prominent gothic-style building in red sandstone, now the setting of the Castle Garrison Encounter, a costume re-enactment of life for an 18th-century soldier. Come and enjoy Highland collections in the heart of the Highland Capital! Inverness Castle Inverness Castle was built on the site of an earlier fortress in 1835 and sits on a low cliff overlooking the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite bank. It is thought that 11th-century castle which featured in Shakepeare's play Macbeth (even though there is no historical evidence to suggest that it was where Duncan I was murdered) was in fact located to the east of the present castle. Originally built of wood, it was replaced by a fortress of stone on Castle Hill. Apparently there have been sightings of the ghost of King Duncan walking along the banks of the River Ness in full regalia. Inverness Leisure Centre Situated within walking distance of the town centre and adjacent to the Aquadome, Inverness Sports Centre is a first class venue capable of hosting major sporting and non-sporting events. In fact, Inverness Sports Centre has something for everyone. The superb indoor facilities not only provide space for competition and exercise, they also provide numerous opportunities for you to relax and enjoy yourself. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is situated in the historic centre of the city at the foot of the Castle hill. Inverness’ first museum was opened in 1826 by the ‘Northern Institute for the promotion of Science and Literature’. Its collections were inherited by the current museum, which was founded on the current site in 1880. Since then the museum has undergone a number of transformations, most recently in 2006, when the building was extensively refurbished with a range of new displays and visitor facilities. The exhibitions begin on the ground floor with geology and natural history as well as the rich archaeological heritage of the Highlands. The displays continue on the first floor, now accessible by lift, with the more recent history of the Highlands. Here you will find Jacobite memorabilia, Inverness silverware, authentic Highland weapons and bagpipes. |
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