historic scotland

The following Historic Scotland properties are all within easy reach of Big Sky Lodges

The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state.

Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen.

Urquhart witnessed considerable conflict throughout its 500 years as a medieval fortress and its history from the 13th to 17th centuries was particularly bloody. Following Edward I’s invasion, it fell into English hands and was then reclaimed and lost again. In the 14th century, it figured prominently in the Scots’ struggle for independence and came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he became King of Scots.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle and glen were frequently raided from the west by the ambitious MacDonald Lords of the Isles.

The castle’s history and that of the noble families – Durward, MacDonald and Grant – who held it, is told in the exhibition and audio-visual display in the new visitor centre. The Centre features an outstanding array of medieval artefacts found at the castle.

Visitors can relax in the café and visit the shop with its local crafts. The visitor centre contains retail, interpretation area, audio-visual presentation and tearoom and toilets on one level. Stunning views of the loch can be obtained from visitor centre veranda.

Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe.

Its garrison buildings, artillery defences bristling with cannon, and superb collection of arms – including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches – provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.

Positioned strategically on a promontory jutting into the Moray Firth, Fort George was intended as an impregnable army base – designed on a monumental scale using sophisticated defence standards. Today, it would cost nearly £1 billion. Within almost a mile of boundary walls was accommodation for a governor, officers, artillery detachment, and a 1600-strong infantry garrison. It also housed a magazine for 2,500 gunpowder barrels, ordnance and provision stores, a brewhouse and chapel.

When the fortress was completed in 1769, the Highlands were peaceful but it was maintained in readiness for action that never came, and has remained virtually unaltered. Visitors today can see historic barrack rooms which are a time capsule of the domestic life of the Scottish soldier.

Fort George is the only ancient monument in Scotland still functioning as intended – a working army barracks - but still welcoming visitors. A gift shop and café (seasonal) are among the attractions. The Regimental Museum of the Queen’s Own Highlanders is found at the property, while dolphins can often be seen from the ramparts. There is also a summer events programme.

The south aisle of the nave and chapter house survive at this beautiful red sandstone cathedral at Fortrose.

The cathedral was built in the first half of the 13th century, though it was extended and altered in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Earlier Bishops of Ross might have occupied a cathedral in Rosemarkie. However, the diocese of Ross wasn’t particularly wealthy, which is probably why the new cathedral was built on a relatively modest scale.

At the Reformation of the 1560s, the cathedral was used as the town’s church, although lead from its roof was granted to Lord Ruthven in 1572.

Charles I tried to encourage repairs in 1626 as part of his attempts to restructure the Church of Scotland on the same lines as the Anglican or English church.

Traditionally, Oliver Cromwell used stone from Fortrose Cathedral for building the new fort in Inverness.

The clock-turret is not an original part of the building, but is a later addition.

The sacristy and chapterhouse, those parts of the cathedral still standing in the 18th century were used for meetings of the town council and as a court-house. Unfortunately, these parts of the cathedral are currently closed to the public. The remainder of the cathedral site became a place of burial, and there are many fine post-Reformation gravestones and memorials here.

The cathedral was taken into state care in 1851 with restoration works taking place shortly afterwards. Further work took place in 1897 when collapsed masonry was removed from the site.

Overall, relatively little is known about the archaeology of the site, particularly the buildings that would have stood around the cathedral (the chanonry: things like guesthouses, lodgings for cathedral staff, workshops, the bishop’s official residence etc).

Home \| Glen Ord Distillery \| Cawdor Castle \| black isle brewery \| black isle wildlife park \| Falls of Shin \| National Trust Inverness \| historic scotland

	The following Historic Scotland properties are all within easy reach of Big Sky Lodges Urquhart Castle The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen. Urquhart witnessed considerable conflict throughout its 500 years as a medieval fortress and its history from the 13th to 17th centuries was particularly bloody. Following Edward I’s invasion, it fell into English hands and was then reclaimed and lost again. In the 14th century, it figured prominently in the Scots’ struggle for independence and came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he became King of Scots. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle and glen were frequently raided from the west by the ambitious MacDonald Lords of the Isles. The castle’s history and that of the noble families – Durward, MacDonald and Grant – who held it, is told in the exhibition and audio-visual display in the new visitor centre. The Centre features an outstanding array of medieval artefacts found at the castle. Visitors can relax in the café and visit the shop with its local crafts. The visitor centre contains retail, interpretation area, audio-visual presentation and tearoom and toilets on one level. Stunning views of the loch can be obtained from visitor centre veranda. Fort George Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe. Its garrison buildings, artillery defences bristling with cannon, and superb collection of arms – including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches – provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life. Positioned strategically on a promontory jutting into the Moray Firth, Fort George was intended as an impregnable army base – designed on a monumental scale using sophisticated defence standards. Today, it would cost nearly £1 billion. Within almost a mile of boundary walls was accommodation for a governor, officers, artillery detachment, and a 1600-strong infantry garrison. It also housed a magazine for 2,500 gunpowder barrels, ordnance and provision stores, a brewhouse and chapel. When the fortress was completed in 1769, the Highlands were peaceful but it was maintained in readiness for action that never came, and has remained virtually unaltered. Visitors today can see historic barrack rooms which are a time capsule of the domestic life of the Scottish soldier. Fort George is the only ancient monument in Scotland still functioning as intended – a working army barracks - but still welcoming visitors. A gift shop and café (seasonal) are among the attractions. The Regimental Museum of the Queen’s Own Highlanders is found at the property, while dolphins can often be seen from the ramparts. There is also a summer events programme. Fortrose Cathedral The south aisle of the nave and chapter house survive at this beautiful red sandstone cathedral at Fortrose. The cathedral was built in the first half of the 13th century, though it was extended and altered in the 14th and 15th centuries. Earlier Bishops of Ross might have occupied a cathedral in Rosemarkie. However, the diocese of Ross wasn’t particularly wealthy, which is probably why the new cathedral was built on a relatively modest scale. At the Reformation of the 1560s, the cathedral was used as the town’s church, although lead from its roof was granted to Lord Ruthven in 1572. Charles I tried to encourage repairs in 1626 as part of his attempts to restructure the Church of Scotland on the same lines as the Anglican or English church. Traditionally, Oliver Cromwell used stone from Fortrose Cathedral for building the new fort in Inverness. The clock-turret is not an original part of the building, but is a later addition. The sacristy and chapterhouse, those parts of the cathedral still standing in the 18th century were used for meetings of the town council and as a court-house. Unfortunately, these parts of the cathedral are currently closed to the public. The remainder of the cathedral site became a place of burial, and there are many fine post-Reformation gravestones and memorials here. The cathedral was taken into state care in 1851 with restoration works taking place shortly afterwards. Further work took place in 1897 when collapsed masonry was removed from the site. Overall, relatively little is known about the archaeology of the site, particularly the buildings that would have stood around the cathedral (the chanonry: things like guesthouses, lodgings for cathedral staff, workshops, the bishop’s official residence etc).
	Beauly Priory Beauly Priory was founded in about 1230 by one of the Bisset family, who were lords of the Aird to the west of Inverness. It later came under the protection of the Frasers of Lovat, who made some additions to the buildings. Towards the end of the Middle Ages the priory underwent a revival under the leadership of Robert Reid. abbot of Kinloss. By that time it had transferred its allegiance from the Valliscaulian to the Cistercian order. In the summer of 1564 Mary, Queen of Scots travelled through the Highlands to Easter Ross. She stopped at Beauly Priory before visiting Dingwall, capital of the Earldom of Ross. It is known that Mary was touched by the beauty of the priory, which was enhanced by a fine orchard. She is reputed to have said: "Oui, c'est un beau lieu" (Yes, it is a beautiful place), a pun on the name of the Priory, which is derived from Bello Loco, Latin for "beautiful place". Mary frequently stayed in monasteries during her progresses, because they had the necessary accommodation and supplies for royal guests. Her host, Walter Reid, was the Protestant commendator of Kinloss Abbey and Beauly Priory. During the civil wars, which followed the flight of Mary into England in 1568, Reid initially favoured the Queen's Party, but he later joined the King's Party, the supporters of the infant James VI.
Home \| Glen Ord Distillery \| Cawdor Castle \| black isle brewery \| black isle wildlife park \| Falls of Shin \| National Trust Inverness \| historic scotland

Urquhart Castle

Fort George

Fortrose Cathedral

Beauly Priory