To See
HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The Highlands is home to numerous castles and strongholds steeped in history, legend and romance.
Fort George
Fort George is a large 18th century fortress near Inverness with perhaps the mightiest artillery fortifications in Europe. Built on a barren spit of land jutting into the Moray Firth at Ardersier, the fortress has never been attacked, and has remained in continuous use as a garrison. Fort George still serves as army barracks and remains virtually unaltered and is open to visitors with exhibits and recreations showing use at different periods.
Castles
The Highlands of Scotland are blessed with an array of picturesque and romantic castles. Cawdor Castle is a superb fairy-tale Castle home of the Cawdor family to this day. It is located 15 miles outside of Inverness and has a magical name linked with Shakespeare's Macbeth. The atmospheric and historic ruins of Urquhart Castle overlook the water of Loch Ness, surrounded by some of Scotland's most stunning Highland scenery. Home of the Clan Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle is set in magnificent formal gardens 1 hour from Inverness and contains an outstanding collection of paintings, furniture, tapestries and silver.
VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Immerse yourself in the area's outstanding heritage and stunning scenery with one of the many exciting and award winning visitor attractions on offer.
Culloden Battlefield
Culloden Battlefield is the scene of the last battle fought on British soil - a location famed for changing the way of life in the Highlands and Islands. Recently renovated, the new visitor and exhibition centre allows the historic story of Culloden to be told in an innovative way which appeals to all ages. Using interactive characters that witnessed or were involved in the battle and incorporating the latest historical and archaeological evidence, the visitor centre and exhibition tells the course of events through fresh eyes.
Jacobite - Experience Loch Ness
For the finest way to see Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, enjoy a luxury cruise with Jacobite - Experience Loch Ness. Jacobite offers not just cruises but a wide selection of tours, from one hour to a full day, available throughout the year. With options to visit Urquhart Castle and the award winning Loch Ness 2000 Monster Exhibition, Jacobite invites you to truly experience Loch Ness.
EcoVentures
Located at the heart of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, EcoVentures offers an exhilarating and memorable boat trip experience, accompanied with the chance to catch a glimpse of the resident Bottlenose Dolphins. Experience the thrill aboard the high speed, offshore RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) and share firsthand the unique scenery, wildlife and history of the area.
ARTS AND CULTURE
With outdoor music festivals, lively comedy and music venues, exciting book festivals, independent film festivals, festivals celebrating local food and drink, agricultural and game fairs, a network of art galleries and a newly refurbished theatre, the Highlands has a vibrant and dynamic arts and cultural scene.
Eden Court Theatre
Eden Court Theatre is a large theatre, cinema and arts venue situated in the centre of Inverness. The theatre has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and is now the largest combined arts centre in Scotland. With the reconstruction complete the theatre now has two auditoriums, two cinemas and two performance/dance studios. The theatre's restaurant and bar facilities have also been totally overhauled and improved.
Art Galleries
Visit Kilmorack Gallery near Beauly which specialises in sculpture, paintings and ceramics by leading contemporary Scottish artists. Inchmore Gallery, located in Kirkhill is claimed to be the most progressive and stimulating art gallery in the Highlands. Tore Art Gallery is the largest gallery in the Highlands of Scotland and the Castle Gallery in Inverness was described in the 'Independent' newspaper as one of the best reasons to visit Inverness.
FESTIVALS
There are festivals for almost everyone's taste: books, film, food and drink, visual arts and crafts, and music of all styles - jazz, classical, folk, traditional, rock, pop and dance.
In recent years, the Scottish Highlands have firmly established their position on the UK festival circuit. Music festivals include Rockness, a festival of alterative rock, indie rock, dance, eletronic music and hip hop, all taking place on the shores of Loch Ness. Belladrum is a smaller festival featuring an eclectic mix of music and performing arts whilst Blas focuses on Gaelic music and Highland culture.
Other festivals include the Inverness Book Festival, the Inverness Film Festival, the Nairn Book & Arts Festival, the Aviemore & the Cairngorms Walking and Mountain Festival and much more.
For a full list of festivals please visit www.hi-arts.co.uk/festivals
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