📌 Ardersier, Highland
★★★★
This colossal 18th century military base overlooks the Moray Firth opposite Chanonry Point, a short distance east from Inverness. Conceived in the wake of the nearby 1746 Battle of Culloden, the fortress took over two decades to build, by which time the Jacobite threat it was supposed to defend against had largely disappeared. Never mind: it subsequently served as an army barracks and in fact still does, currently being home to the Black Watch infantry battalion. Tourist destination and current military base therefore combine to create a fascinating “working” attraction, similar to Edinburgh Castle in some ways but much, much less crowded and nearly as interesting. 5 football fields’ worth of fort makes it easy to neglect aspects: don’t miss the large chapel, powder room, reconstructed barracks or Highlanders’ Museum. There are also great views over the Moray Firth, where – if you’re lucky – you might spot a dolphin or two.
🌍 Location
📌 At B9006 road end 1 mi north of Ardersier
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NH 763567
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.583603,-4.071328
❌ No public transport within 1 mi. Ardersier (1.5 mi) has a bus service, with footpath link to fort
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Daily
🎫 £10 adult / £6 child / free for Historic Environment Scotland members
