Inverness is well-known as the capital of the northern Scotland and is truly the “Gateway to the Highlands“. The history of the city dates back to ancient times and is believed to have become a Pictish capital around the 6th century. Inverness has always played a pivotal role in Highland history and has recently become an even more popular tourist destination due to the hit novel and television series Outlander. Inverness is one of the smaller main cities in Scotland, which makes it very walkable, but there is still an abundance of history to explore. Below, I’ve listed 10 of my own favourite historical things to do in Inverness, Scotland.
1. Take a stroll down the high street.
The High Street in Inverness is a bustling pedestrianized area that is made up of shops, bars and restaurants. This area of the city once would have been a central marketplace and today is still a popular place for both tourists and locals to spend time. While wandering down the High Street, you’ll see a number of interesting historical sights, including the Inverness Townhouse and the Tolbooth Steeple (which is believed to have a bottle of whisky hidden in one of its spheres!). From the High Street you are also only a couple of minutes’ walk to the Victorian Market.
If walking along the High Street, I recommend continuing down to Bridge Street, where you will eventually reach the River Ness. From here you’ll great a great view of the historic city. A great thing about Inverness is that it’s very walkable, and starting at the High Street will put you in the centre of the action.
2. See the Flora MacDonald statue at Inverness Castle.
On the banks of the River Ness lies Inverness Castle. While there has been a castle on this site since the 11th century, the current building dates back to the 19th century. At the moment, it is used as a courthouse, although there are plans to transform it into a museum.
The highlight of Inverness Castle is the Flora MacDonald statue, which stands out front. Flora MacDonald is one of the most famous Scottish heroines, credited with helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape “over the sea to Skye” after losing the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The statue depicts Flora looking out over the Great Glen, towards her home on the Isle of Skye. Visitors travel from around the world to view the statue and see for themselves the breathtaking view out towards the Highlands.
3. Explore the history of the Jacobites at the Old High Church.
The Old High Church is home to the oldest congregation in Inverness and the site is where St. Columba is believed to have preached in the 6th century. Parts of the building date back to the 15th or 16th century, with much of the current church having been completed in the 1770s. The graveyard is also fascinating to explore, as some of the headstones date back as far as the early 1700s.
The church has a strong, yet sad, Jacobite connection. It is where Jacobite prisoners were held after the Battle of Culloden and subsequently executed. Outside in the graveyard, there are two headstones associated with the Jacobite executions, one that the prisoners were sat on, and another that was used to prop up the gun used for firing. Because of its Jacobite connection, the Old High Church has become a popular tourist destination for fans of the hit book and television series Outlander. The church is mentioned in the books and some of the Jacobite characters suffered a similar fate as the real prisoners.
4. Take a day trip to Culloden Battlefield.
Continuing on with Jacobite history, if you’re making the trip to Inverness I highly recommend taking a trip out to Culloden Battlefield. On the 16th of April, 1746, the final battle in the Jacobite uprising took place on Culloden Moor, located approximately 10 kilometres from Inverness. The Jacobites, led by Charles Edward Stuart (often referred to as Bonnie Prince Charlie) were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland and his troops. The Battle of Culloden is often viewed as one of the most significant events in Scottish history, due to the fact that is essentially ended the traditional Highland way of life for many of the clans. Out of the 1,300 deaths on that day, it is estimated that about 1,250 of them were Jacobites.
Today, visitors can explore the battlefield, marked by the clan graves of those who fought and ultimately lost their lives. You can also explore the visitor centre, which includes a 360-degree battle immersion theatre that explains what happened on the day. In my opinion, Culloden Battlefield is a must-visit for those with an interest in Scottish history as it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the history of such an important, yet tragic, day.
5. Listen to traditional Scottish folk music at Hootananny.
Next, I believe there’s nothing better than some toe-tapping music to shake off a long day of heavy history… and this is exactly what you’ll find at Hootananny! This old Victorian sweet shop was transformed into a lively pub and music venue and is a great place to spend your evening. On the ground floor of the venue you’ll find traditional Scottish music (which is my personal favourite), with a mix of rock, indie, hip-hop and ska music on the upper floors. If you’re able to catch a Scottish ceilidh while you’re there, even better! This traditional Scottish dance party is definitely a memorable experience.
6. Visit Leakey’s Bookshop, one of Scotland’s largest second-hand book stores.
Leakey’s bookshop is a paradise for historians and avid readers alike. The bookshop is located in what used to be in the Old Gaelic Church in the city centre. The building itself is historical as it was originally constructed in 1692 and then rebuilt in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Inside, you’ll find the walls lined with an assortment of books ready to be picked up off the shelf. There are a number of sections to explore including an extensive Scottish history section, perfect for further reading on your favourite sites. If you climb the old spiral staircase, you’ll get the best view of the bookshop and can see what the building would have looked like as a church all those years ago. If you’re like me and find solace in old bookstores, Leakey’s is one you don’t want to miss!
7. Have a drink at The Gellions, the oldest pub in Inverness.
The Gellions is a fantastic old pub located on Bridge Street, just along from the High Street. The pub has been continuously trading since 1841, although possibly even longer. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and try some local whisky, gin or beer. The Gellions also has live music seven nights a week and is a great place to discover Scottish talent. Whether you have time for a drink, a meal or live music, I would definitely recommend popping in to say you’ve been in the oldest pub in the Highland capital!
8. Learn about the history of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
If you’re looking to learn more about the history of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands, then the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a good place to visit. Located just beside Inverness Castle, the museum tells the story of the Highlands from pre-historic times, right up until much more recent history. There are a number of interesting artifacts to explore inside, including items that relate to the Jacobite Risings. The galleries also feature work from local artists and crafters and I felt overall the museum gave a good sense of the city’s heritage and culture. The museum is on the smaller-side so doesn’t have to take much time to wander through, and remember, most museums in Scotland are free, although it’s always nice to leave a donation if you’re able to.
9. Visit Abertaff House, the oldest house in Inverness.
Abertaff House is a unique building within the city as it is the oldest secular house in Inverness. The house was built in 1593 although much of the information on its ownership remains a mystery. We do know the house has a connection to the Frasers of Lovat as it was purchased by Colonel Archibald Fraser (son of the infamous Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat – and another character Outlander fans might recognize) in the early 1800s. Since 1963, the house has been under the care of the National Trust for Scotland who have done a lot of work to preserve it.
Visitors to Abertaff House can explore both the exterior of the house as well as the small museum inside. Admission to the house is free and is a great place to learn about what life would have been like in a townhouse in 17th century Inverness.
10. Take a trip out to Loch Ness to see if you can spot the Loch Ness Monster.
Now, I realize this is another trip outside of the city but, in my opinion, a trip to Loch Ness is a must-do while visiting Inverness. Loch Ness is located just outside of the city and can either be reached by driving or taking a tour from the city centre. Personally, I would recommend travelling the 25-minute drive to Urquhart Castle, where you’ll get some of the best views of the Loch.
Loch Ness is home to the famous Loch Ness Monster (affectionately known in Scotland as Nessie), the sea monster who is believed to live beneath the water. While it’s never officially been proven the monsters exists, there have been a number of supposed sightings over the years. Urquhart Castle also sits on the banks of Loch Ness and has its own fascinating history throughout the centuries. If you visit Urquhart Castle, you’ll get the explore the ruins as well as take look for Nessie out on the water. There’s also a fabulous visitor centre which tells the story of the castle and the legend of the monsters who lurks near it. For the shoppers among you, I also think the gift shop at Urquhart Castle is one of the best I’ve been to!