The List

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 a 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. Within almost a mile of boundary walls was accommodation for a governor, officers, artillery detachment, and a 1,600-strong infantry garrison. 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 -- yet welcoming visitors. The Regimental Museum of the Queen’s Own Highlanders is here. There is also a summer living history programme, free audio tour in six languages, as well as a children’s trail. Visitors can also enjoy a shop selling a wide range of gifts and a café. 6m W of Nairn, 11m NE of Inverness off the A96 Open all year. Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing. Café open limited hours in winter Admission: Adult £6.70 Child £3.35 Concessions £5.20 Wheelchairs available VisitScotland grading ★★★★

What's On @ Fort George

Celebration of the Centuries

Celebration of the Centuries

9 Aug 2025 - 10 Aug 2025

Fort George is once again set to host Celebration of the Centuries - our largest re-enactment event. In this weekend long celebration, re-enactors will bring the mighty fortress to life with a living timeline depicting over two thousand years of Scottish history. Wander through the living history camps, dating back to Picts and Romans, dance along to our big band in our Forties zone and watch as stunt horse riders from the TV series Outlander dramatically tell the tale of the Highlander Lady saved from capture by the Redcoats. During the course of public events we may take photographs for use on our website or other promotional material. This would be done under the lawful basis of legitimate interests. We will not take photographs of individual children without your consent. If you have any questions about this or do not wish to be photographed please speak to the photographer, or see our privacy notice for more information about how we manage your data and your rights. You can also contact our Data Protection officer at [email protected]
Seeds of Time: Scottish Gardens 1600 to present day
For many of us gardens and green spaces are an important part of our lives, providing us with places to relax, disconnect, or grow food in, but they can also tell us something about the past. They reveal to us the stories of the people who used and shaped them and the wider world in which they lived. This exhibition, using material from our archives, explores the what we can learn about Scotland from our gardens, from the grand design of the aristocracy, to the role of empire in revolutionising plant diversity at home, to city allotments.

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