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. | Location | 10km west of Nairn, 18km north east of Inverness off the A96.
Region - North and Grampian.
Grid reference NH 762 567
Post code IV2 7TD.
Cycle Routes - Site on the National Cycle Network
Public Transport - From Inverness train station, walk 4 mins to Queensgate POst Office. Take Rapsons bus no 11 (Fort George) to the Fort George Visitor Centre (34 mins).
| | Contact | Tel 01667 460232
| | Opening times | Summer (1 April - 30 September), Monday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Winter (1 October - 31 March), Monday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
The Regimental Museum is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm (Monday to Friday) in the Winter and from 11.00am to 6.00pm (all week).
| | 2007 Admission prices | Adult £6.50 Child £3.25 Concessions £5.00
Last ticket sold 45 min before closing time.
| | Cafe | The cafe is open daily all week during the summer and from 10.00am to 2.30pm (Monday to Saturday only) in the winter.
| | Accessibility | Shop and Catering - STB Category 2 and Toilets - STB Category 3.
Visitors with disabilities are normally asked on arrival about any help they may need. Two wheelchairs are available at the visitor centre.
Access is across level ground with some areas of granite sets to cross, where visitors using wheelchairs would need assistance.
All Historic Scotland areas are accessible, although grassed areas can be soft. The battlements have six sloped grass and concrete access ramps at a 20 degree slope. There is a slight step leading to the barrack rooms where all audio buttons and displays are accessible. There is normally a steward on duty in the Grand Magazine and barrack rooms.
Audio visuals
There is an audio visual presentation of The Fort George Story in English, French, German and Italian held in the casemate adjacent to the Camp Cinema. The ‘Music of the Redcoats’ is played in the officers’ guardroom at Principal Bridge. There are small gardens with seats to the north and south of the Principal Bridge.
Train service
During the summer, a train operates as transport for visitors on a circular route within the site with picking up and dropping off points. The train has been designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
Sound loop
Loop fitted in audio visual theatre and at cash will areas
Parking
Available 182m from Fort entrance.
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