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Historic Sites - The entire Lochaber area has deep-rooted
associations with the Jacobite cause of the 17th and 18th centuries
and many links with that campaign are still in evidence today.
A tourist attraction that particularly appeals
to visitors from outwith Scotland is -
In addition, there are often exhibitions or presentations
giving an insight into the history of this area -
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Glenfinnan
Situated at the head of Loch Shiel this is
where the young pretender, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie
Prince Charlie) raised his standard on 19th August 1745 to
signal the start of the Jacobite rising with the aim of returning
a Stuart king to the throne. There is now a visitor centre
here and on the shore of the loch stands a memorial to commemorate
the Highland Soldiers who gallantly followed the prince. Some
miles further west by the shore of Loch nan Uamph a memorial
cairn marks the spot where the defeated prince left Scottish
soil for the last time on the 20th September 1746 to board
a French frigate bound for exile in France.
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Culloden Battlefield
Here on Drummossie Muir just outside Inverness
is the site of the last major battle to be fought on British
soil. This is where the Stuart cause finally ended on 16th
April 1746 when Prince Charlie's Army of some 5000 Highlanders
was defeated by superior Hanovarian forces commanded by the
Duke of Cumberland. In addition to experiencing an audio-visual
presentation in the visitor centre, one can see the various
'Graves of the Clans', the 'Well of the Dead' and 'Cumberland's
Stone' from where he directed his forces.
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Urquhart Castle
Set on a prominent site overlooking Loch Ness
of 'Nessie Monster' fame, but now a ruin, this was once one
of Scotland's largest castles. It was blown up by government
forces in 1692 to prevent its being occupied by the Jacobites.
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The Commando Memorial
This impressive memorial located by the A82
roadside just north of Spean Bridge holds a prominent position
overlooking the Great Glen. It commemorates the commando soldiers
who trained in this district before going off to do battle
in the Second World War.
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Old Inverlochy Castle
Dating from probably the 15th century and
now a ruin, this was the site of a battle
in 1431. In another battle near here in 1645 the legendary
Marquis of Montrose of Clan Graham defeated the Covenanters.
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Glencoe
This was the location of the infamous massacre
on 13th February 1692 when soldiers under the command of
Campbell of Glenlyon on a pre-arranged signal rose in the
middle of the night and turned on their hosts. More than
40 Macdonalds were slain, others escaped among the surrounding
hills, some to die and all the hamlets in the glen were
burned down. There is now a visitor centre nearby.
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Skye and Mull
Both of these scenic inner Hebridean Islands
lie very close to the west coast of the Scottish mainland
and each can be visited on a day trip either by private
car or by public transport. Skye is particularly noted for
it's spectacular Cuillin range of mountains and a circular
trip using the bridge and car ferry is possible by private
transport. Mull can also be visited in a circular tour by
utilising private transport and two ferries. From Mull tourists
can extend their trip to the small island of Iona on which
now stands an Abbey commemorating the introduction of Christianity
to Scotland by Saint Columba in 563. This was the burial
place of the early Scottish Kings and Chieftains.
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Glen Nevis Distillery
This was one of the first legalised distilleries
in the country having being founded in 1825. Now Japanese
owned, it is still operational and offers a visitor
centre and guided tours.
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Treasures of the Earth
Open all year, in nearby Corpach, the Treasures of the Earth exhibition displays stunning crystal gemstones and fossils set in simulated cave and cavern scenes.
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