History and heritage
Inverness has a long history, having evolved from an ancient fort to the Capital of the Highlands. The city and the surrounding area is now home to 65,000 people, but it was much smaller when St Columba visited the Royal Court of the Pictish King Brude (or Bridei) in 565AD. Legend has it that, in 1040, Macbeth, of Shakespeare fame, built his stronghold in Inverness. In 1158 King David of Scotland awarded Inverness its charter as a Royal Burgh.
Robert the Bruce, of spider fame, seized the first of the city's five castles from English forces in 1307 and, in 1562, Mary Queen of Scots had the Governor of Inverness Castle hanged for refusing her entry to the Burgh. Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite troops were defeated in the famous Battle of Culloden - the last battle on British soil - in 1746. Thereafter, Fort George - now considered the finest 18th century fort in Europe - was established just outside the city.
In 1822 the spectacular Caledonian Canal was completed by Thomas Telford, linking Inverness to the west coast of Scotland. In 1921 Inverness Town House hosted a historic meeting of the British Cabinet- the only Cabinet meeting of the British Government ever held outside London. A momentous day for Inverness came in 2001 when it was formally declared Scotland's newest city. For more information about this historic city, visit or contact Inverness Museum where a wealth of information awaits you.
insiderinsight
A local Tour de force!
Hop on one of our open top buses and take in a tour that covers most of the city's historic sights.Truly historic 'fare' at it's best.
Inverness Riverside Churches
Old St Stephen's Parish Church is the custodian for the Old High Church. The nine riverside churches are linked to form their own individual website.
Kirking of the Council
The Kirking of the Council is a significant tradition that dates back more than 400 years. It is an important partnership between the Old High Kirk and the Council that enables the Kirk to publicly ask God's blessing on the work of the elected Members and their Officials and for the Council to recognise the Christian community's contribution to the City of Inverness. This, the second Sunday in September is now an important date in the calendar of events for the City of Inverness - one that is highly valued by the Council and the Kirk.
Walking tours, rickshaw tours and car tours
For more information on tours with Happy-Tours click here.
Genealogy
If you are interested in your family history we have a dedicated reference room in Inverness Library. Consult old parish registers, census returns, grave stone inscriptions maps, council archives and lots more. Our genealogist can provide free short consultations and longer consultations can be booked for a fee.
For more information contact
http://www.highland.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/what-to-see/archives/highlandcouncilarchives/
