A new exhibition revealing the remarkable history of Fort George has been installed in the expansive stronghold, which was built almost 250 years ago.
The fort sits within massive grass-topped artillery defences on an isolated spit of land 11 miles north east of Inverness. Built in the wake of the Battle of Culloden over a 22 year period by Hanoverian kings George II and George III, the site covers more than 42 acres and contains army barracks, gun batteries, ammunition stores and a chapel.
The 18 new exhibition panels explain why the fort was built, explore the way castles evolved into forts, and look at the influences of siege warfare and the military theories on its design.
Steve Farrar, Interpretation Officer for Historic Environment Scotland, said:
The new interpretation tells the story of how the fort was built to control the Highlands after the last Jacobite Rising and includes eye-witness accounts of 18th-century sieges.
“We have also added two interactive displays to the exhibition, including one that involves building a castle and fort rampart, then attempting to demolish them with squash balls. It’s a bit like a game of pinball, and it’s a great way to show how these defences coped with artillery fire.”
The exhibition has been installed as part of an ongoing programme of research and interpretation by Historic Environment Scotland. It is designed to complement the visitor offering at the fort, which includes the recreated historic barrack rooms, the grand magazine that displays a priceless collection of 18th-century guns and military equipment and the Highlanders Museum.
Visitors can also walk around the ramparts for spectacular views over the Moray Firth. From Point Battery, it is often possible to spot wildlife including dolphins.
For further information on opening hours and access, visit our website
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- As of the 1st October 2015, Historic Scotland and RCAHMS came together to form a new lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. The new body Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
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Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016
2016 is the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design (IAD). Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland's position as an "innovation nation", its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed creative industries sector. This is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland and supported by a variety of partners.
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Ali George
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
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