September is a great time to go on the road with your classic car and travel somewhere new. Scotland has plenty of beautiful cities to visit, with Inverness being one of the most sensational. The city has a rich, historical heritage. For example, the Gaelic King MacBeth, immortalised by Shakespeare held a castle within Inverness. Here are some of the must-see places to visit while you’re in the area.
Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle was said to have been built by Mael Coluim III of Scotland after he’d destroyed the castle ruled over by MacBeth. Located at the heart of the city, the castle has guarded the River Ness for centuries. In 1562, the castle was taken over by Clan Fraser and Clan Munro, who supported Mary Queen of Scots. Walk around the grounds and you’ll be able to get a full appreciation for the castle’s history.
Ness Islands
The Ness Islands form on the River Ness, creating a wonderful contrast between the city and nature. Once you cross one of the bridges onto the islands, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of Inverness on both sides of the river. The area is home to all kinds of wildlife, including seals, bats and deer.
Culloden Battlefield
Considered one of the bloodiest battles in the history of the UK, the Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation of the Jacobite Uprising. The battle only lasted an hour, but between 1500 and 2000 Jacobites were killed. Today, you can go to the visitor centre, which provides insight into the battle. Interactive exhibitions will allow you to follow characters who were a part of the conflict and there’s also a battlefield tour to get involved in.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Inverness Museum offers a look into the history of the Highlands. Various time periods are covered, ranging from the early clans, to the Jacobite rebellion. Even though the museum is small, you’ll find plenty to discover, such as the viking exhibition and a gallery of stunning contemporary art.
Clava Cairns
After you’ve explored Inverness, a place that’s worth seeing is the Clava cairns. Found east of the city, the cairns are a Bronze Age burial site. The area is about 4000 years old and provides a window into the lives of a prehistoric culture. Two of the cairns feature passage graves, which link their inner chambers with the outside world.
Going on a road trip to Inverness is a grand opportunity to broaden your horizons and see a different part of the UK
