Abertarff House and Inverness is my second post from this wonderful city, with Inverness Museum and Art Gallery published a few days ago. I also mentioned a lovely story from Inverness in my June round-up, when I fed a crow.
I will start with Abertarff House, a National Trust property that is free to visit. When we arrived, we were the only ones and we had a lovely discussion with one of the staff. She told us about the history of the house, its features, and we also talked about the historical differences between England and Scotland when it comes to women’s role in society. It was fascinating.
Only a room on the ground floor can be visited, but it is worth it. There are boards with details about the house and Inverness.
The house was built in 1593. After James VI and I was crowned, he tried to impose King James’ bible, loosing support in Scotland. In Inverness, the city supported the Covenant, but the countryside supported the King. In March 1640, the council instructed people to acquire “powder and ball” to defend Inverness against the Royalists. The war had an astonishing impact upon the city, with important losses of goods, property, crops. The bridge over Ness was destructed as well. Famine followed and the war continued even after King Charles I was executed.
After the restoration, Inverness was at the centre of another battle, but this time between clans.
It was a lovely experience to visit Abertarff House. We both had a wonderful time. So, if you are in Inverness, take the time to visit the house and ask a few questions as well. It was funny to hear Edinburgh mentioned as a location in the south… considering that Edinburgh is 4 hours north from us and we are living in North West. But, the truth is that Edinburgh is about 2 hours south of Inverness.
From my short visit, I can say that Inverness is my favourite city in Scotland. The people are so friendly and nice and the city is beautiful and interesting.
The Victorian Market looks gorgeous. There are lots of things to buy from there.
The current Inverness Castle was designed by William Burn in the 1830s. Its purpose was to be a courthouse and jail. In the 1909 and 1932 there were landslides and that changed the eastern profile.
James I held a Parliament in 1427 – 1428. At that time, three clan chiefs were executed. The castle was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1562. The Captain refused entry and he was executed and his head was put on display. Before the Battle of Culloden (1746), 3,000 Jacobite followers seized the castle, plundered the stores for food and razed the site using explosives.
The views from the castle are amazing, even on a rainy day.
This is the statue of Flore MacDonald, the young woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape after the battle of Culloden.
Have you visited Inverness?
Scotland is super beautiful… its being common years ago I visited and the trip was awesome… the weather, water and we also explore some ancient places and they are beautiful, your post indeed wanna me visit it again, what are your favorite places?
My favourite were the ones related to the Monarchy, like Holyroodhouse and Balmoral, also Scone Palace.
My only visit to Scotland was decades ago and Inverness was not on the itinerary. You definitely make me want to visit!
Anca, I’ve never had THAT much of a yen to see Scotland but after seeing your posts, I am changing that thought — especially Inverness. I can see why you fell in love with this city. The history is fascinating and it has much to offer. Thanks for opening my eyes.
I love the facade on the Abertarff House. It is beautiful. How amazing that is has been there since 1593. The city looks so charming. Stunning castle that would have been a fancy looking jail.