Fort George

Fort George is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, covering 42 acres on a promontory jutting into the Moray Firth near Inverness. Built in the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite rising to pacify the Highlands, it was designed to be impregnable – and it has never been attacked. The fort remains an active military base and houses the Highlanders' Museum (the regimental museum of the Queen's Own Highlanders). The ramparts offer excellent views across the Moray Firth, where bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted.

History

The British Government commissioned Fort George in 1748, three years after the Battle of Culloden, as part of a chain of fortifications to prevent further Highland uprisings. Designed by military engineer William Skinner, it took 21 years and an enormous sum (equivalent to over £1 billion today) to build. The fort has housed soldiers continuously since 1769 – it is one of the finest 18th-century military fortifications in Europe.

Visiting Fort George

Open year-round. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Allow 2 hours for the fort, ramparts, magazine and Highlanders' Museum. Bring binoculars for dolphin-watching from the ramparts. Fort George is about 20 minutes from Inverness, near Ardersier.

Highlights

• Britain's mightiest artillery fortification – 42 acres
• Built after Culloden to pacify the Highlands
• Bottlenose dolphins visible from the ramparts
• Highlanders' Museum with regimental history and artefacts

Private tours including Fort George

We can include Fort George in a private tour with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury Mercedes vehicle. Pick-up from your hotel, airport or cruise port.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Fort George?

Open year-round. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Allow 2 hours for the fort, ramparts, magazine and Highlanders' Museum. Bring binoculars for dolphin-watching from the ramparts. Fort George is about 20 minutes from Inverness, near Ardersier.

When was Fort George built?

Fort George dates from 1769. It is classified as a artillery fortress and is located in Ardersier, near Inverness.

How do I get to Fort George?

Fort George is in Ardersier, near Inverness, Inverness-shire. We offer private tours that include Fort George with door-to-door transport in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide.