The most outstanding artillery fortification in Europe, Fort George was built following the 1745 Jacobite rebellion as a base for the army of George II. Work started in 1748 and was completed in 1769, at a cost at today's prices that would be around £1 billion.
The building of Fort George was a vast project, and up to 1000 men were employed. The fort was designed to the highest artillery fortification standards of the day. Within its walls there were barracks for the accommodation of an artillery detachment, and two infantry regiments of 1600 men. There was a Governor's house, powder magazine containing 2500 barrels of powder, brewhouse, bakehouse, various storehouses and a chapel. Its armaments included twelve 42-pounder cannons, four 32-pounders, twenty one 12-pounders, four 6-pounders and two 13 inch mortars.
Fort George, however, never saw a shot fired in anger. With the Highlands pacified, it soon became redundant. In the mid 19th century it was proposed to convert the fort into a prison. These proposals came to nothing. The reorganisation of the army in 1881 gave the fort new purpose. It became the regimental depot of the Seaforth Highlanders, and has remained an active army barracks ever since.
Fort George today is as imposing as when it was first built. Visitors can walk around the ramparts where there are splendid views out over the Moray Firth, and the possibility of seeing bottle-nosed dolphins. Two barrack rooms have been reconstructed to depict a soldier's life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
There is an interesting regimental museum, horse and cart rides, and living history displays in summer. Shop and café.
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| Open |
April to September, daily 9.30am – 6.30pm.
October to March, daily 9.30am – 4.30pm.
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| Admission / Cost |
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Adult £6.00, Child £2.40, Concessions £4.50.
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| Disabled Access |
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Access Level 3: Access for visitors with mobility difficulties. Reasonable wheelchair access. Assistance available on request. Disabled toilets wheelchair adapted. Two wheelchairs available at visitor centre.
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| Additional Information |
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Staffed property.
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| How to find us |
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6 miles west of Nairn, 11 miles north east of Inverness off the A96.
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Contact Information
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Fort George (HS)
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Ardersier
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By Inverness
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IV2 7TD
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Tel: 01667 460232
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| Website |
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Willkommen in Schottland
Bienvenue en Ecosse
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