Scotland
Inverness Inverness is often called the capital of the Highlands. Inverness means the mouth of the River Ness. It is an ancient settlement. In the 6th century AD St Columba is supposed to have visited the Pictish king Brude at his fortress there. Centuries later, in 1040, Macbeth is supposed to have murdered King Duncan at his castle, which stood on the site of Auld Castlehill. Early in the 12th century King David I (1124-1153) made Inverness a royal burgh. He also built a new castle. In the late 12th century King William the Lion gave Inverness 4 charters. (A charter was a document granting the townspeople certain rights). From 1180 a ditch and a wooden stockade surrounded Inverness. Medieval Inverness flourished. Many fishermen operated from Inverness and from the 13th century there was a shipbuilding industry there. Inverness was also a busy little port in the Middle Ages. The main exports were wool, fur and hides. By the middle of the 13th century there was a bridge over the River Ness. For centuries there was a wooden fort at Inverness but King David built a stone castle. This was largely destroyed by Robert the Bruce in the early 14th century but it was rebuilt early in the 15th century. In 1233 a Dominican Friary was founded in Inverness. The friars were like monks but instead of withdrawing from the world they went out to preach. Dominican monks were called black friars because of the colour of their costumes. The Middle Ages were a troubled time for Scotland. It was a violent and lawless age. Inverness suffered several disasters. Disaster struck when the Abbot of Arbroath’s men burned the friary and part of Inverness. (That was easily done since the buildings were of wood with thatched roofs. On the other hand if they burned they could be easily rebuilt.)
During the 16th century and the 17th century Inverness was a busy port and market town. In 1591 it was granted a new charter called the Golden Charter. In 1562 Queen Mary came to Inverness. She tried to enter the castle but the governor refused to admit her as his family had a disagreement with the Queen. She stayed somewhere else in the town but later the governor was hanged. Abertarff House was built about 1593. Then in 1644 the wooden bridge over the Ness collapsed. However it was a replaced by a stone bridge which survived until the 19th century. Then in 1652-1657, during the English occupation of Scotland, Cromwell’s men built a citadel in Inverness but it was demolished in 1662. Today only the clocktower (Cromwell’s Clocktower) remains. Dunbar’s Hospital (almshouses) were built in 1668 by Provost Alexander Dunbar, using building materials from the citadel. The Old Town Cross or Old Mercat Cross was erected in 1685. Nearby is the Clach-naCudain or stone of the tubs. Women would rest there coming from washing their clothes. Inverness Castle was enlarged in the early 18th century by George Wade. However the Jacobites captured the fort in March 1746. However after the Jacobites were crushed at Culloden in April government forces laid mines under the fort to destroy it. It is said that the Frenchman in charge of laying the mines was killed himself when they exploded early. After the collapse of the Jacobite rebellion the government erected Fort George some miles from Inverness. During the 18th century Inverness continued to be a busy port and market town. Citadel Quay was built in 1732. There was also a flourishing brewing industry in Inverness. Whiskey distilling first became important in Inverness in the late 18th century. The first bank in Inverness opened in 1775.
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Scotland adorns the Northern third of Great Britain. The capital is Edinburgh, Scotland’s 2nd largest city, while its largest is Glasgow. It is comprised of 790 islands which include the Northen Islands and the Hebrides. With a population of over 5,000,000 people, Scotland covers an area 31,510 square miles, divided into 3 main regions, the Highlands, Midland Valley, and the Southern Uplands. The official language is English, but Gaelic is also spoken there. Scotland’s climate has been referred to as oceanic and temperate, and if you visit in the summer it is wet and cool. Scotland has 5 main international airports, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow Prestwick, and Inverness. The currency used is the British Pound. As a US citizen visiting Scotland, no visa is required. There are many things to do while in Scotland. Being rich in history and culture, Scotland has a lot to offer, you can visit the castles, churches, and museums. When in the Highlands, get into the nightlife. Play a round of golf at St. Andrews or Inverness. Enjoy the latest epicurean faire’s for the palate at the many restaurants and pubs.
Historical grace meets contemporary elegance in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, the cobbled streets of Edinburgh are overlooked by some of the most famous landmarks in the world. Edinburgh has a unique charm and a spectacular skyline, which can be enjoyed from many of the vantage points around the city. A fulfilling holiday awaits you in Edinburgh. Holiday Inn Express has chosen our top ten favourite attractions for you to enjoy on your trip to this great city. Dominating the Edinburgh skyline, Edinburgh Castle sits atop Castle Rock, an extinct volcanic plug that elevates the formidable fortress high above the rest of the city. One of the most visited attractions in Scotland, parts of the castle date as far back to the 11th century. No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a trip to this historical haven. A popular tourist attraction since 1853, Camera Obscura is a fascinating activity for people of all ages to enjoy. Situated on the Royal Mile, ascend into the Victorian rooftop chamber to witness a marvellous optical illusion. and projected onto a viewing table.
Scotland Landsca
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