Battlefields, Fortresses, Museums, Historical Sites
Burghead Fort & Visitor Centre – The site of the former coastguard lookout has now been adapted for use as a visitor centre. It will take visitors through the history of the area from about 400AD to the present time.
To adapt the lookout building which was built on the inner rampart of the fort, over 300 tons of rubble put there by the Picts some 1500 years ago was removed by hand. www.burghead.com – 01343 835518
Culloden Battlefield – a visit to the site of the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil takes on a whole new meaning with the opening of an exciting new visitor centre and interactive exhibition.
The battlefield itself is now restored to as close as possible to that marched on by the two sides on that fateful day.
Come and find out why this battle that lasted only one hour changed the way of life of the Highlands and Islands for ever. www.nts.org.uk/culloden/ – 0844 493 2159
Elgin Museum – is run by The Moray Society and is Moray’s oldest independent museum.
The fossils exhibits and Pictish stones are internationally renowned. From among the museum’s 36,000 items there is a Roman hoard on display which was discovered on a local dig.
The curator, an expert on Roman history, is on hand to share his knowledge. www.elginmuseum.org.uk – 01343 543675
Falconer Museum – in the centre of Forres, the museum contains a wealth of information about Moray’s heritage and the history of the town as well as telling you about famous local people.
Admission is free. www.falconermuseum.co.uk– 01309 696261
Findhorn Visitor Centre & Ice House – discover the secrets of the sands where the story is told from prehistoric times to the present day.
Examine the 150 year old underground chambers that kept the salmon chilled before its journey to London. www.findhorn-heritage.co.uk – 01309 690659
Fort George is quite simply the finest example of 18th-century military engineering you’ll find anywhere in the British Isles. This vast garrison fortress was begun in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden (1746), which crushed the final Jacobite Rising.
It took over 20 years to complete and in the event it was never attacked. It remains virtually unaltered today, and still serves as an important military base. Find out more – 01667 460232
Nairn Museum – is situated in Viewfield House and offers visitors and locals alike a fascinating insight into the life and times of the town and surrounding area over the centuries. The wide range of permanent displays feature various aspects of Nairn’s history. Each year there is also a special programme of visiting exhibitions. www.nairnmuseum.co.uk – 01667 456791
Nelson Tower – the first built monument to Lord Nelson, get a bird’s eye view of Forres from the viewing area on the roof – after you’ve climbed the 96 steps! Find out more – 01309 696261
River Findhorn Heritage Centre – is based at the Logie Steading, just 6 miles south of Forres.
The Centre is in part of converted sandstone farm buildings which also house arts and crafts workshops including a furniture restorer, trompe l’oeil artist, dressmaker and leatherworker. In addition there is a farm and garden shop, art gallery exhibiting contemporary Scottish work, a café and a secondhand bookshop. www.logie.co.uk – 01309 690659.