Moving farther north, we found ourselves exploring the countryside around Inverness. Just east of Inverness, at the mouth of the Moray Firth, is the 18th century military fortress of Fort George. It was built in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745, replacing an older fort which was overtaken and consequently blown up by the Jacobites. Constructed in a geometric star pattern, it remains virtually unaltered since the time it was built. That being said, the fort has been in continuous use as a garrison for the British Army. Currently it is home to the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland. The fort is slated for closure as an active military site in 2032, since it is, “no longer needed because the Highland rebellions are over.”
A little transmission problem sent the Thunder Puffin to the mechanic for a day
Approaching Fort George’s ravelin, a free-standing defensive structure with guardhouse
Chris, giving his best Black Watch stare, at the archway before the barracks buildings
A cozy little look out turret, at Fort George
The Grand Magazine where barrels of gun powder were stored
Raised wooden walkway entrance, complete with drawbridge, crossing the deep ditch between bastions
The bastions are faceted and angled with projections so that every wall face is covered by fire from guns sited atop other walls
They referred to the surrounding ditch as the, “killing ground.”
The Insh Marshes in the Cairngorms National Park, which lay to the East of Inverness
Allt an Torra Chruaidh, a tributary of the River Spey, which cuts through the Insh Marshes
Another fascinating stop
Gotta keep exploring, especially when the sun is out!🌞