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Fort William is now the largest town in the Highlands (as Inverness became a city). Fort William is an immensely popular tourist center with countless visitors appearing to go hill walking on Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland and Britain. In the article that follows I introduce 3 different attractions well worth visiting if you are staying in Fort William.

The Informative West Highland Museum

The West Highland Museum in Fort William was founded in 1922. A group of people from Lochaber wanted to create a museum, about life in the Highlands, for the people of the Highlands. The present building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and is situated in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Fascinating and small is how some people describe the museum. The exhibits in the museum present a delightful insight into life in the West Highlands throughout the years. People from all walks of life are represented, through the fascinating collections of artefact’s, photograph’s and picture’s

The Grand Old Inverlochy Castle

There are two Inverlochy Castle’s in Fort William, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the newer Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, built in the village of Torlundy (which is now a luxury hotel). The Old castle was rumoured to of been erected between 1270-1280, by John “the Black” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Even though the castle is ruined, the layout has not changed much since it was erected. Lord Abinger made alterations and enhancements to the house, in preparation of a visit by Queen Victoria. Old Inverlochy Castle remains an important part of Scottish and English history, due to the role it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s.

The Fascinating Jacobite Steam Train

An excursion on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an exhilarating way to explore the awe inspiring scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the Mallaig trip takes you on a breathtaking trip through the glens. One of the most sensational elements of the trip is going across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the majority of folk|people will be familiar with because of the fact that it was used in the films about Harry Potter. The 84 mile journey takes you past Ben Nevis, Loch Nevis and Loch Morar, with a stop in Glenfinnan before arriving in Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to discover Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has repeatedly been declared, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World.

There is plenty of accommodation in Fort William available to book online but you will find a comprehensive list of hotels in Fort William at http://www.fortwilliamhotelscotland.com/