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InvernessCity/Region: The Highlands
Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands; the town itself has not got much to shout about but nearby are some interesting attractions. Twenty miles (32km) east of Inverness is the low-key resort of Nairn, on the Moray Firth, with its long white beaches and championship golf course, venue of the 1999 Walker Cup. Nearby is the magnificent Cawdor Castle that was featured in Shakespeare's Macbeth, and Fort George, one of several Hanoverian bastions erected in the wake of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. The infamous battle and ensuing
massacre that ended in Bonne Prince Charlie's uprising took place on the outskirts of Inverness at Culloden and was the last major battle to take place on British soil. Fort George is one of the most outstanding military fortifications to be found anywhere in Europe. Designed to intimidate the Jacobite Highlanders, Fort George has never seen a shot fired in anger, although today, more than 200 years after it was completed, it is still a working garrison. There is an interesting visitors center in Culloden, which tells the story of the Jacobite uprising.
Fort WilliamCity/Region: The Highlands
Around Fort William are some of the Highland's finest natural attractions. Ben Nevis is just to the south of the town and at 4406ft (1,344m) is Britain's highest mountain. It is a very popular challenge for walkers, but should not be taken lightly, and although the mountain is not massive by international standards, the walk starts near sea level. Climbers should also be prepared for the unpredictable Scottish weather that can quickly turn to sub-arctic temperatures at any time of year. The striking scenery of Aviemore, Cairngorm and Glencoe is nearby; in winter the area opens for skiing, but expect blizzards. Fort William is also a good starting point for the West Highland Way, a footpath that runs along the West coast down to Glasgow. The town itself is peaceful and offers a selection of fine hotels and restaurants.
Isle of SkyeCity/Region: The Highlands
Linked to the mainland by the Skye Bridge in 1995, Skye is the most scenic and easily accessible of Scotland's many islands and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The weather is unpredictable, but when the sun shines there are few more beautiful places in Europe - it is an island of rough textures, soft colors and fine light that whispers of romance and escape. It was here that Flora Macdonald helped Bonne Prince Charlie escape to France and it is said that they had a short relationship. There is a display on the escape at the Skye Museum of Island Life, and Flora Macdonald's grave lies nearby. Towards the west of the island is Dunvegan Castle, home to the chiefs of MacLeod for over 700 years, and Skye's most famous historical landmark. It has some fascinating exhibits, lovely gardens and a restaurant. Despite a rich and cruel history, which includes Viking invasions and bitter clan feuds, Skye has retained its strong traditions and has a thriving Gaelic culture - the majority still speak Gaelic as their first language. Skye lies on the northwest coast of Scotland, about 250 miles (402km) by car from Edinburgh.
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