Fort George is perhaps the most impressive piece of military architecture in the British Isles. Built between 1748 and 1769, it was commissioned by King George II following the Jacobite Rising of 1745. The goal was simple: to create a fortress so massive and so technologically advanced that no Highland army would ever dare to rise against the Crown again. It was designed by William Adam and completed by his sons, costing over £200,000—more than the total annual tax revenue of Scotland at the time.

The fort is built using a “trace italienne” or star-fort design. Unlike medieval castles with tall, thin walls that would shatter under cannon fire, Fort George has low, incredibly thick walls backed by massive earthen ramparts. These were designed to absorb the impact of heavy artillery. The fort is surrounded by a “dry moat” and features a series of bastions—diamond-shaped projections that allow the defenders to create crossfire, ensuring there are no blind spots for an attacking force.

Remarkably, despite its terrifying design, Fort George has never fired a single shot in anger. Its sheer presence was enough to pacify the region. Because it was never attacked, it is perfectly preserved, looking exactly as it did in the 18th century. It remains an active military base to this day, home to the Black Watch (3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland). This makes it one of the few places in the world where you can see modern soldiers living and training in a Georgian fortress.

Inside the walls, the fort is like a small town. It contains its own brewery, bakery, and a stunning chapel designed by the Adam family that features elaborate woodwork and military colors. The Highlanders’ Museum is also housed within the fort, containing the largest collection of military artifacts in Scotland outside of Edinburgh. From the ramparts, visitors can look out over the Beauly Firth, often seeing dolphins playing in the water where massive warships once anchored to supply the garrison.