Private Outlander & Cawdor Castle or Castle Leod Tour From Inverness

Sgurr Tours offers Private Tours From Inverness. This is our Outlander tour departing from Inverness, we will guide you through the city of Inverness before venturing out to:

Culloden Battlefield

Our private tours from Inverness will take you to the windswept moorland of Culloden which may initially resemble any Scottish hillside. However, it quickly becomes evident that this is a pivotal site in the Jacobite story and the location of the final civil war battle fought on British soil.

Our first stop is the low-lying visitors center, which recounts the events leading up to The Battle of Culloden that occurred here on April 16th, 1746. The visitor experience is exceptional. After learning about the context and viewing the array of artifacts on display, your guide will lead you to the battlefield.

It’s an atmospheric location that offers a genuine understanding of the landscape and the conditions faced by the Jacobites on that fateful day. The cairn marking the site stands amidst the battlefield, surrounded by the mass graves of the fallen, each marked with simple tombstones. Additionally, you’ll visit Leanach Cottage, a small croft building that served as a nearby field hospital.

Fort George

After the Battle of Culloden, the military presence in Scotland significantly increased. One of four new barracks, and the largest, was constructed a short drive from Culloden at Fort George. Strategically positioned jutting into the Moray Firth, Fort George was built on a monumental scale, incorporating modern defense standards. It took 22 years to complete, by which time the British government had quelled the Jacobites, imposing bans on tartan, Gaelic language, and bagpipe playing, enforced by the Duke of Cumberland, King George II’s youngest son.

Today, Fort George serves as a captivating living museum. Stepping within its ramparts transports you back almost 300 years in history. Visitors can explore the Grand Magazine, Barracks, Highlanders’ Museum, and the Chapel.

Castle Leod

Castle Leod, the residence of the 5th Earl of Cromatie and the Clan MacKenzie, brims with fascinating history. We can transport you back in time to experience the true Outlander castle. Visiting hours for Castle Leod are limited, but if we can’t go there, we have the equally beautiful and historically rich Cawdor Castle as a backup option or Urquhart Castle on Lochness.

Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the highland aristocracy. Explore this 15th-century marvel, showcasing the evolving culture, society, and architecture of the region. In the 18th century, the Thanes of Cawdor sided with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause. However, following the defeat at Culloden, the family wisely relocated to their Welsh estates, escaping arrest and deportation. This decision preserved Cawdor from Victorian modifications, leaving it as a captivating blend of medieval authenticity and Jacobean comfort. Please note Cawdor Castle and Gardens will be open from Saturday 29th April to Sunday 1st October, 10am to 5pm daily (last entry 5pm)

Cawdor is still used as a family home and its lavish interiors showcase a fascinating collection of heirlooms, portraits and memorabilia.

Urquhart Castle

While Urquhart Castle was once among Scotland’s largest, only sections of it remain today. Constructed around the mid-13th century, there is speculation of an earlier fort on the site. During the 1688 Glorious Revolution, the Grants resisted the Jacobites, and following their defeat, government forces occupied the castle. Upon their departure in 1692, Urquhart was deliberately destroyed to prevent Jacobite occupation. We visit Urquhart Castle and admire the breathtaking views overlooking Loch Ness.

Wardlaw Mausoleum

Wardlaw Mausoleum garnered significant media attention as experts delved into the mystery surrounding the infamous Jacobite Simon Fraser, also known as the 11th Lord Lovat, affectionately dubbed ‘The Old Fox’ locally. His intriguing tale drew historians to this tranquil burial site nestled in the quaint village of Kirkhill near Inverness.

Unapologetic about his Jacobite loyalty, Lovat faced execution for treason at The Tower of London in 1747. While it was rumored that he was interred at the Tower of London, it is said that members of Clan Fraser brought his headless remains back to Scotland, where he found his final resting place in the family mausoleum. Join us to unravel the full story and unravel the plot twists.

Abertarff House (Time Permitting)

Before concluding our day, we make a brief stop at Abertarff House in central Inverness. Tucked away on a narrow street in town, this site is Inverness’ oldest building. Colonel Archibald Fraser, son of The Old Fox, acquired the property in the early 1800s. In 1815, ownership passed to his grandson, Archibald Thomas Frederick Fraser, before being sold to the Commercial Bank (later becoming the Royal Bank of Scotland) in the mid-1800s.

For this particular tour, we offer various options tailored to your preferences, featuring a selection of potential destinations.

If you would like another tour with Sgùrr Tours at anytime during your visit or in the future we will give you a 5% Discount on your next tour and also a 10% Discount for any shop items sold on our online shop. 🙂