Inveraray
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Inveraray (Inbhir Aora in Gaelic) is a town and former Royal Burgh in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, located on the western shore of Loch Fyne near its head, and on the A83 road. It is the traditional county town of Argyll and ancestral home to the Duke of Argyll, who founded the town in 1745, alongside his new dwelling, Inveraray Castle.
Its distinctive white buildings on the loch shore make it photogenic and it is a popular tourist destination, with a number of attractions in addition to the castle. The Georgian Inveraray Jail in the burgh is now a museum. Other attractions include the Argyll Folk Museum at Auchindrain. The Celtic Inveraray Cross can also been seen in the town. The Arctic Penguin ship Maritime Museum is moored at the pier, along with the Clyde puffer VIC 72, renamed Eilean Eisdeal
The Bell Tower dominates the town and it’s simple shape is very attractive. It contains Scotland's finest set of bells which are the second heaviest ring of ten in the world. The bells can often be heard ringing and for a small admission fee you can climb to the top of the tower for lovely views of the town. It’s a fair climb and not for the frail or very young.
Shinty is the most popular local sport[citation needed], Inveraray Shinty Club being crowned Scottish Champions in 2004. Inveraray and District Pipe band was formed in 2005 after a 70 years gap. In their first competing year 2006 they won a trophy at every competed competition.
Alan Bennett, the playwright, writes amusingly about his dining in Inveraray experience in his autobiographical book "Untold stories" [1]
[edit] External links
- Inveraray Official Visitor Guide
- Description and history of Inveraray town
- Website for Inveraray Castle
- Website for Inveraray Jail
- Website for Argyll Adventure
- Visitor guide to the town
- Live webcam pictures from the Maritime Museum
- Robert Burns (poet) Links to Inveraray
- Map sources for Inveraray