Abertarff House NTS

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Abertarff House NTS

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Abertarff House NTS, Landmark & historical place, 71 Church Street, Inverness.

The oldest house in Inverness; witnessing civil wars, Jacobite risings, and even a cheese riot! 🏠

Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10:00 to 16:00 (last entry 15:30)

02/09/2026

Are you ready for the answer to last week's Delavault drawing?

It's the Old Gateway in Castle Street, nice job, Paul!

The buildings in the Delavault drawing were owned by the Inshes family. In 1448, William Robertson granted some of the property to William Michael, but the rest of the property in the court remained with the Inshes until the late 18th century.

This gateway is now behind the building housing Merchant's Delicatessen and housing above, on Castle street. Completed in 2022, the building was turned into flats, but the historic character was kept intact. The lintel above the stairs, reading "'Feir God, dvt not.' (Fear God, doubt not.)" was moved to the front of the building as opposed to the now hidden courtyard gateway.

This next challenge is a bit harder. Can you guess where these two pictures were taken? In the first picture, the thatched roof was being replaced by slate, and in the second, the cottage was demolished. They were both taken in the early 1900s. While there is a street sign in one of the images, it may not help as much as you think!

📸 Old Gateway in Castle Street, Inverness, Pierre Delavault - Highland Libraries, Am Baile - Highland History and Culture
📸 ?, Inverness, 1900 - Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Am Baile - Highland History and Culture
📸 ?, Inverness - Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Am Baile - Highland History and Culture
https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/redevelopment-of-historic-building-ensures-its-legacy-contin-297361/

31/08/2026

Only a couple months until Culloden Battlefield NTS's Wargaming makes it's long awaited return! ⚔

If you've ever been curious about playing historical table top games, recreating battles and exploring different endings, or creating your own fantastical battles, this event is for you!

With lots of gaming tables available, you'll have the chance to watch and even participate in recreations of historic battles, including battles from the '45 Rising.
No prior experience necessary and all ages welcome, drop into a skirmish, watch a display, or maybe even create some terrain to take home.

📆 Saturday 17 October, 10:00-16:00
📍 Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre
🎟 This event is free, but it helps us know how many to expect if you book a free ticket on our Eventbrite.

28/08/2026

Have you ever noticed one of Abertarff House's best features?

The original wooden beams are one of Abertarff's best preserved features that sits right above your head!

When National Trust for Scotland restored the building, they preserved as many historical features as they could. The wooden beams belong to trees that would have been relatively young when they were used to build the house in 1593. By the 20th century, the house was in need of repairs and the beams in need of support, take a look at the last image taken prior to the renovation.

In the third image you can see the support beam that was put in place to ensure the stability of the ceiling. To keep within the style of the older beams, the new beams were treated to match the surrounding wood.

When you take a look at the original beams, you can see the history in every nail and mark. Just think what these beams have seen!

Next time you stop by, don't forget to look up!

26/08/2026

Are you ready for the answer to last week's Delavault drawing?

It's Queen Mary's House!

The building was located on Bridge Street facing the River Ness. It was demolished in 1967 to make way for offices, but the cellars remain. Tradition attributes the name of the building to Mary, Queen of Scots', visit to Inverness in 1562. Records show that the building was a series of wine merchants from the mid-eighteenth century on, as the thickness of the walls lent the space well to wine storage.

Can you guess where this next one is?

📸 Queen Mary's House, Inverness, Pierre Delavault - Highland Libraries, Am Baile - Highland History and Culture
📸 ? Inverness, Pierre Delavault - Highland Libraries, Am Baile - Highland History and Culture

24/08/2026

Culloden Battlefield NTS's Jacobite Afternoon Tea is back by popular demand! 🫖

Come along for delicious tea, sandwiches, and treats with a touch of history.

The Jacobite Afternoon Tea is a one-of-a-kind experience that will transport you to the 18th century. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from costumed interpreters, experience an afternoon tea at Culloden Battlefield, and write a letter to a friend or loved one (or even yourself!), with a quill, parchment, and a wax seal. 🪶

What’s included:
- A delicious selection of tea or coffee, sandwiches, scones and sweet treats
- A presentation from our engagement staff in costume
- A letter writing session with all materials included: quill (you can take home), ink and inkpot, parchment, and a wax seal.

Upgrade your ticket to include a dram of Culloden Whisky!

📆 Saturday 10th October, 14:00-16:00
📍 Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre
🎟 Tickets start at £38. Booking information can be found via our Eventbrite page. Make sure to book early, booking closes at 23:30 on the 9th of October!

21/08/2026

🚨We have BIG news for Abertarff House! 🚨

We're very excited to announce that our wonderful engagement volunteers will be doing presentations at Abertarff House through the rest of the season.

Tuesdays through Fridays, you'll have the chance to hear about the history of Inverness, Abertarff, and more. On top of their fantastic historical presentations, the volunteers will be around for questions and a chat. Go beyond the exhibit boards and ask the team about Jacobite history, Culloden, or even the Cheese Riot!

Make sure to stop by for a wee historical treat at the oldest house in Inverness. 🏡

Open hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays 11:00-15:00, last entry at 14:30.
Volunteer presentations are Tuesday-Friday 11:00-14:30.

19/08/2026

Last week's image may have been too easy, most of you got it right!

Last week's Delavault drawing was in Crown. These cottages were owned by farmers and tradesmen, but were acquired by the trustees of the Crown Free Church of Scotland in 1897, the cottages were later torn down and the Crown Church of Scotland was built in it's place. The tower behind the cottages was Crown High School, and was changed in Crown Primary School in 1937.

Can you guess this next Delavault drawing?

📸 Houses on the Crown, Inverness, Pierre Delavault - Highland Libraries, Am Baile - Highland History and Culture
📸? Inverness, Pierre Delavault - Highland Libraries, Am Baile - Highland History and Culture

14/08/2026

Have you gotten your new member passport yet?

With membership to the National Trust for Scotland, you won’t only get these fantastic passports, you’ll also get free entry to over 100 amazing places, exclusive member magazines, and you’ll be helping to protect these amazing places for future generations.

When you stop by Abertarff with your passport, you’ll also get our exclusive Abertarff House stamp to add to your collection! 🤭

Will you be getting your Abertarff stamp?

12/08/2026

Last week's guessing game was far too easy, with one of our followers, Paul, getting it immediately. Way to go, Paul!

Last week's drawing was of Queensgate, which was published in "Old Inverness" by Delavault in 1903. Queensgate was previously a bridle-path. It is believed that the name comes from Queen Mary's visit to Inverness, and her journey along the street, prompting the name, Queensgate. The building in the centre of the image is now the bar Hootanany, but was a bank when Delavault drew this. Just next to the bank building, you can see the beginning of another building on Church street, which was demolished in the 1960s, but would have been in front of Abertarff House, creating Abertarff Close!

This next Delavault drawing is likely to be a wee bit harder. Can you identify where in Inverness this second image may be from?

📸 Queensgate, Inverness, Pierre Delavaut - Highland Libraries, Am Baile
📸 ?, Inverness, Pierre Delavault - Highland Libraries, Am Baile

10/08/2026

This Wednesday, Culloden Battlefield NTS is hosting another of their great kids events! ⚔️

Step into the shoes of an 18th Century soldier with the Form Ranks workshop. Discover more about the opposing Jacobite and Government musket drills and fighting styles.

In Form Ranks! you’ll have the opportunity to learn about battlefield manoeuvres while sporting your own hat and ammunition box. Soldiers aged 8 and up will take part in an hour-long workshop full of crafting, history, and battle!

📆 Wednesday 12 August, 2pm
📍 Culloden Visitor Centre
🎟 Tickets available via our Eventbrite page!

Address

71 Church Street
Inverness
IV11ES

Telephone

+441463226348

Website

https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/abertarff-house, https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/abertarff-house-33768914225

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