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The village lies on the eastern coast of the northern Scottish Highlands. Originally called Inverbreakie, William the Lion constructed a castle here in the early 1200s. A modest amount of cottages developed near the fortress. The settlement remained a hamlet until the Gordon family purchased the territory in the early 1700s. Gordon quickly set about the business of enlarging the stone tower that represented the castle. He also laid out a street grid pattern, which evolved into the community of Invergordon.
In the latter 1700s, the MacLeod family acquired the territory and the village immediately underwent improvements. Lord MacLeod constructed a harbour and the village soon became an important north port. Ships anchored in Invergordon from the early 1700s. Naval ships arrived a century later. The port served as a coal-transporting destination.
A fire destroyed the castle in the early 1800s, which MacLeod replaced with a grand mansion in 1872. This structure too underwent demolition in 1928 when the landowner divided the estate properties for sale. The Royal Navy established a base here in 1913. The site frequently docked up to 40 ships ranging in size from battleships to scouting boats, in addition to an excess of 14,000 crewmembers. Disaster struck the base in 1915, when the HMS Natal hosted a celebratory reception. For reasons still unknown, the ship exploded and sunk.
The base additionally included ground crews who operated tank farms that supplied fuel for the vessels. A repair shop kept the vessels seaworthy. The location gained notoriety during an event known as the Mutiny of 1931. The Admiralty of the base proposed pay cuts for all employees who operated the vessels and land facilities. Enraged, the crews promptly rioted causing the administration to rethink the decision. All finally agreed to a compromise and received a lesser cut in pay.
During the Second World War, conditions proved unsafe for a naval base. Though ships frequented the area, the location now housed Air Force training and planes. Three squadrons patrolled the region as far as the Norwegian coast and out to Shetland.
In 1971, the British Aluminium company constructed a smelting plant in Invergordon, but economic times caused plant closure before the end of a decade. The oil discovery influenced the development of an oil platform here during the same time. The oil boom also influenced the development of oil rig building and repairing facilities. The necessitated harbour expansion also attracted docking by large passenger cruise ships that continue offering guests the chance to explore the Highlands.
Activities and Attractions
Strolling about Invergordon, guests gain an artistic experience unlike most other communities. Many of the village buildings display beautifully created full sized murals, depicting daily life, historical events, local culture and seascapes. The Invergordon Arts Centre additionally displays arts and crafts exhibits. The in-house theatre offers live productions at varied times throughout the year.
The Leisure and Sports Centre has a heated indoor pool, fitness centre and rooms specially designed for badminton, handball and other indoor sports. If cold or bad weather prevails, guests may spend an afternoon at the Inverbreakie Raceway. The large indoor go-karting facility houses a track, bar and restaurant.
Decades of military occupation influenced the community of Invergordon to establish the Naval Museum and Heritage Centre. The facility provides information concerning the facilities constructed here and the ships that frequented the base. Learn about the war years and the later occupation of the Air Force.
Take a quiet stroll through the nearby Natal Garden, featuring a nautical theme based on the Cromarty Firth. Venture down to the harbour, watch the ships coming and going, and visit the Queen’s Dock, home of the oil rig repair facilities. Here, visitors have the chance to see the massive rigs up close. The structures commonly stand 210 feet (70 metres) tall.
Journey to the northeast of Invergordon and visit the ancient village of Tain. Acquiring its first charter in 1066, many believe the community is the oldest in Scotland. Tain is the birthplace of St. Duthac and guided and self guided tours allows guests to visit the St. Duthac Chapel and other historic sites of interest. Outside the village stands the Glenmorgie Distillery, having the reputation of making some of the finest whiskey in the country. The facility provides guided tours and the chance to sample and buy locally produced products.
Those interested in ancient cultural history might travel to Rosemarkie and the site of the Graom House Museum. Artefacts and recreations depict the Pict culture, one of the first civilizations to occupy Scotland.
Places to Stay and Dining
Hotels options in and around Invergordon include facilities constructed to resemble historic clan castles. Guests enjoy modern amenities with a touch of décor reminiscent of an earlier atmosphere belonging to a royal hunting lodge or castle.
The Kincraig Castle Restaurant offers traditional Scottish cuisine with a modern touch. Popular main meals include roasted pigeon breast served with specially prepared carrots, black pudding and a fresh green salad. Enjoy a succulent Highland beef steak, served with roasted mushrooms, tomatoes and onion rings.
Accommodation in Invergordon
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