Ardersier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ardersier
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 Ardersier
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| Population | 1,140 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NH782550 |
| Council area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Inverness |
| Postcode district | IV2 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament | |
Ardersier is a small village in the Scottish Highlands. It sits on the coast of the Moray Firth, close to Fort George. You can find it between the towns of Inverness and Nairn.
The name Ardersier might come from the Gaelic words "Àird nan Saor." This means "Headland of the joiners" or "carpenters." One old story says that carpenters building churches across the Moray Firth stayed here. However, the name Ardersier was used long before those churches were built. It likely describes the land itself, meaning a "high point" or "prominence."
Before Fort George was built, a small fishing village was located where the fort now stands. Its people made a living by fishing. When the fort was planned, this fishing community had to move. This move led to the creation of the Ardersier village we know today.
Contents
History of Ardersier
Early History and Land Ownership
Some parts of the land around Ardersier once belonged to the Knights Templar. This was a famous group of knights from the Middle Ages. These lands had names like Temple Land and Temple Bank. They were located between Connage and the sea. Later, a powerful family called Cawdor bought these lands in 1626.
There was also a special place in Ardersier called the locus trialis. This might have been an ancient spot where people settled arguments. They would do this through a "trial by combat," where two people would fight to prove who was right.
Building Fort George and New Villages
After the Jacobite rising of 1745, the government worried about more rebellions. They especially feared attacks by sea. So, they decided to build a very strong fort. This fort, Fort George, could hold many soldiers. Its location on the coast was perfect. It guarded the narrowest part of the Moray Firth. It also allowed supplies to be brought in by sea if the fort was surrounded on land.
Building Fort George meant moving the small fishing village that was already there. The villagers had to resettle about a mile away. This led to the creation of two new communities. One was called Stewart-town, and it was on land owned by the Earl of Moray. The other was Campbell-town, where people rented land from the Earl of Cawdor. Over time, these two settlements became known together as Ardersier. However, it wasn't officially called Ardersier until the late 1970s. This helped avoid confusion with another town called Campbeltown in Argyll.
Ardersier Today
Today, Ardersier is a popular place for visitors. People enjoy the beautiful views and the seashore. Its closeness to Fort George also makes it a great spot. Fort George is still an active base for the British Army.
The village has a few useful places for residents and tourists. There are two small shops, a pharmacy, and a hairdressers. You can also find several bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and a pub with rooms. The old Free Church is no longer used, but the "new" church from 1880 is still active.
In 2009, local people started a community company. Their goal was to take over local buildings to create a "Community Hub." This hub would be a central place for village activities. In 2013, they began renovating the Ardersier War Memorial Hall. It reopened to the public in 2014.
Notable People from Ardersier
- Lorne Balfe, a famous composer who writes music for movies.
- Herbert Macpherson, who was born in the village and received the Victoria Cross for bravery.
- Peter Peacock, a politician from the Scottish Labour Party.
