Inveraray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inveraray
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 Inveraray's Main Street (the A83), looking northeast to Loch Fyne |
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 Inveraray
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| Population | 570 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NN 09600 08500 |
| • Edinburgh | 75 mi (121 km) |
| • London | 383 mi (616 km) |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | INVERARAY |
| Postcode district | PA32 |
| Dialling code | 01499 |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Inveraray is a charming town in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic "Inbhir Aora," meaning "mouth of the Aray." This historic town sits on the western shore of Loch Fyne, a beautiful sea loch.
Inveraray is a former royal burgh, which means it once had special rights granted by the king or queen. It's also the traditional county town of Argyll and the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll. People sometimes call it "The Capital of Argyll." During World War II, a special military training center near the town was very important.
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The Town's Unique Coat of Arms
The town of Inveraray has a very unusual coat of arms. It shows a fishing net cast out over the ocean. Caught in the net are five herring fish! The Latin motto on the coat of arms says "SEMPER TIBI PENDEAT HALEC." This can be translated to "may a herring always hang to thee." It's a fun and memorable symbol for the town.
Inveraray Castle: A Grand Home
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In 1744, the third Duke of Argyll decided to build a brand new castle. It took 40 years to finish! The famous Adam family, known for their amazing designs, oversaw much of the work. The building isn't a traditional medieval castle. Instead, it's a grand Georgian mansion called Inveraray Castle.
Many important people have visited the castle over the years. Queen Victoria herself came to stay in 1874. The royal family connection grew even stronger when her daughter, Princess Louise, married the heir to the Campbell family, the Marquess of Lorne, in 1871. This shows how important the Argyll family was at the time.
Rebuilding Inveraray: A Planned Town
In the mid-1700s, the fifth Duke of Argyll decided to rebuild Inveraray. He wanted to create a modern, well-planned town. Many famous architects helped with this project. The goal was to create an attractive town with homes for workers, a woollen mill, and a pier. The pier was built to help with herring fishing, which became a big part of the town's economy.
Today, Inveraray is one of the best examples of an 18th-century "new town" in Scotland. Many buildings in the town center are protected because of their special architectural design.
Fun Places to Visit in Inveraray
Inveraray has many interesting places to explore. Besides the beautiful castle, you can visit the Inveraray Jail. This historic jail is now a museum where you can learn about its past. Another great spot is the Argyll Folk Museum at Auchindrain, which shows what life was like in the past.
You can also see the Celtic Inveraray Cross in town. Don't miss the Clyde puffers VIC 72, Vital Spark, which are old steamships. The impressive Bell Tower stands tall over the town. It holds the second-heaviest set of ten bells in the world! You can visit the tower, and the bells are rung regularly.
Dun Na Cuaiche Tower: A Historic Viewpoint
Dun Na Cuaiche is a tower that looks like a ruined watchtower. It sits on a hill overlooking Inveraray and Loch Fyne. It was built between 1747 and 1748 for the 3rd Duke of Argyll. It's a great spot for amazing views!
Inveraray in the Media
In 2014, a TV show called Great Estates of Scotland featured Inveraray. The show explored the castle and even included the current Duke of Argyll, who is the head of the Campbell family.
Images for kids
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Inveraray, viewed from the B839 on the Eastern side of Loch Fyne, above St Catherines
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Aray Bridge on Loch Fyne from Inveraray. The spires of Inveraray Castle can just be seen on the left. The hill behind the bridge is Dun Corr Bhile
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Inveraray reflections
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Main street of Inveraray
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Archway from Inveraray town
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Aray Bridge
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Inveraray 1844 from Waverley Novels vol. iv
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