Video: Fort Augustus

Fort Augustus Scotland. Fort Augustus including the famous Neptune Staircase lock comprising eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. Fort Augustus (its original Gaelic name of Cille Chumein was for Saint Cummein, who built a church here) acquired its current name when a fort was built here after the 1715 Jacobite uprising. Fort Augustus was captured by the Jacobite clans during the 1745 rebellion.

The fort, and so in turn the village, were named after one of King George II’s sons, William Augustus. That same son later became the Duke of Cumberland, the infamous “Butcher Cumberland” who was responsible for repressing the Scottish Highlands after the final defeat of the Jacobites in 1746.

Today, almost nothing remains of the original fort, parts of which were incorporated into the benedictine Abbey that was built in 1876.

Fort Augustus is bisected by the Caledonian Canal. Within the village itself is a flight of locks. Immediately next to the locks is the Caledonian Canal Heritage Center, an excellent place in which to gain an insight into the history and operation of the Canal. This is part of an attractive village center built along either side of the locks.

Visitors to Fort Augustus can also enjoy the Clansman Center, where they can experience something of clan life five hundred years ago. Fort Augustus also sports a charming, heather-laced, 9 hole golf course where the official green keepers are sheep!