Abertarff House
Built in 1593, the oldest house in Inverness has witnessed the Covenanting times, Jacobite risings and two world wars - if only the walls could talk!
Discover more about the story of Inverness in the 1600s in our free exhibition.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Inverness in the calm of our pocket-size garden.
Staff and volunteers are on hand to help you find out more about the Highland places in the Trust’s care.
Today’s Opening Hours
- House
- 10.00–17.00
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The fireplace in Abertarff House
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Spiral stairs lead to the first floor.
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A heart and two flowers are engraved on the fireplace lintel.
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A small iron depiction of Abertarff House can be seen on the front gate.
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The exterior of Abertarff House
About this place
Built in 1593, Abertarff is the oldest house in Inverness. Tucked away on Church Street, it’s a 2½ storey town house with a projecting turnpike stairway. It was owned briefly by the Fraser of Lovat family, whose clansmen fought on the Jacobite side at the Battle of Culloden.
Eventually the Commercial Bank of Scotland acquired Abertarff House in the 19th century, but after being split up for housing the site fell into disrepair. It was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1963, and the building was restored by the Trust in 1966.
Over the past 50 years Abertarff House has been used for many things including the headquarters for An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Gaelic Association), a shop and the Trust’s regional headquarters.
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