Inverness city is to have a new way for tourists and locals to view the city, for free in the Inverness City Historic Walk
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Inverness city is to have a new way for tourists and locals to view the city, for free.
Inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club being established in the town, historian Duncan MacDonald, a member of Inverness Culloden Rotary Club, has designed an app Inverness City Historic Walk.
Launching the Smart Phone application, the walk takes participants on a tour of 32 important sites around the city, exploring its historical past.
Mr MacDonald, a historian who has published book on the history of the city, said: "I think it is the first of its kind in Scotland and it is hoped that more people will get to know the historical past of the city.
"I have designed and made the app, in part to celebrate the establishment of Rotary in the city."
The Rotary movement was founded in the city, shortly after the parliament met in the city. At the time Rotary, an American organisation, was barely known in the UK, but seeing the town, as it was then, on a new footing due to the UK parliament choosing to meet here.
Mr MacDonald continued: "There are 32 sites to visit. People do not need to do them all on one day, they can take their time. or it can be done in one go.
"The app will guide people using GPS technology to walk to each site.
"Once people have downloaded the app, for either Android or Apple they should go Inverness Castle for the start of the story."
The listening guide is in both English and in Gaelic, and for those who are hard of hearing the written text is also able to be read. The story in English is voiced by Iain MacKintosh and Jean MacDonald, and in Gaelic by Iain MacilleChiar and his daughter Mairi Nicillechiar.
The app was drawn together by Inverness company DeuXality .
He continued: "The tourist office has been very helpful and they will be telling tourists about the free but we also want to encourage locals to use the app as well.
"It will be a great way to get more people out to see more of Inverness."
One of Mr MacDonald's favourite sites on the app is the Three Graces, which are statues representing Faith, Hope and Charity. They were originally on a building on the corner of High Street and Castle Street, but it was demolished in the 1950s. They were installed in Ness Bank Gardens in 2011.
He said: "There is a great wee story attached, but as they stand now, they are not standing in the correct position."
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