Abertarff House, Inverness

Abertarff House, built in 1593, holds the distinction of being the oldest residential house in Inverness. Nestled on Church Street (formerly the Kirkgate), this 2½-storey townhouse showcases traditional 16th- and early 17th-century Scottish architecture, complete with crow-stepped gables and a prominent projecting turnpike staircase.

Briefly owned by the Fraser of Lovat family—renowned for their Jacobite connection during the Battle of Culloden—the house transitioned to various owners over the centuries. In the 19th century, it was acquired by the Commercial Bank of Scotland but later fell into disrepair after being divided for housing. Abertarff House found new life when it was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1963 and subsequently restored in 1966.

Over its storied history, the house has served multiple purposes, including as the headquarters of the Gaelic Association (An Comunn Gàidhealach), a shop, and the regional office for the Trust. Today, Abertarff House welcomes visitors with two open downstairs rooms, offering insights into 17th-century life in Inverness. Plans are underway to open additional exhibition spaces upstairs in 2024.

Knowledgeable staff are on hand to share the building's rich history, recount life in the 1600s, and guide visitors to other notable sites in the Highlands, including Culloden Battlefield, Hugh Miller’s Cottage, and Brodie Castle.

Lovingly cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, Abertarff House is a remarkable reminder of Inverness's architectural and cultural heritage.