Flora MacDonald Statue

Who was Flora MacDonald?

After the Jacobite defeat at Culloden in 1746, Flora MacDonald helped Prince Charles Edward Stuart evade capture, a story that made her one of the best-known figures of the rising. She later emigrated for a time to North Carolina. The statue shows her looking out to the west, with a dog at her side. Her name still appears across the Highlands and Islands, and the statue is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

The statue

Andrew Davidson, a prolific local sculptor, created the bronze in 1899. It stands on Castle Wynd on the esplanade in front of the castle, the red sandstone building that dominates the Inverness skyline. A nearby interpretation marker points out the westward view and gives a short account of her story.

Making the most of it

Come late in the day for the light over the river and the view along to the Ness islands. The Inverness Castle Experience is right beside the statue, and the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery is a short walk down Castle Wynd if you want the wider Jacobite story. The esplanade is open to walk at any time, and the climb is short from the city centre, so it is easy to add to an evening stroll along the river.

Highlights

• Bronze statue unveiled in 1899
• By sculptor Andrew Davidson
• Outside Inverness Castle
• Views over the River Ness

Good to know

• The statue is outdoors and free to see.
• Castle Hill is reached by a short climb from Bridge Street or Castle Wynd.

Frequently asked questions