Dunbar's Hospital, Inverness
Dunbar's Hospital was built in 1668 as a hospital and a home for the impoverished. The hospital has a rough-cast, harled finish and dormer windows surrounded by decorative brickwork. The arched doorway offers the same brickwork and a protective iron gate.
Above the door is a plaque that shows the coat of arms of Provost Alexander Dunbar, founder of the hospital. This plaque, with a date of 1676, is a reproduction of the original. Those who wish to see the original plate can find it at the Inverness Museum.
Dunbar's Hospital was used as a school until the Royal Academy opened in 1792. It was also, at times, divided into apartments, used for shops and as a senior citizen's center. It briefly returned to use as a hospital during the 1849 Cholera Epidemic. Today, the hospital is divided into a senior citizen's day center and a restaurant that is open on weekends from 9 AM to 4 PM.
The hospital is rumored to have been built from stone that was discarded from Oliver Cromwell's destroyed citadel.
Above the door is a plaque that shows the coat of arms of Provost Alexander Dunbar, founder of the hospital. This plaque, with a date of 1676, is a reproduction of the original. Those who wish to see the original plate can find it at the Inverness Museum.
Dunbar's Hospital was used as a school until the Royal Academy opened in 1792. It was also, at times, divided into apartments, used for shops and as a senior citizen's center. It briefly returned to use as a hospital during the 1849 Cholera Epidemic. Today, the hospital is divided into a senior citizen's day center and a restaurant that is open on weekends from 9 AM to 4 PM.
The hospital is rumored to have been built from stone that was discarded from Oliver Cromwell's destroyed citadel.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Inverness. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Dunbar's Hospital on Map
Sight Name: Dunbar's Hospital
Sight Location: Inverness, Scotland (See walking tours in Inverness)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Inverness, Scotland (See walking tours in Inverness)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Inverness, Scotland
Create Your Own Walk in Inverness
Creating your own self-guided walk in Inverness is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Inverness Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Inverness, a city established in the 12th century, boasts an array of historical architecture reflecting its rich and often tumultuous past. Many of its centuries-old buildings are situated along the banks of the River Ness and blend effortlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Undoubtedly, prime among these is the Inverness Castle, perched majestically atop a hill overlooking the city.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Undoubtedly, prime among these is the Inverness Castle, perched majestically atop a hill overlooking the city.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Inverness Introduction Walking Tour
Often regarded as the Capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is steeped in history and legend. The name "Inverness" derives from the Scottish Gaelic "Inbhir Nis," which means "mouth of the River Ness," a fitting moniker for a city that thrives along the banks of this scenic waterway.
The Inverness area has been inhabited since 6500 BC, once being a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The Inverness area has been inhabited since 6500 BC, once being a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles