Fort George was built to pacify the Scottish Highlands in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745, replacing a Fort George in Inverness constructed after the 1715 Jacobite rising to control the area. The current fortress has never been attacked and has remained in continuous use as a garrison. The fort is based on a star design, remaining virtually unaltered since its construction. Parts of it are under the care of Historic Environment Scotland and open to the public.

It is reputedly haunted by a spectral soldier that has been sighted in what was the jail, and also in the guardroom next door. Some have suggested that these may be different apparitions. The walls of the fort are said to be the haunt of a phantom piper.

Pictured left is an aerial view of Fort George courtesy of Stephen Branley.