As a gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Invergordon is a charming and friendly village with unique history and art. Located on the Cromarty Firth, this creative port offers an easy walking tour on The Mural Trail. In a half day, one can easily walk along the half-mile trail to observe 11 historic murals. Each mural has a theme and story about the town’s history and culture. As a Spa Acupuncturist on a cruise ship, I loved my day off here. Read on to discover my photo journal with explanations on the Invergordon Scotland Mural Trail.
About Invergordon Scotland Mural Trail
This small port lies on the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands. Invergordon was once a booming town with a Naval base, aluminum-melting plant and oil rigs. However, all these diminished over the years and by the end of the 20th century the town was dying. In 2002 a voluntary group known as Invergordon Off the Wall began exploring ways to revive the town. One of the projects undertook was the creation of an outdoor art gallery. This comprised of murals depicting the culture and history of Invergordon. Most of the murals are along High Street or nearby. The series of 11 murals are depicted on about a half-mile trail.
Also, a quick tip is to scan the QR code on site for the Mural Trail App and get an extensive map and description at each mural.
Invergordon Scotland Mural Trail from East to West along High Street
1 – Heritage of the Firth by Steve de Landes (2006)
The tour begins on the east end of High Street at the Invergordon Museum. Three elaborate mural panels adorn the outside of the museum. A key theme features The Sinking of the HMS Natal, with 421 fatalities in 1916 from an internal explosion. Another panel depicts the Invergordon Mutiny in 1931, one of the few military strikes in British history. Also, the Poisoned Chalice symbolizes the town’s impact from the aluminum smelter closed in 1981 and short-lived prosperity promised to the town. Empty fields represent the cattle affected by brittle bone disease from the fluorine emissions at smelter. The sun rays from the oil rig show prosperity for the future.
2 – Century of Sport by Alan Potter (2007)
Further down west on High Street, this building wall mural reveals action. A key theme linking all the sports is the Royal Navy and their involvement in sports, when Invergordon was a regular base for the Naval fleet. It’s interesting how the artist used the circular motion of the ball to connect everything. The bowler shown was a Scottish champion for years.
3 – Saltburn’s Past by Ken White (2007)
Across High Street from the Century of Sport is this mural. Saltburn is a coastal village just north of Invergordon. It Illustrates different aspects of Saltburn’s history and scenery, such as sunsets over Cromarty Firth. The salt smugglers in lower right corner refer to an interesting story. Salt was a very expensive commodity, giving Saltburn its name. There was 2 other murals on the adjoining building, however, wall repair meant the loss of the murals.
4 – The Way We Were by Steve Des Landes (2007)
Invergordon Scotland Mural Trail
Further west down High Street is this colorful mural. It celebrates the history of Invergordon High Street. Iconic sites include Royal Hotel, MacGregor’s Grocery, Mac’s Café, Legge’s Chemists, Macleods ‘Nonie’s’ General Store and Toy Shop. Also, the mural refers to Noreen and Kelly’s shop 1972 – 2008 selling clothes and knitting supplies.
5 – Fire! Fire! By Anna Starling (2007)
Further down west on High Street is this vibrant mural. It commemorates the fire at the Royal Hotel, burning down in 1973. This hotel was the venue for the most local weddings. The artist designed the mural in consultation with Invergordon Fire and Rescue Service. Also, it illustrates a timeline of uniforms and fire engines from different eras.
6 – Our Legacy by Tracey Shough (2006)
Invergordon Scotland Mural Trail
Further west on High Street is my favorite mural. This mural is a beacon reminding us of the fragility of our planets’ ecosystems and diversity. Without positive conservation actions, we risk losing 20% of these species by 2050. The extensive portrayal includes Rose Bay Willow Herb, Curlew, Bumble Bee, Wigeon, Bottle-nosed Dolphins, Herring Gulls, Arctic Tern, Perennial Sow Thistle, Painted Lady Butterfly, Sea Aster, Oystercatcher, Shore Crab, Lichen, Limpets, Barnacles, Mussels, Dog Whelks, Mackerel, Eel Grass, Salmon, Bladderwrack and Herring.
7 – Volunteer Spirit by Ken White (2005)
Further west down High Street, facing east on the side of a building reveals this mural. It represents the Invergordon Trent class lifeboat, the RNLB ‘Douglas Aikman Smith.’ The lifeboat served Invergordon from 1996 – 2021. RNLI Royal National for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck in 1824 became RNLI. It aims to provide 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service run by volunteers and funded by donations. The smaller picture shows Waveney Class lifeboat, ‘the White Rose of Yorkshire” There has been a lifeboat station in Moray Firth area since 1878.
8 – The Loch by Ken White (2004)
On High Street’s Albyn Housing Society, this became the first mural made. With 3 panels, the central panel shows Kildary Loch a wonderful place for local anglers. Also, it includes Balnagown Castle not close to lake.
9 – Gather Round by Alan Potter (2006)
Further west on the corner of High and King (facing) Street this mural adorns the side of a building. It needed a special mix due to coating a stone wall. This variety of images shows a church steeple, Hercher family sideshows, Pipe Major John Burgess and Seaforths. The Navy pulling tug of war represents Invergordon’s struggles. All activities in circle depict within Celtic ring.
10 – Pipes and Drums by Anna Starling (2006)
On the corner of High and King (facing) Street this mural stimulates an imagination for sound. It reveals a tribute to the famous Invergordon Distillery Pipe Band. The layout copies their first album cover. Furthermore, the pipe band wears the Tartan, Red Gordon. Wearing this Tartan requires permission granted by the Marquess of Huntly.
11 – The Long Goodbye by Tracey Shough (2007)
Invergordon Scotland Mural Trail
Further west for a 5 to 10-minute walk is the Invergordon Railway Station. This is the most elaborate of all the murals with at least 5 walls revealing history. It follows the surrender at St Valery-en-Caux in WW2. Dramatically, the soldiers became captured and took the long march. Also, along the tracks, the wall depicts seaforths waiting at Invergordon Station and civilians waving the long goodbye.
Also, Don’t Miss the Natal Gardens
Along Shore Road the Natal Gardens are filled with flowers in the summertime. The garden became dedicated to 421 crew and civilians who lost their life on the HMS Natal in 1915. The ship sank from an internal explosion.
Highland Tours from Invergordon
Inverness is the largest and capital city of the Highlands. It’s just a 50-minute train ride from Invergordon. Also, watching the Moray Firth Bottlenose Dolphins is a popular attraction. As a major gateway for the Scottish Highlands, Invergordon offers many tours to amazing destinations. Here are some popular tours.
Loch Ness Cruises and Tours
Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle Ruins, Cawdor Castle and Gardens Tour
Culloden Battlefield
Bottlenose Dolphins Tour at Moray Firth
Overall, Invergordon Scotland Mural Trail
Many cruise passengers consider Invergordon as a gateway to see popular sites in the Highlands. However, if you are looking for something more relaxed without the need to travel. I highly suggest considering a half-day tour wandering the charming town of Invergordon’s Mural Trail. Plus, the locals are super kind and friendly.
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