A new exhibition bringing the story of one of the north’s most historic buildings to life has been opened.
Fort George was built almost 250 years ago in the wake of the Battle of Culloden and the last Jacobite uprising of 1746.
The stronghold is still a serving barracks as well as acting as a tourist attraction.
It sits on an isolated spit of land overlooking the Moray Firth near Ardersier within huge grass-topped defensive walls.
It was built over a 22-year period in the wake of the Jacobite defeat at Culloden and covers an area of more than 42 acres.
The new exhibition tells the story of the fort over 18 panels, explaining why the stronghold was built, exploring the evolution from castles into forts and a study of the warfare theories which informed the distinctive design of the building.
Steve Farrar, interpretation officer for Historic Environment Scotland, said: “The new interpretation tells the story of how the fort was built to control the Highlands after the last Jacobite Rising and includes eye-witness accounts of 18th-century sieges.
“We have also added two interactive displays to the exhibition, including one that involves building a castle and fort rampart, then attempting to demolish them with squash balls.
“It’s a bit like a game of pinball, and it’s a great way to show how these defences coped with artillery fire.”
The exhibition has been installed as part of an ongoing programme of research and interpretation by Historic Environment Scotland, which runs the visitor facilties at the fort.
It is designed to complement the visitor offering at the fort, which includes the recreated historic barrack rooms, the grand magazine that displays a collection of 18th-century guns and military equipment and the Highlanders Museum.
Visitors can also walk around the ramparts overlooking the Moray Firth, with the fort a popular spot to sight dolphins.