Jubilee Memorial Fountain

The Jubilee Memorial Fountain sits in Fort Augustus, a modest Victorian structure that marks Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It's the sort of thing you'd walk past without thinking twice - until you actually stop and look at it properly, which is exactly what you should do.

What strikes you is how it anchors the town's centre. This isn't a sprawling tourist attraction demanding hours of your time. You're looking at maybe twenty minutes, tops, unless you're the type who photographs every inscription. The fountain itself is a decent bit of local craftsmanship, and there's genuine historical weight to what it represents - the tail end of the Victorian era, when Britain was throwing up commemorative monuments everywhere.

It works best for history buffs and older visitors who appreciate the quieter side of the Highlands. Kids will find it dull unless you're the sort of family that actually reads plaques. That's not a criticism - just realistic.

Fort Augustus is brilliant for a park holiday. You're spoilt for choice with Loch Ness Highland Resort practically on your doorstep (0.2 miles away), and both Inver Coille and Loch Ness Holiday Park within easy reach. The fountain fits nicely into a morning potter around town before heading out to the Caledonian Canal or Loch Ness itself.

Free to view, obviously. Go midweek if you're after a bit of peace - weekends get rammed with coach tours passing through.