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These two Russian Guns on Castlehill, relics of the Crimean War, were presented to Inverness on 4th August 1857. The following extract is from the 'Inverness Advertiser' of that date.

'These interesting trophies of the late war were on Friday evening carried in triumph from the Thornbush Pier to the Castle Hill. The guns having been properly secured on vehicles handsomely given for the purpose by the Messrs Wordie, a great multitude set off from the Thornbush about half-past six o'clock with the trophies. They were accompanied by a quorum of the Town Council, and by the whole staff of the Inverness Militia, the band of which played a variety of spirit-stirring airs as they marched along. Arrived at the summit of the Castle Hill, the guns were dismounted, and, after some little trouble, placed on the carriages which had been prepared for them amidst the acclamations of an immense crowd of spectators. The guns are 45-pounders, weighing about 56 cwts. each. They are from Sebastopol, and seem to have seen hard service, both being partially damaged. On the occasion of their carriage to the hill, the Inverness Militia appeared for the first time in their new Highland garb, and, under the command of the gallant and soldier-like Captain Donaldson, they made an extremely creditable appearance.'

The guns were mounted on cast-iron carriages on 22 February 1861, with subscription money originated by the Provost. The carriages were cast at the Rose Street Foundry. The guns may have been removed from the castle at the same time as, or as a result of, the landslide on Castle Street which took place on 11 October 1932.

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Find out more about the photograph collector - Joseph Cook