INVERLOCHY, or FORT WILLIAM, a fortress erected in the Highlands of Scotland in king William's time. Even prior to that, however, there had been a small fortress erected by general Monk. The present fort is a triangle, has two bastions, and is capable of admitting a garrison of 800 men. It was well defended in 1746 against the rebels, who raised the siege with much disgrace. It was also attempted by those of 1715, but without success. The fort lies on a narrow arm of the sea called Lochiel, which extends some miles higher up the country, making a bend to the north; and extends likewise westward towards the Isle of Mull, or near 24 Scotch miles.
This fort on the west, Fort Augustus in the centre, and Fort George on the east, form what is called the chain from sea to sea. This space is called glen-more, or the great glen, which, including water and land, is almost a level of 70 miles. There is in fact little land, but what is divided by a frith, loch, or river; except two miles which lie between Loch-oich and Loch-lochy, called Lagan-achadrom. By means of Fort-George all entrance up the Frith towards Inverness is prevented. Fort-Augustus curbs the inhabitants midway, and Fort-William is a check to any attempts in the west. Detachments are made from all these garrisons to Inverness, Bernera barracks opposite to the Isle of Skie, and castle Duart in the Isle of Mull. Other small parties are also scattered in huts throughout the country, to prevent the stealing of cattle.—Fort William is surrounded by vast mountains, which occasions almost perpetual rain. Benevish foars above the rest,
and ends in a point said to be 1450 yards above the level of the sea. The fort stands in W. Long. 5. 15. N. Lat. 56. 55.