Old OS Map of Inverness & Spey, Scottish Highlands by Bartholomew, 1901: Inverness, Loch Ness, Cairngorms, Culloden, Moray Firth
Introducing the exquisite “Sheet 21 – Inverness & Spey,” a masterful creation by the renowned cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901. This map, part of Bartholomew’s flagship series, is a testament to the artistry and precision of early 20th-century cartography. Known for his innovative use of color and detail, Bartholomew has meticulously captured the essence of the Scottish Highlands, making this map a treasure for both historians and enthusiasts of fine cartography.
Bartholomew’s map is celebrated for its clear, attractive, and colorful design, crafted at a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720). This map was particularly popular among cyclists and tourists of the era, offering a detailed and visually appealing representation of the landscape. The innovative gradation of color bands used to depict land at different heights provides a vivid sense of the region’s topography, from the rolling hills to the majestic peaks of the Cairngorm Mountains and the Monadhliath Mountains.
The map encompasses a diverse array of geographical features, from the serene waters of Loch Ness and Loch Morlich to the flowing rivers such as the River Spey and River Ness. The coastal beauty of the Moray Firth and Cromarty Firth is also prominently displayed, inviting viewers to explore the intricate details of Scotland’s natural landscapes. The map’s design is not only a visual delight but also a functional guide, reflecting the growing interest in outdoor activities and tourism in the early 20th century.
Significant historical landmarks and natural phenomena are elegantly marked, including the site of the Battle of Culloden at Culloden Moor. The map also highlights the dense woodlands of Abernethy Forest and Rothiemurchus Forest, adding layers of historical and ecological context. This blend of physical and political features makes the map an invaluable resource for understanding the historical geography of the region.
The towns and cities depicted on the map, such as Inverness, Fort Augustus, and Grantown-on-Spey, are presented with meticulous detail, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the Scottish Highlands. The inclusion of transportation routes like the Caledonian Canal further enhances the map’s utility and historical significance. This map is not merely a navigational tool but a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the landscapes and settlements that have shaped the history of Scotland.
Cities and towns on this map
- Inverness-shire:
- Inverness
- Fort Augustus
- Beauly
- Kingussie
- Nairn
- Grantown-on-Spey
- Moray:
- Forres
- Elgin
- Banffshire:
- Aberlour
- Keith
- Aberdeenshire:
- Ballater
- Braemar
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Bodies of water:
- Moray Firth
- Cromarty Firth
- Beauly Firth
- Loch Ness
- Loch Morlich
- Loch Garten
- Loch an Eilein
- Rivers:
- River Spey
- River Findhorn
- River Ness
- River Nairn
- Mountains and Hills:
- Cairngorm Mountains
- Monadhliath Mountains
- Forests and Woodlands:
- Abernethy Forest
- Rothiemurchus Forest
- Historic Sites:
- Culloden Moor (site of the Battle of Culloden)
- Transportation:
- Caledonian Canal
Historical and design context
- Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew, a prominent Scottish cartographer known for his contributions to cartography.
- Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720).
- Map series: Bartholomew’s flagship series of half-inch maps, popular with cyclists and tourists.
- Design and style:
- Clear, attractive, and colorful design.
- Innovative gradation of color bands to depict different elevations.
- Base map: Reduced from an Ordnance Survey map of the same period.
- Historical significance:
- Reflects the growing interest in outdoor activities and tourism in the early 20th century.
- Showcases Bartholomew’s innovative techniques in map design and color usage.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you’d like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
