Fort William is the principal town in the West Highlands. It takes its name from a fort founded here in 1690 and named after William, Prince of Orange.

As a busy centre it offers a wide range of shops and services, including major supermarkets and businesses selling outdoor and activity wear, books, tartans, tweeds, woollens and crafts, mostly along its pleasant and pedestrianised main street. Its location as a meeting-place for West Highland routes also means it has a range of pubs, places to eat and Scottish entertainment. The West Highland Museum in the town's main square takes up the theme of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites, with many relics from those times.

Movies filmed in or near Fort William include Harry Potter, Highlander, Braveheart and Rob Roy.