Inverness

Inverness

Image of Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle (Sheriff Court)

Introduction

Inverness (pop 44,000) has been designated as ‘capital of the Highlands’ (of Scotland).

This city has many attractions and places of interest in its own right. In addition there is a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.Inverness is thus an excellent base for touring the Highlands region.

Inverness can be accessed by road, rail and air.

Visitor Sites in and around Inverness- Tranche 1

Visitor sites include:

  • Inverness Museum & Art Gallery: Here can be found the art, history and heritage of the Scottish Highlands.
  • Whisky Distilleries: Within reach of Inverness are Dalmore and Glen Ord distilleries.
  • Culloden Battlefield Site: This is where the last battle on British soil took place (1746). Excellent visitor centre on site.
  • Cawdor Castle: This is loosely connected with Shakespeare’s Macbeth with the building dating from the 14th to 17th centuries. The castle is Open to the public.
  • Brodie Castle: This castle dates from the 16th to 19th centuries. Inside the castle is a collection of porcelain, furniture and art.
  • The Hugh Miller Museum & Birthplace at Cromarty on the Black Isle: This is a 17th century thatched cottage where the multi-talented Hugh Miller was born in 1802.
  • River walk: Along the banks of the River Ness, close to the city centre. From here can be viewed various aspects of local architecture including:
    • Inverness Castle (19th century)
    • Victorian Gothic Town House (1882)
    • Library, 19th century Greek Revival
    • Victorian Market (19th century)
    • Abertaff House (16th century)
    • Dunbar’s Hospital (17th century)
    • Cathedral (19th century)
    • Churches- Old Gaelic Church, Old High Church, Free North Church, St. Columba’s High Church and St. Mary’s.

Visitor Sites in and around Inverness- Tranche 2

  • Eden Court Theatre.
  • Fort George: Here is an 18th century artillery fortification which is still in use as an army barracks. Dolphins may be viewed from here.
  • Groame House Museum: This is full of ancient Pictish stones c.8/9th C.
  • Invergordon Naval Museum and Heritage Centre.
  • Invergordon Murals:Unique art work on side of buildings.
  • Munlochy Clootie Well: A traditional healing well dating back centuries.
  • Beauly: This is a pleasant small town with ruined medieval priory.
  • Castle Urquhart-This is probably the best location to view Loch Ness and engage in some ‘monster’ spotting!
  • Black Isle Brewery: This produces a range of six organic beers.
  • Clava Cairns:–This is a prehistoric cemetery with stone circles and cairns dating back about 4000 years. Now connected with the Outlander series.
  • Corrimony Chambered Cairn: This is another 4000 year old burial site, near Drumnadrochit.

Images of selected sites

In the right light conditions, the city and River Ness which flows through it afford good opportunities for photography.

Image of Culloden battlefield
Culloden Battlefield
Image of person standing in River Ness and fishing
Fishing in River Ness
Image of River Ness with city of Inverness on either side.
River Ness flowing through centre of Inverness
Image of Abertaff House
Abertaff House
Image of River Ness flowing through the city of Inverness
River Ness at Inverness
Image oif central Inverness
Centre of Inverness
Image of prehistoric burials at Clava Cairns
Clava Cairns Prehistoric Site

More information.

For more information on Inverness, the Scottish Highlands and other aspects of touring Scotland please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4

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