Inverness is the self-proclaimed "Capital of the Highlands". It is a
modern town with few signs of antiquity - because, in ancient days, as a meeting point of Highland and Lowland, it was a place of conflict. Clan Donald is said to have burned the town at least seven times, while Prince Charlie's forces destroyed the fort here in 1745.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery displays the heritage of the area, from archaeology to natural history. Inverness Castle, dating from the1830s, is a prominent gothic-style building in red sandstone, now the setting of the Castle Garrison Encounter, a costume re-enactment of life for an 18th-century soldier.
Today Inverness is modern and go-ahead – its streets in summer are a busy mix of residents and visitors. The new extension to the Eastgate Centre, with its many High Street names, reflects the city's important commercial role, while the refurbished Victorian Arcade nearby provides a variety of Inverness shopping.
The city also has an excellent selection of pubs, restaurants and late-night venues, as well as Scottish Showtime, traditional music and dance performed in costume, said to be Scotland's longest running show. Another important cultural centre is the Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, with an entertainment programme to suit all tastes.
The city environment is very attractive, with Inverness a Britain in Bloom award winner. Among its parks and gardens, the tropical gardens under glass in the Bught Floral Hall are notable. Nearby are the attractive walks by the Ness islands on the river.
Inverness is truly "the city in the Highlands" - a well-resourced small city and an ideal touring centre with plenty to see and do all around by way of sport and leisure activities.
Things to see and do
* Inverness Castle
* Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
* Ness Islands
* Victoria Market
* St. Andrew’s Cathedral
General information
Cruise Season – March to Nov
Currency – Pound Sterling (£)
Language – English and Gaelic
Land Area – 78,782 km² (Scotland)
Population – 52,500
Electricity – British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade
Time –GMT/UTC plus one hour
International Country Telephone Code – + 44
Port Location – The port of Inverness is located on the river Ness close to the city centre of Inverness.
Transport Links – Inverness railway station is located in the City Centre. There are direct services to Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. Inverness has an airport served by British Airways, Easyjet, BMI, Eastern Airways, AerArran, and Highland Airways. It is sited between Nairn and Inverness and accessible from the Inverness - Aberdeen road. Buses are available from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth.
There are around fifty bus routes travelling in and around Inverness, mainly operated by Stagecoach Inverness. No inner-city train services operate, though trains do provide excellent transport links to surrounding towns and villages, notably Beauly. Taxis are probably the most efficient form of transport after hours.