Inverness, Capital of the Highlands
Inverness
is located 160 miles north of Edinburgh (the capital of Scotland)
and 105 miles west of Aberdeen. Set on the shores of the Moray Firth
and famous for its colony of Bottle
Nosed Dolphins, this area enjoys some outstanding and breath-taking
scenery.
The city straddles the banks of the
River Ness which offers the many tourists who visit this area, some
very enjoyable walks over Edwardian footbridges and through the
wooded Ness Islands.
On the western side of Inverness is
The Caledonian Canal which joins Loch Ness, Oich and Lochy, connecting
to the north sea via the Moray Firth and the Atlantic at Corpach,
near Fort William.
Loch
Ness stretches some 23 miles and boasts the greatest body of
freshwater in Europe, it's also the reputed home of the Loch
Ness monster. Visit the Monster
Exhibition at Drumnadrochit or enjoy a Cruise
along The Caledonian Canal or the mysterious and beautiful Loch
Ness.
Inverness Castle webcam,
still one of the dominant features of the town, has been the target
of countless attacks over the centuries, although today it houses
the Sheriff Courthouse. The castle itself is not open to the public
but there is a small exhibition in the drum tower which is open
during the summer. The towns museum
& art gallery holds some interesting relics as well as many
photos of old Inverness.
There are numerous shops selling local
crafts, gifts, Tartans,
and knitwear. A wide selection of restaurants that serve both local
and international cuisine Restaurants
(downloadable guide in pdf format), also nightclubs and bars that
cater for all tastes. Eden
Court Theatre and ICA
a what's on guide for the city covering every aspect of entertainment.
Highland
Feast takes place every weekend in September sample salmon,
venison, game and seafood along with whisky which you can see being
made in a selection of nearby distilleries. It doesn't stop there
as they also have a good range of traditional Highland cheeses,
locally brewed beers and even a local wine or two.
The Floral
Hall, gardens and coffee shop offers a tranquil break amidst
beautiful floral displays. It was opened in 1993 by Prince Edward
and has been inspiring local gardeners and visitors from all over
the world ever since. The city nearby annual Tattoo
with musical performances from various Pipes & Drums and Military
Bands, nightly displays of Highland and Country Dancing, freefall
and fireworks displays and more.
Sports enthusiasts are well catered
for with no less than 3 golf courses within Inverness, namely, Inverness
GC , Torvean
GC and Fairways
(with driving range). Many more can be found in the surrounding
area.
A new purpose-built Aquadome
and Sports Centre with competition pool, leisure waters with
flume rides, bubbling geysers and wave lagoon, outdoor thistle shaped
pool, health suite, sports hall, running track and cafe bar. A boating
park, miniature railway and children's play area, ice rink and tennis/squash
courts.
Also worth a visit is Rollerbowl with
24 ten pin bowling lanes in state of the art luxurious surroundings,
pool tables, video games bar and restaurant. There is also superb
Fishing
for salmon and wild brown trout, found in rivers and lochs throughout
the area.
Highland
Games are held in Scotland from the end of May to the middle
of September every year, attracting crowds from several hundred
to over ten thousand at some of the larger Games.
Traditional events held are Heavyweight
events, Highland Dancing, Solo Piping, Pipe Bands, Tug of War, Wrestling
and Light Field events. In addition most Highland Games have keenly
contested Athletic and Cycling events, many which operate a handicap
system. There are usually events held for Adults and Juniors.
EXPLORE THE BEST OF SCOTLAND'S HERITAGE
Culloden
Moor, scene of the last major battle fought on mainland Britain.
The final Jacobite uprising ended here on 16 April, 1746, when the
army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart was crushed by the Government
forces, led by the Duke of Cumberland. See an audio-visual and historical
interpretation of the scene. Following the bloody battle the victorious
Duke of Cumberland requested that a new fort be built at Inverness,
on the site of the old. For various reasons the fort was built,
not at Inverness but on a flat promontory projecting into the Moray
Firth, some nine miles to the east of the town at Ardersier, visit
Fort
George
Also worth a visit is Hugh
Miller's Cottage who became a stonemason, eminent geologist,
editor and writer and not forgetting Urquhart
Castle, one of the largest in Scotland or Cawdor
Castle which was built in the 14th century by the Calder family.
Black Isle Wildlife & Country Park
(5 mins drive from Inverness). 'Make friends with the animals',
children under 5 go Free. Feed the ducks, geese and swans in the
many ponds. Make contact with the friendly goats and stroke the
cuddly rabbits. See the pot-bellied pigs, rare sheep and cattle.
A tearoom and gift shop are available or you can enjoy a picnic
in the play area set aside for children.
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