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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 offering the many tourists who visit this area, some very enjoyable walks over Edwardian footbridges & through the wooded Ness Islands. On the west 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 holds some interesting relics as well as many photos of old Inverness. The art gallery is also worth a visit.

There are numerous shops selling local crafts, gifts, Tartans, knitwear and a large modern shopping mall. 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, a seven screen Vue Cinema and a smaller Caledonian Cinema

Sports enthusiasts are well catered for with no less than 3 golf courses within Inverness, namely, Inverness GC, Torvean GC and Loch Ness GC (with driving range). Many more can be found in the surrounding area.

There's a 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.

Horse riding can be enjoyed at Borlum Farm Tel 01456 450 220 Fax 01456 450 358 A BHS approved riding centre on a working hill farm overlooking Loch Ness in the village of Drumnadrochit, 14 miles from Inverness.

Loch Insh Watersports and Skiing Centre Kincraig, near Kingussie Tel 01540 651 272 Fax 01540 651 208
Offering summer watersport and winter snow skiing, licensed restaurant on beach and many leisure facilities on site.

Loch Morlich Watersports near Aviemore, with activity and watersport centre, experienced qualified instructors to teach you whatever your age or skill, 1km long beach and coffee shop.

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.

Nevis Range (Torlundy, near Fort William. 57 miles from Inverness) is an all year round attraction for skiing, snowboarding, walking, mountain biking or just simply visiting. They operate Scotland's only gondola uplift which takes visitors half way up the mountain of Aonach Mor (1221m/4006ft) to their restaurant, bar and shops.

For skiers & snowboarders this is the point your fun begins & for day visitors they invite you to enjoy the mountain views or take a short walk on one of the carefully designed paths. The trip itself takes 15 mins. Great fun for all ages, these walks are a great way of taking in the sheer grandeur of the scenery & variety of flora & fauna.