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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 Dolphin Trips, 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 (6 miles) 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 (5 mins walk) along The Caledonian Canal or the mysterious and beautiful Loch Ness. Inverness Castle webcam (15 mins walk), 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, 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 (7 mins walk) 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 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 (7 mins walk) and Loch Ness GC (Fairways) with driving range. Many more can be found in the surrounding area. Within 5-10 mins walk there is 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 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. |