Inverness, Scotland

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Ranked #576 in Travel, #27,934 overall

Inverness - The Capital of Scotland's Highlands

The City of Inverness sits at the mouth of the River Ness - only some six miles from Loch Ness - where it flows into the Moray Firth. It has long since been referred to as the capital of the Scottish Highlands, though it only actually received formal city classification in the year 2001. This makes Inverness the most northerly city in the United Kingdom.

Getting to Inverness by Road or Rail 

Helpful information

Inverness StationIt is possible to reach Inverness by either road or rail from most of Scotland's major population centres. The principal drawback that one should always consider, however, is that in winter, the main A9 road is often closed due to heavy snow. This is where the option of taking the train may have to be considered as the only viable alternative.

If travelling by road, click here for AA assistance in planning your route.

If travelling by rail, click here for similar assistance from The Trainline.

Inverness Castle 

Was its predecessor really where King Duncan was murdered?

Inverness Castle from River Ness BankInverness Castle in its present form was built in 1835 on the site of a much earlier fortress. It sits on a small hill on the banks of the River Ness, right in the centre of the town, and is therefore easily accessible to visitors. Legend has it that the much older Inverness Castle, featured in Shakespeare's infamous play "MacBeth," was where King Duncan was murdered and that his ghost can still be seen on occasion walking along the river bank.

Inverness Castle It is perhaps unfortunate that the castle is today used as Inverness' Sheriff and District Courts and that only a very small part of it remains open to the public. There are some very pleasant views from the grounds, however, and its proximity to the town means you do not have to go any great distance out of your way to see them.

More Inverness scenery courtesy of Flickr.com 

Click on any image to enlarge

The Kessock Bridge Inverness by ccgd

Approaching Inverness Airport

Milton of Leys above Inverness by conner395

Milton of Leys, above Inverness

Inverness Castle, Scotland by conner395

Inverness Castle from Ness bridge

Hill Loch near Inverness by conner395

Hill Loch near Inverness

curated content from Flickr

Souvenirs of Scotland 

Why pay hugely inflated prices?

Lion Rampant Hooded SweatshirtWe have all been to those tourist destinations, all around the world, and seen the prices of merchandise that we wouldn't dream of paying for at home. Yet why are we so often tempted? What is it about holiday/vacation destinations that blind us almost in to paying through the nose for something worth perhaps half as much? Perhaps we are simply caught up in the euphoria of seeing new sights so much that our normal good judgement is impaired?

There is, however, another way. Why not simply buy the souvenirs online, before or after any visit? Even local residents can save money in this way! This hooded sweatshirt is available to purchase for only a little over $30.00 (£15.00)! Where would you get value like that in a Mall or on a High Street?

Click here to visit this fabulous online bargain store now for many, many more items in a host of different categories featuring Scotland's Royal Flag, "The Lion Rampant," and save the hard earned spending cash for your trip for something else!

The Filling Station, Academy Street, Inverness 

I discovered it as a refuge from the rain!

The Filling Station, InvernessI only had one full day in Inverness in which to take the photographs and compile the information which I required for this site. Time - one may safely therefore say - was of the essence and I was delighted that the morning dawned bright and clear, allowing my camera and I to capture what I believe are some very attractive images.

Just as lunchtime approached, however, the sky began to darken and the first drops of rain started to fall. I was fortunate enough to find myself at the time in the town centre, barely a hundred yards from the Railway Station, and straight across the road from The Filling Station. I entered to be approached at once by the friendly waiter and seated by the window. I was provided with an extensive menu and asked what I would like to drink.

Dominic at the bar in The Filling Station, InvernessI opted for the Meat Feast Calzone Pizza and was delighted that despite the establishment being fairly busy and customers coming and going all the time, my food arrived extremely promptly. It was delicious and I recall actually commenting to my waiter, Dominic (pictured right,) that had I been at home, I would have licked my plate.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend this venue highly enough to any visitors to Inverness, for its location, its food and its service.

A Taste of Inverness and Scotland as a whole 

Courtesy of Amazon.com

What do you want to know about Scotland? Is whisky your passion...scenery...history? Here are a sample of publications currently available on Amazon.com at fantastic prices to answer all your questions and more.

(Not in the USA? Don't worry! Amazon will automatically determine so and give you the opportunity to switch immediately to your country's Amazon site for local pricing information.)

Michael Jackson's Complete Guide To Single Malt Scotch

What more has to be said? Many people associate Scotland with haggis, kilts, or even Loch Ness and its Monster - but surely this premium spirit is the true essence of Scotland?

Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $29.95

Scotland (revised) (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)

A guide to Inverness and the rest of Scotland for the past or future vfisitor.

Amazon Price: $15.64 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $23.00

How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It

An eye-opening account of the everyday inventions for which the world has to thank Scotland.

Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $16.00

Frommer's Scotland (Frommer's Complete)

What do you want to know about Scotland? Find it here then come and see it all for yourself.

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $21.99

Michelin Scotland Regional Map (Michelin Maps)

An especially handy document if you intend travelling through Scotland by car.

Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $8.95

Getting Around in Inverness 

Take a taxi!

Andrew and his Taxi, InvernessI was not in Inverness long enough to become familiar in any way with the bus services or routes so I found myself having to rely largely on taxis for transportation. I was extremely fortunate in this connection to meet up with Andrew (pictured,) who supplied me with his card and told me to call him when I required his services.

I was delighted by Andrew's promptness and friendly conversation to this short term visitor to his home town and will certainly use his services again at the time of any future visit to Inverness.

If you are in Inverness and need the services of a taxi, you can contact Andrew on his mobile/cell phone at (07788)611028 or failing that, on his landline at (01463)223520.

 

Current weather conditions in Inverness, United Kingdom

Local Pollen Reports

1°C (Feels like -2°C)

Last update: 12/18/09 11:50 PM Local Time

Humidity: 93%
Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 0°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1019.0mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 11km/h From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Tonight


Low
Low: -1°C
Sunrise: 8:55 AM
Sunset: 3:32 PM
 

Saturday
Dec 19 


N/A
High: C
Low: -3°C
Sunrise: 8:56 AM
Sunset: 3:32 PM

Sunday
Dec 20 


Rain / Snow
High: C
Low: -4°C
Sunrise: 8:57 AM
Sunset: 3:33 PM

Monday
Dec 21 


Snow Shower
High: C
Low: -4°C
Sunrise: 8:57 AM
Sunset: 3:33 PM

What's Happening in Inverness? 

The very latest local news, courtesy of "The Inverness Courier"

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Why Not Find Out More About the Author of this Site, Gordon Hamilton? 

Click on the link below to visit his home page

Loch Ness 

A Place of Ancient and Continuining Legend

Who has not heard of the Loch Ness Monster? The mysterious creature that inhabits the murky depths of Scotland's deepest and (arguably) most famous loch. Have you seen it? Would you want to?

Loch Ness is located a mere six miles up river from Inverness and is therefore well within easy reach for a day trip or even half-day trip out of the town. Have a look at some of the scenery it offers below to whet your appetite.

Remember, you can click any one of them to see them full size.

Looking to Loch Ness by ccgd

Loch Ness from the air

curated content from Flickr

 

Loch Ness, The Movie, starring Ted Danson and Joely Richardson

The 1996 movie entitled, "Loch Ness," tells the touching story of an out of favour American journalist (Ted Janson, of "Cheers" fame) sent to Scotland to find the Loch Ness Monster. In so doing, he encounters the fiesty landlady of a local pub and bed and breakfast (Joely Richardson) and her young daughter, and ultimately finds a lot more than he bargained for, in more respects than one...

This is a touching, family film, at times humorous, and featuring some of the most breathtaking scenery that Scotland has to offer...

Loch Ness is currently available at a discounted price on Amazon.com on DVD. Click on the image below for more details or to make a purchase.

(Note that if you are not in the USA, Amazon will automatically offer you the option to transfer to your own country's site when the window opens.)

Loch Ness

Amazon Price: $12.49 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $14.98

Loch Ness and The Loch Ness Monster on Hub Pages 

Click on any link for information, videos and more!

New Loch Ness Monster Video
On May 31st, 2007 both the BBC and CNN aired a new video of the Loch Ness monster taken by a scientist named Gordon Holmes. You can see the video here and decide for yourself whether this is the fabled...
The Loch Ness Monster
Is the Loch Ness Monster real? Is it a myth? I will let you be the judge. There have been plenty of "sightings" of it over the years. This hub has more details about the Loch Ness Monster and the "sightings" ...
Loch Ness Monster - Fact or Fiction?
An examination of the evidence.
Plesiosaurs and other possible Loch Ness Monster Explanations
A look at some strange creatures around the globe.

Scotland Today and for Auld Lang Syne 

Why not check it out?

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Loch Ness Theories 

Could the following links provide an explanation...?

The Loch Ness Monster and ohter Aquatic Beasties
A cryogenic proposal...
Loch Ness Monster Scottish Legend
Everyone has heard about Nessie the Monster of Loch ness but is she real or not? There are some who say yes, some who say no and some like me who say don`t know. There are many claimed sightings and many...
The Loch Ness Monster
Is the Loch Ness Monster real? Is it a myth? I will let you be the judge. There have been plenty of "sightings" of it over the years. This hub has more details about the Loch Ness Monster and the "sightings" ...

 

Let the people decide: Does "Nessie" in fact exist?

It is a debate which has raged for centuries. Scientists have come and gone (many more of them than as portrayed by Ted Danson!) with equipment from the realms of fantasy in an effort to finally prove or disprove the rumour.

All have failed.

Here I invite you to cast your vote: is "Nessie" real? Simply click upon the small upward pointing arrow next to your selection and refresh the page when prompted. Vote now!

Definitely

There is no way that so many sightings can all hav more...1 point

Definitely not

The whole concept is a figment of vivid imaginatio more...1 point

I can't decide

Perhaps I want to believe in my heart but logic te more...0 points

The Loch Ness Monster on CafePress 

All prices are in US Dollars

Click on any of the images to enlarge it.

Price: 0.00 Buy Now

Price: 0.00 Buy Now

Price: 0.00 Buy Now

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St Andrew's Cathedral, Inverness 

St Andrew's Cathedral, InvernessThe Episcopalian Cathedral in Inverness sits straight across the River Ness from the castle - in the grounds of which I took the photograph to the left - just off Ness Walk, on Ardross Street. Its construction was begun in 1866 and completed in 1869.

Do you want to find out more about Inverness? 

Perhaps you are planning a visit?

Whatever your reason for wanting to learn more about this typically Scottish city, I hope the links below will assist in answering some of your questions.
Inverness Castle
More information about Inverness Castle and the history behind it.
CaleyThistleOnline - For Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC Fans
Inverness Caledonian Thistle - Britain's most northerly top league football (soccer) club. Find out all you want or need to know about them here on their official site
Inverness Cathedral
The official website of St Andrew's cathedral, Inverness.
Inverness
Tourist information site for Inverness and the surrounding areas.
Inverness Accommodation
If you do intend to visit Inverness, it is most likely that you will need somewhere to stay. Have a look at VisitScotland's site and let them help you in your search.
The Legend of Nessie
The Legend of Nessie, the ultimate and Official Loch Ness Monster Site, with up-to-date information and photographs of new and past sightings. A must for all Nessie enthusiasts.

Properties to Let in Inverness 

Advertise your property in Inverness for free or browse for the one you are looking for

William Wallace, Braveheart 

A site which looks at the facts behind the fiction

Shopping in Inverness 

Looking for something a little different?

The Victorian Market, InvernessInverness has a variety of different shops and a conventional shopping centre in the Eastgate Centre but if you happen to be in the town and are looking to experience something different, why not pay a visit to The Victorian Market? It is located extremely centrally, only a stone's throw from the main railway station, and offers a variety of specialist craft shops and lots more. It really is a pleasant throwback to simpler and more colourful times...

Getting to Inverness by Air 

Inverness Airport is only a few miles outside the town so why not fly there direct, if possible? Complete all the details you require below for your dream visit to the town and let Orbitz help you find the best deal.

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What did you think? 

Stumble It!

I hope that you have enjoyed your little taster of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands and that it leaves you hungry for more.

Thank you for your time and your visit and I hope that you can spare another couple of moments to leave me your impressions in the space below.

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by Gordon_Hamilton

My name is Gordon Hamilton and I live in the United Kingdom. As well as writing on Squidoo, I am the Food and Drink Channel Steward on Helium.com. I a...

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