Inverness
From Imakoopedia
Inverness is a city in the Highlands of Scotland.
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Understand
Advertised as "the Gateway to the Highlands" by the local authority, Inverness is regarded as the center for commercial and industry for the Scottish Highlands, with continuing new investment in traditional industries and new hi-tech industries. It is also claimed as one of the fastest growing towns in Europe.
Get in
By plane
Inverness has an airport (BAA) - Nairn airport served by British Regional Airways, Easyjet (soon), Eastern Airways, and Highland Airways. It is sited between Nairn and Inverness and accessible from the Inverness-Aberdeen road. Limited charter services fly out from this airport.
By car
Inverness can be reached from the south by the A9 from the south (Perth & M90 from Edinburgh, Glasgow) and from Aberdeen, 110 miles by the A96 road. The A82 reaches Inverness from the south-west, Loch Ness, Fort William and eventually to Isle of Skye. None of the roads to Inverness are entirely dual-carriageway. The A9 continues to Thurso on the extreme north coast of the Scottish mainland.
By train
Inverness is served by a single train line from the south and from Aberdeen and they continue to Wick and Thurso or the famous scenic rail route to Kyle of Lochalsh via Dingwall and Garve. Note that the rail services to Inverness are not the fastest of services with almost usual delays, and there is a direct sleeper service from London.
By boat
The Caledonian Canal links Beauly Firth through Loch Ness to Forth William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
Get around
See
- Inverness Castle, at the end of the western pedestrian zone. It is a relatively new castle built in 1847 to replace a medieval castle blown up by the Jacobites. It houses the Sheriff's Court and cannot be seen as a visitor (you at least should try to never see it from the inside).
- Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Wynd (base of Inverness Castle), 237114. The museum has a collection of Pictish stones and wildlife dioramas, as well as historic weapons. Admission free. Mo-Sa 9:00-17:00.
Do
- There are two ski resorts, the nearest being Aviemore (great place for the outdoor person) and the other is the Nevis Range in Fort William.
- Located on the south side of the Moray Firth with picturesque River Ness flowing through the city, it is worth taking a walk to the Ness Islands. From the castle, walk along the River Ness in the opposite direction of the Firth until you get to the Islands.
- Inverness offers activities from golfing to watersports.
Buy
Eat
Drink
The only disappointing thing about Inverness is the nightlife - the atmosphere doesn't quite cut it, nor do the choices and opening times help matters.
Sleep
Budget
- Inverness Youth Hostel, Victoria Drive, 0870 004 1127. A modern 5 star hostel with excellent facilities. Some small rooms en-suite, internet, laundry. £10.75-13.50/5.00-12.00 (adult/child). Open all year. SYHA listing and information (http://www.syha.org.uk/syha/web/site/Hostels/Inverness.asp)
Get out
- Culloden Battlefield, Culloden (approx. 6 miles/10km east of Inverness), 01463 790607. Although not very close to Inverness, the Cullodon Visitor Centre is a major attraction to Inverness visitors. The last major Scottish battle took place in Culloden with a devastating defeat of the Jacobites, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, by the government forces. After the battle a lot changed for the Scottish. They weren't allowed to wear their tartans, playing bagpipe was against the law and the clan system was destroyed. You can visit the battlefield for free or take a look into the Visitor Centre for information of the battle and a video presentation. The exhibition is £5.00/3.75 (adult/concession).
- Clava Cairns, close to the battlefield (leaving the carpark turn right and right again at the next intersection, follow the signs). The Clava Carins is a Bronze Age burial site. No admission. Site in care of Historic Scotland and accessible all year.
- Loch Ness is not as close as many people think. There are buses leaving to Loch Ness from Inverness. See the Loch Ness article.
External links
- Official site (http://www.inverness-scotland.com/)
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