Inverness Guide

The Scottish Highland city of Inverness is a mixture of ancient, medieval and modern history and culture as the city dates back thousands of years. The city was conquered by Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated here. Hear the tales of battles of knights and kings and of the infamous Mary Queen of Scots. The scenery is breathtaking from the riverfront to the forests and hills to the castle gardens. There are no lack of places to visit which include numerous castles, abbeys and archaeological sites, open for the public to enjoy and explore. There are numerous options in the city to dine and shop.

Above Inverness lies Craig Phadrig, a forested area with paths for walking, cycling and horseback riding. There is a spectacular view of the city and the Moray Firth. This was once a citadel for Pictish kings and houses an ancient fort.

The river has a series of lochs including the famous Loch Ness and her popular resident, Nessie. Learn Nessie’s history, view the evidence and decide if the creature really exists. Along the shore lies Urquhart Castle, built in the late 13th century. Guests daily tour the castle and hear tales of the site’s violent past. A visitor’s centre and restaurant are available at the location.

The Brodie and Cawdor castles are intact fortresses that house magnificent furnishings and décor. Some of the area's castles have been renovated into bed and breakfasts, while others provide the opportunity for visitors to experience a medieval banquet.

History and archeological enthusiasts appreciate the Bronze Age Bulnaraun of Clava and the Culloden Battlefield. The Clava Cairns, as it is often times called, is an ancient burial site comprised of unique stone structures and rock carvings. The structures appear to have been built with reference to the direction of the sun and some are colour-coded.

The Culloden Battlefield is the site of the last battle fought in the mid 1700’s for the occupation of the throne. Along with a modern day visitor’s centre are a memorial cairn, a Leananch cottage and stones labeling the clans that fought and died for their country. Fort George was built along the coast as a town within itself designed to protect the Highlands from invasion. Reenactments and authentic memorabilia await visitors to the site that encompasses over 40 acres.

Shopping is plentiful from the stores that line the streets to the massive Victorian Market and the modern Eastgate II shopping centre. Restaurants serve everything from traditional Scottish meals to cuisine from around the world.