Inverness has a long history, having evolved from an ancient fort to the modern city it is now. The city and the surrounding area is now home to 65,000 people, but it was much smaller when St Columba visited the Royal Court of the Pictish King Brude (or Bridei) in 565AD. Legend has it that, in 1040, Macbeth, of Shakespeare fame, built his stronghold in Inverness. In 1158 King David of Scotland awarded Invernessits charter as a Royal Burgh.
Known as the Capital of the
Highlands, it has held this title over the centuries due to it’s position on
the River Ness where the roads through the glens of the Highlands converge.
The castle that dominates
the Inverness skyline dates from 1834. Today
this impressive red sandstone building is a courthouse, but you should note the
statue that sits outside. It is of Flora MacDonald who, famously, helped Bonnie
Prince Charlie escape "Over the Sea to Skye”.
Close by is Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which displays the heritage of the area, from archaeology to natural history.
As the regional
administrative and cultural centre Inverness boasts a wide range of shops and services. The popular Eden Court Theatre complex offers an eclectic range
of plays, musicals and other entertainment. There is a diverse choice of restaurants
serving most types of cuisine. Pubs are plentiful too, many offering
traditional Scottish music in the evenings.
Tours that visit Inverness:
From Inverness
Inverness City Tour (1 day)From Edinburgh
Loch Ness and the Highlands (1 day)Glen Coe, Loch Ness and Inverness (1 day)
Glimpse of Scotland (2 days)
Jacobite Highlander (2 days)
Highlands and the Isle of Skye (3 days)
Scottish Wilderness (3 days)
Over the sea to Skye (3 days)
Best of the Highlands (4 days)
Inverness, Skye and the Highlands (4 days)
Highland Explorer (5 days)
Road to the Isles (5 days)
From Glasgow
Loch Ness and the Highlands (1 day)Glimpse of Scotland (2 days)
Highlands and the Isle of Skye (3 days)
Scottish Wilderness (3 days)
Over the sea to Skye (3 days)
Best of the Highlands (4 days)
Inverness, Skye and the Highlands (4 days)
Highland Explorer (5 days)
Road to the Isles (5 days)