Inverness-shire
Inverness is by far the largest town in the Highlands of Scotland, and is often called its capital. In fact it was given city status recently, and is expanding quickly. It has amenities not available in other parts of the north of Scotland. Most major retail chains have branches in the town, and it is the best centre in the area for variety in car hire, travel agents etc. In many ways it is the hub for travel around the area, with rail and bus links in all directions. Dalcross airport, a few miles to the east, is the arrival point for many visitors from the south, with regular flights from London, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
In recent years Inverness has become a favourite destination for it's nightlife too, with some quality restaurants and an exciting pub and club scene. Cheap flights from Belfast, Dublin, Bristol and Liverpool have made it a regular location for stag and hen weekends - see urBarred.com for more information.
If you are thinking of moving to Inverness or it's surrounding area, HIE Inverness & East Highland's Location Assistant site has lots of information and links.
There are a number of sites of interest to the tourist within a few miles, such as the imposing Fort George, built in 1748 as a result of the Jacobite rebellion, and now one of the finest fortifications in Europe. That rebellion was finally quashed at the battle of Culloden, the site of which is four miles east of Inverness. Nearby are the stones and cairns of Clava which date from 1500 years BC.
The main tourist attraction however lies south of Inverness. Loch Ness, famous for its monster, has fascinated locals and visitors for hundreds of years. The first recorded sightings of the monster date from the 7th century - information centres in the village of Drumnadrochit on the west side of the loch detail many more instances.
Beauly, at the innermost coast of the Beauly Firth, and only 12 miles from Inverness, is an excellent and enjoyable example of a historic Highland town.
Fort Augustus at the south end of Loch Ness has a visitor centre at the Benedictine Abbey, right on the loch side, with an exhibition detailing the history of the Highlands.
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