Inverness
Inbhir Nis
Inbhir Nis is the Highland capital and transport hub, with the River Ness flowing through it and serving as the base for visiting Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and the NC500 route.
Inbhir Nis is Scotland's northernmost city, with a population of about 50,000, where the River Ness flows into the Moray Firth. It has an airport and trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow. The city centre is small and can be explored in half a day. On the hill on the east bank stands the red sandstone Inverness Castle (rebuilt in the 19th century and being converted into a Highland visitor centre; the viewing platform in its north tower overlooks the whole city). On the west bank are St Andrew's Cathedral, the Victorian Market and Leakey's second-hand bookshop (converted from a church). Walking south along the River Ness brings you to the Ness Islands, a quiet, wooded spot linked by footbridges. Day trips nearby: 8 km east, Culloden Battlefield (site of the last Jacobite battle in 1746, a must for Outlander fans) and the Clava Cairns; south, Loch Ness; northwest, Black Isle and Chanonry Point for dolphin watching. Inbhir Nis offers plenty of accommodation and dining, making it the best place in the Highlands to resupply and change transport, and many Highland day tours depart from here.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Culloden Battlefield
- Dores Beach
- Clava Cairns
- Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie
- Chanonry Point
- Fort George
- Beauly Priory
- Tomatin Distillery