With its own airport and ample train and bus connections, the vibrant city of Inverness is an ideal starting point for your visit to the Highlands.

Castle Viewpoint in the heart of Inverness. If you can manage to climb the 90+ steps in this listed building (no lift/elevator allowed) you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views up and down the river Ness, and on a good day, you can see as far as the Ben Wyvis range in the north.

Eden Court Theatre on the banks of the beautiful river Ness. The cultural heart of the town centre, next door to Inverness Cathedral (please see under Cathedrals), updated to state-of- the-art technology in 2007: two theatres, a cinema and many outreach projects. Plays, dance and concert performances, talk shows, films and ballets can be enjoyed in this wonderful place which also incorporates the 19th c. Bishop’s Palace. More info

Highland Archive Centre, Inverness, an extensive archive of Highland history, curated in a state-of-the art building, with public search room, family history room, conservation studio and genealogy service. More info

Short drive to University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) with its research complex. Views from upstairs café over landscaped grounds and ponds with resident family of swans. As a proud alumna (twice over), I would love to give you a brief overview.

The Highland capital’s first hospital (completed in the early 19th century) with its locally forged footbridge over the river Ness, specially built for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, giving easy access to medical staff living on the other side of the river. Note the projecting part of the building with its operating theatre upstairs – no anaesthics used in the early days. Long since replaced by Raigmore Hospital (with its own helipad) located on the southern margin of Inverness.

 

Walking tour of historic Inverness and along the river to see some of its footbridges. Having been examined on this tour in 2009, it would be Brigitte’s pleasure to show you the historical buildings, tell you about their significance and introduce you to the town’s current attractions such as favourite watering holes, and the fascinating museum and contemporary art gallery.

Watering holes: there are many places to eat and drink in Inverness, at all levels of quality and price. More info.

Visit this link to check out available accommodation in or around Inverness