Scotland · City Guide
Inverness
Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands, a charming and compact city on the River Ness providing outstanding access to Loch Ness, the battlefield of Culloden, the Black Isle peninsula, the Moray Firth dolphin population and the gateway to the extraordinary landscapes of the far northwest Highlands and the NC500. Known as the friendliest city in Scotland, Inverness provides a warm and welcoming base for Highland exploration.
Elect's take
"Inverness has a friendliness and a sense of Highland warmth that I find genuinely appealing. The combination of the charming city centre, Loch Ness proximity, the battlefield at Culloden and the access to the NC500 makes it an excellent Highland base."
Culloden Battlefield, 5 miles east of Inverness, is one of Scotland's most moving historical sites, the location of the final defeat of the Jacobite forces in 1746 that marked the end of the Highland clan system. The NTS visitor centre provides an outstanding and sensitive presentation. Loch Ness is 15 minutes south, with Urquhart Castle ruin providing beautiful loch views. The Moray Firth dolphins, accessible by boat from Inverness, provide excellent wildlife encounters with a resident population of bottlenose dolphins. The Clava Cairns prehistoric site near Culloden is outstanding. The NC500 begins in Inverness and heads north through extraordinary scenery.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Culloden Battlefield
Scotland's most moving historical site, the final Jacobite defeat in 1746.
Loch Ness
Scotland's most famous loch with Urquhart Castle ruins 15 minutes south.
Moray Firth Dolphins
Excellent boat encounters with a resident population of bottlenose dolphins.
NC500 Gateway
The starting point for Scotland's most celebrated coastal road trip.
Clava Cairns
Atmospheric prehistoric standing stones and burial cairns near Culloden.
Highland Capital
The capital of the Scottish Highlands with a charming city centre and warm hospitality.
