Inverness Mini Guide, Inverness, Scotland

Inverness is the main city in the highlands, where the River Ness and the Moray Firth meet. The city itself, I find is very walk able and is a good base for exploring the surrounding area. I would advise two days here in the city to fully experience all the city has to offer, however if time is tight then one night could be workable.

Nearby Inverness, you have the iconic Loch Ness, the thought provoking Culloden battlefield and the beginnings of the NC500 highland route.

Situated on the edge of the River Ness, has a long history that initially dates back to 1057, however the red sandstone building that you see today dates back to 1836. The walls of the castle has seen some turbulent times, during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots, she was strongly denied entry to the castle in 1562 under the orders of the Earl of Huntly. Mary’s supporters laid siege to the castle and three days later they had captured it.

Later and throughout the 1700’s the castle has links to the Jacobite rising. During the 1715 Jacobean rising the castle was occupied by a Jacobite garrison. After 1746 and tragic Culloden battle, the castle was then blown up by government forces.

In relatively recent times (1800’s) the building was used as a prison and courthouse up until 2020. The Castle has undergone major transformation and are planning to reopen to the public in 2025. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).