Out & About in Inverness

The beautiful and historic city of Inverness is located in Northern Scotland and has a population of more than 70,000 people. Set amongst rugged Scottish landscapes, Inverness is the capital of the Highlands, which is the famous mountain region of the country and the spiritual home of its people.

Inverness Castle, which overlooks the River Ness and was constructed in 1836, is one of the most striking landmarks in the city. Also located alongside the River Ness, St. Andrew's Cathedral is another building that dominates the skyline with its magnificent architecture and rich historical importance. The UHI Millennium Institute, which comprises of 15 colleges and institutions, is another key building in the city.

The economic fabric of Inverness is a tightly woven mix of high-tech industries and hospitality, retail and tourism sectors. The city is of significant financial importance to Scotland.

Shopping

Inverness shoppers will invariably find themselves at the Eastgate Shopping Centre, which comprises 350,000 square feet of retail floor space. There are many different types of shops in the centre, including popular department stores such as Argos, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, French Connection, H & M, Internacionale, New Look, Next and River Island. There are also book stores such as Waterstones, specialist lingerie outlets such as La Senza, music in the form of HMV, Ernest Jones and H. Samuel jewellers, mobile phone stores including T-Mobile, Vodafone and O2, and toy shops like the Early Learning Centre. In short, there is something for everyone at Eastgate Shopping Centre.

If consumers are in search of something a little less mainstream, then they are advised to head down to the Victorian Market in Inverness, which can be accessed via Church Street, Queensgate or Academy Street. Having stood for almost 120 years, the market offers a wide selection of niche shops, such as antique China vendors to natural health products.

Inverness Retail and Business Park hosts many leading names, from Comet, Homebase and Maplin to Mothercare, JJB Sports and Borders. After a hard day's shooping here, consumers will be tempted by the availability of a Burger King and Pizza Hut. The park has free parking for up to 1,000 cars.

Food and Drink

Inverness does not limit its culinary offerings to local produce, which is nevertheless supremely delicious. Indeed, there are many Italian, French, Spanish and Indian restaurants in the city that are well worth a visit. The Riva Ristorante Italiano is a lovely little Italian restaurant that overlooks both Inverness Castle and the River Ness. Renowned for its hand-tossed, freshly baked pizzas and refreshing pasta dishes, the Riva makes for a superb evening meal out in the city.

As far as quality French cuisine goes, there is little better in Inverness than the Abstract Restaurant in the Glenmoriston Town House Hotel. The Abstract was recently given a televised makeover by none other than Gordon Ramsay, and since then it has been serving exceptionally delicious meals in a relaxing and clean environment. Baked Sea Bass, Loch Dewart Salmon and Black Isle Beef are typical dishes on the menu, which offers a truly exquisite assault on the tastebuds!

Another Franco-Scottish delight can be enjoyed at the Loch Ness Lodge Restaurant, which is a splendid building set alongside one of the most magnificent and mysterious waters in the world - Loch Ness. Whilst Nessie herself is unlikely to be on the menu, guests can feast on meals such as crab and lobster whilst enjoying the warmth of a traditional log fire. Splendid.

There is also no shortage of fine pubs and bars in Inverness. From the Blarmor Bar in Drumnadrochit, which serves fine ales, food and has a big screen TV, to the more fun-loving Barbazza on Young Street, which includes Karaoke nights.

Arts and Entertainment

The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is the city's first museum, having been opened in 1826. The museum has a strong local flavour, including archaeological, geological and natural history exhibitions that concern the land of Inverness and the history of its peoples. Jacobite memorabilia, authentic Highland bagpipes and weapons, for instance are on display amongst numerous other artefacts. The art gallery section is full of portraits and photographs of local life, people and Highland landscapes.

Eden Court Theatre and Cinema provides a wide range of entertainment, from Hollywood blockbusters to opera, theatre and live music performances.

Hotel and Travel

Inverness has plenty of great camping opportunities in addition to top quality hotels and bed & breakfasts. The camping, nevertheless, is a main attraction as hikers and mountain climbers head out into the Highlands.

Inverness Aiport caters to around 700,000 passengers each year, whilst Inverness Railway Station operates routes for some 1 million passengers annually, making it a significant mode of transport in the city. The A95, A82 and A86 carriageways connect Inverness to all other main cities in Scotland.