History & Culture
Inverness Castle is an impressive red sandstone building with views down to the River Ness, across the city and out to the Highlands.
Inverness is the administrative centre of the Highlands and home to a quarter of its population
Surrounded by glorious scenery and the natural starting point for a huge range of outdoor activities and adventures, the city of Inverness is situated where the river Ness meets the Moray Firth at the end of the Great Glen.
More than any other Scottish city, Inverness is known for its family-friendly activities, with plenty of things to do with children and toddlers in the city itself and nearby. The myriad outdoor activity centres, beaches, waterfalls, walking trails and green spaces are complemented by inclusive exhibitions and museums exploring the city's rich culture and history. You'll be sure to find something for everyone in Inverness.
Once a Pictish stronghold, Inverness' past has been shaped by numerous famous battles, and the city played a key role in the Jacobite uprisings of 1689 and 1745. The history of Inverness and the surrounding area has inspired many a story and film - the TV series Outlander is just one recent example that has awakened additional interest in this truly fascinating part of Scotland.
As well as a range of options for easy and rewarding day trips, like visiting Loch Ness to look for its legendary monster and exploring the Great Glen and the Highlands, Inverness is a great place to start the popular North Coast 500 road trip, which takes in some of the most spectacular beaches and wild scenery in the world.
As if all that wasn't enough reason to visit, Inverness regularly tops the list of 'happiest places to live' in Scotland and the UK!
