Explore Inverness 2017/2018 Guide

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HOOTANANNY CEILIDH BAR LIVE SCOTTISH MUSIC EVERY NIGHT Best Pub in North of Scotland 2016, Traditional Scottish Food Live Music 7 days a week 9.30pm Ceilidh every Saturday 2.30pm to 4.30pm 67 Church St IV1 1ES Tel:01463 233651 www.hootananny.co.uk

THE TOMATIN DISTILLERY Experience the ‘softer side of the Highlands’ at a local whisky distillery, where you will find a range of tours & award winning malts available. We are located south of Inverness, just off the A9, IV13 7YT. Open 7 days all year round.

April to October: 9.30am-5.30pm, Mon - Sun November to March: 10am-4pm, Mon - Sat & 12pm-4pm, Sun Tel: 01463 248144 visitors@tomatin.com www.tomatin.com/about 4

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LOCH NESS CRUISES AND TOURS BY JACOBITE – The other legend on Loch Ness.

Five star cruises and tours with Loch Ness

by Jacobite. Choose from one hour cruises to full day experiences, hear captivating tales surrounding our world-famous monster, visit historic Urquhart Castle and the Caledonian Canal, whilst taking in the majesty of Loch Ness.

EDEN COURT THEATRE is one the best art centres in the country with two theatres, two new cinemas, plus two dance and drama studios. The theatre is sited in the grounds of what had been the official residence of the Bishops of Moray. Daily film shows, touring theatre shows include drama, musicals, choral, dance, comedy, talks, special events and regular classes for all ages. We strongly recommend you collect one of their brochures or go online to view What’s On. The Restaurant at Eden Court has its own Head Chef and his team who are dedicated to cooking the very best local produce, at the best possible prices.

Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA. Call the Box Office on 01463 234 234 www.eden-court.co.uk 5

Book in advance at www.jacobite.co.uk or call 01463 233999

CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD. The battle lines have been redrawn at the Culloden battlefield. With the site restored as closely as possible to that seen on the fateful day in April 1746. Culloden now boasts a visitor centre and an exciting interactive exhibition. Follow characters who were actually involved in the battle, experience the true horror of the battle in the 360 degree immersive film, take a battlefield tour, and watch the daily ‘Living History’ presentations.

Visitor Centre, Restaurant and Shop OPEN: 1st Feb to 31st Mar, 10am-4pm.

1st Apr to 31st May, 9am-5.30pm. 1st Jun to 31st Aug, 9am-6pm. 1st Sep to 31Oct, 9am-5.30. 1st Nov to 23rd Dec, 10am-4pm Battlefield OPEN: All year, daily. On B9006, 5 miles east of Inverness. IV2 5EU. Tel: 01463 796090 www.nts.org.uk.

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Pleasantly located on the banks of the River Ness, the RIVERSIDE GALLERY has probably the widest selection of Fine Art in the Highlands, from C19th Scottish Art through early and late C20th work, to the very latest of contemporary Scottish painting. Well worth a visit. OPEN 9.30am to 5.00pm daily all year (Saturdays to 2.30pm, closed Sundays). 11 Bank St, IV1 1QY. Tel:01463 224781 www.riversidegallery.info

URPAL TOURS. With almost 30 years of experience UrPal Tours Inverness are trusted, passionate travel specialists who create for you nothing but best tours into inspiring Scottish Highland destinations. From the moment you start your journey to after you return, we ensure that your journey is seamless, authentic, and beyond what you imagined. 55 Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1DR T:01463 222777 urpaltoursinverness.com

CASTLE GALLERY was described in The Independent newspaper as “one of the best reasons to visit Inverness”. It exhibits paintings, sculpture, handmade prints and unique, artist-designed crafts and jewellery from some of the most talented makers in the UK. Its regularly changing exhibitions are staffed by practising artists. OPEN Mon to Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm 43 Castle Street, IV2 3DU Tel:01463 729512 www.castlegallery.co.uk 8

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CHISHOLMS HIGHLAND DRESS. A long established kiltmaker, intitially supplying kilts to the military. Today they send kilts all over the world, made on the premises by their master kiltmakers, some of whom have over 40 years experience. Prearranged tours of the kilt workshops are available.

A treasure trove of top quality kilts and accessories.

47/51 Castle Street, IV2 3DU. Tel: 01463 234599 www.kilts.co.uk

THE LOCH NESS MONSTER The first recorded sighting of the monster was by St Columba in 565AD It was not until 1933 that the monster became famous as the world newspapers reported the story. There are a remarkable number of eye witness accounts. So keep your eyes peeled, you never know you may be lucky to spot the monster. A82 lay-bys give different viewing angles of Loch Ness, so be prepared to pull off and enjoy the spectacle (Don’t forget your camera!).

Inverness Taxis - 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call 01463 222 222 or inverness-taxi.com

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Eating Out COMPLEMENTARY GLASS OF WINE WITH THIS VOUCHER.

10 LA TORTILLA - TAPAS & WINE BAR. This is an interesting, unique, local restaurant and one of the oldest tapas bars in the country!

It has regular offers including THE TAPAS HOUR between 5 & 6 every day (4 FREE tapas with any bottle of wine!) and PAELLA SUNDAYS (half price paella on a Sunday!).

OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY Tel: 01463 709809 www.latortillaasesina.co.uk

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2 Post Office Ave, Inverness, IV1 1DN. Tel 01463 237190 or 01463 711525

RAJAH INDIAN RESTAURANT The Rajah is the longest established Indian Restaurant in the Highlands (since 1982), providing superior quality food and service to locals and visitors alike. Only using the finest quality ingredients sourced with extreme care by our very experienced team of chefs, giving you the authentic taste of India in the heart of the Highlands. OPEN 12 noon to 11.00pm.

Food served all day. www.rajahinverness.com

FOOD OF SCOTLAND At Food of Scotland we have used our years of experience in running Delis and Speciality food shops to create an online shop website offering some of the very best produce Scotland has to offer. All hampers contain “fresh” produce and delivered 24 to 48 hours after dispatching.

UK Mainland Delivery. Order by Phone 01887 830260

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SAMS INDIAN CUISINE offers authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

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Some of Sam’s specials are unique in the local area, giving a taste of authentic Indian with a Highland touch.

Take-away and Home delivery available.

THE RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT is a small family run restaurant situated along the banks of River Ness. Their restaurant reflects their passion for excellent Scottish Fayre where possible. Dine with friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere with good food and wine.

10% discount on all collections. (Quote Explore Inverness to receive discount) OPENING HOURS: Monday-Wednesday 12 Noon - 2pm and 5pm - 10:30pm.

Thursday-Sunday 12 Noon - 11pm 77/79 Church Street Inverness IV1 1ES Tel: 01463 713111 or 711400 www.samsindian.com

NICKY TAM’S, BAR & RESTAURANT Situated on the banks of the River Ness, Nicky Tam’s is a traditional Scottish restaurant and bar, serving a variety of dishes to cater for every ones taste with our locally produced steaks and pub classics. The bar has a large selection of pure malts, gin and real ales. Call us: 01463 234 308.

Visit us: Ness Bank, Inverness, IV2 4SG. Find us on: www.theinvernesshotel.co.uk

OPEN Summer (May - Sept) - 12noon - late.

Winter (Oct-April) - 12noon - 8.45pm Serving lunches, early evening (pre theatre) and a la carte evening meals.

10 Bank Street. IV1 1QY Tel: 01463 714884.

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CINNAMON INDIAN RESTAURANT has an excellent reputation for the high standard and consistency of it‘s cuisine served by attentive staff. ‘Best Indian Restaurant in Inverness’, a Trip Advisor comment.

The Restaurant is very spacious, (90 seats) Located in the very heart of Inverness. If you are looking for Sunday lunch or an evening meal, you will find Cinnamon hard to beat.

Their popular Sunday Buffet

(over 35 items) “Eat as much as you like!”

OPENING TIMES Monday to Saturday - 4.30pm to 10.30pm Sunday All Day - 12.30pm to 10.30pm 1b Milburn Road, Opposite Morrisons, Inverness IV2 3PX. Tel: 01463 716020 Find us on Facebook

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On our website you will find all the latest local events, the very best things to do, a great selection of accommodation and car hire.

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Places To Visit INVERNESS CATHEDRAL. The first new Cathedral built in Britain since the Reformation.

The foundation-stone was laid by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the first official act in Scotland by an English Primate since the start of Presbyterianism.

The cathedral church was consecrated on 29 September 1874. Summer recital programmes and regular services throughout the year. Tearoom and shop open weekdays from May to September.

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INVERNESS CASTLE. The original 12th century castle was of timber, then in 1540, a stone fortification was constructed. In 1562, Alexander Gordon refused entry to Mary Queen of Scots, who then captured the castle with the help of the MacKintoshes and Frasers and Alexander Gordon was duly hanged. In 1726, it was enlarged into a government fort, only to be blown up by the Jacobite army in 1746. The present castle was built in 1836.

INVERNESS BOTANIC GARDENS is open all year round. An oasis of calm beauty within walking distance of the bustling city centre. Visit the Tropical house where the plantings are both familiar and spectacular and in the adjoining Cactus house. The locally raised plants demonstrated in the gardens and glasshouses are available to buy from the sales area. Open 7 days. Winter hours: Nov-Mar 10am-4pm. Summer hours: 10am-5pm.

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Taxis

INVERNESS - NESS ISLAND WALK - Follow the red footsteps on the main map along the banks of the River Ness. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the circular walk. Inverness is one of very few cities in the world where you can literally walk from the city centre along a picturesque river and feel as though you are right in the middle of the countryside.

The River Ness is full of wildlife, just take a moment to look carefully and you may see a seal’s head sticking out of the river water. Also look for dippers, a small black and white bird diving in and out of the river along the river bank. You will see lots of gulls and sea birds & maybe even an otter, especially in the evenings.

Walking upstream you will find Ness Island. The walk will take you past the Castle, churches and gardens. Cross the river and you can visit Bught Park. Close by you will find the Floral Hall - a sub tropical horticultural gem with small waterfalls, fish and a delightful little tea room.

INVERNESS MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Explore Scottish history and learn how the Highlands are linked with the rest of the world.

Experience Highland contemporary art and crafts, visit the exhibitions and newly refurbished café and shop now with a wider selection of gifts on offer.

Winter opening: November - 19 March, Tues-Fri 12pm-4pm, Sat 11am-4pm. Summer opening: 22 March - 29 October, Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.

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LEAKEY’S BOOKSHOP was established in 1979 and is housed in the old Gaelic Church on Church Street which dates from 1793. It’s Scotland’s largest secondhand bookshop with 100,000 selected volumes. There is a comfortable seating area to enjoy a coffee and a large wood burning fire heats the shop and creates a lovely atmosphere. A book lovers paradise, and well worth a visit! facebook.com/LeakeysBookshop

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HUGH MILLER’S BIRTHPLACE COTTAGE & MUSEUM. Iconic thatched birthplace cottage of the 19th century geologist, writer and social justice campaigner Hugh Miller. In the Georgian building next door, Miller’s story can be discovered. There are fossils to pick up and lives to examine. OPEN: 15th April to 30th Sept, 12-5pm. 1st - 15th Oct, Tues, Thurs & Fri only 12-5pm. 22 miles NE of Inverness.

IV11 8XA. Tel: 01381 600245. www.nts.org.uk.

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INVERNESS OLD HIGH CHURCH is the oldest church in Inverness. Where it is believed St Columba preached in 565AD. The King gifted this site and the Island of Iona to St Columba. The floor of the sanctuary is of Iona marble. The present church C1772, cost £1450 & seated a congregation of 1860 people. Church records from 1740 show repairs required, as a consequence of the Government forces using the church to house Jacobite prisoners after the battle of Culloden. Those condemned to death were executed in the graveyard. Church Street, Inverness.

WHIN PARK is the largest outdoor park and children’s play area in Inverness; located just 5 minutes drive from the city centre, Whin Park boasts 4 separate adventure play areas, fun physical play equipment includes slides, swings, rope climbs and climbing structures, plus an ice cream and coffee shop and a picnic area. Access to the park is free (with free parking) and open 365 days a year. www.whinparkinverness.co.uk 24

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BOATH DOOCOT A 17th century pigeon loft stands on the site of the old Royal Castle of Eren which was built in the middle of the 12th century. Overlooks the site of the Battle of Auldearn where, in 1645, the Marquis of Montrose raised the Royal Standard, defeating the Covenant forces. There is a battle plan at the viewpoint.

OPEN all year. Honesty box. The National Trust for Scotland. Signposted in the village of Auldearn, 0.4miles from the A96, 0.2miles from the turning in the village.

Inverness Taxis, Tel: 01463 222 222 City Taxis, Tel: 01463 222 555 Happy Cabbies, Tel: 01463 717 777

Train Times

East Coast Trains www.eastcoast.co.uk ScotRail www.scotrail.co.uk National Scotrail Enquiries - 0845 748 4950

WALKER PARK on the Kingsmills Road is a great place if you have kids who need to run off some energy. Large grass area, a great kids playpark, fenced area for toddlers; only a 10 minute walk from the city centre.

BRODIE CASTLE. This 16th century castle contains fine furniture, porcelain and a major collection of English and Dutch paintings. The estate includes a walled garden, nature trail and adventure playground and picnic area. Tearoom and shop. Castle OPEN: 1st April to 26th Oct, see website for daily opening times.

Last tour 1hr before closing. Grounds OPEN: All year, daily. Off A96, 24 miles E of Inverness. IV36 2TE. Tel: 01309 641371. www.nts.org.uk.

FORT GEORGE is the one of the mightiest artillery fortifications in Britain and even in Europe.

It is strategically sited to guard the approaches to Inverness. Following the defeat of the Scot’s in 1746 at Culloden, King George II created Fort George as a secure base for his army to defend against further Jacobite threats. In the days since then it has served as a garrison of the British Army.

Find out more at historicenvironment.scot 29

Airport

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THE HIGHLANDERS’ MUSEUM is found in Fort George’s former Lieutenant Governors’ House, and houses roughly 20,000 artefacts and an estimated 10,000 documents and photographs.

The museum is the largest regimental museum in Scotland, outside of Edinburgh. The Highlanders were originally raised from the Clans and communities of the Highlands and Islands in the late 1700’s. thehighlandersmuseum.com

Inverness Airport (INV), Dalcross, Inverness, IV2 7JB, Tel: 01667 464000 www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport

Bus Station

Margaret Street, Inverness, IV1 1LT Tel: 01463 233371 www.stagecoachbus.com

vice for your visit to Scotland. Find out more at www.explore-inverness.com & www.explorescotland.net

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Colour Key:

Eating Out

Shopping

Places To Visit

Sport & Leisure

A862 from Beauly

Merkinch Nature Reserve

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Taxi Rank

Tourist Information

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Shopping Centre

Bus Station

Public Toilets

Post Office

Railway Station

Parking

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Map of Inverness

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Library

A9 from the North

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A9 from the South

To Culloden Battlefield

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Caledonian Thistle Stadium

Tourist Information - 01463 252401 Police Emergencies - 999 (non -101) Raigmore Hospital - 01463 704000 NHS 24 - 111

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A82 from Loch Ness

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To Whin Park

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Bught Park

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Ness Island Walk 17

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Inverness Castle

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T: 01796 470558 E: info@exploreinverness.co.uk

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information provided in this guide is correct, Explore Scotland cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Š Copyright Explore Scotland Ltd 2017

To Raigmore Hospital

To Walker Park

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Loch Ness - Drumnadrochit - Glen Affric URQUHART CASTLE is a 500 year old castle and is one of the most picturesque landmarks in Scotland, although it faced a considerable amount of action and bloodshed during the 13th to 17th centuries! Perched on the banks of Loch Ness by the village of Drumnadrochit, the castle consists of a visitor centre, and a sizeable car and coach park and is open all year round.

Find out more at urquhart-castle.co.uk

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ABRIACHAN FOREST WALK is an excellent woodland and moorland walk using trails laid out by the Abriachan Forest Community Trust. Excellent quality paths and tracks no need for boots and wellies - offer great views and many things to explore including a replica Bronze Age hut and a bird watching hide.

Also wheelchair and pram friendly.

Satnav: N 57°23’10.68” - W 4°25’46.92”

The Hanging Tree

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Parking Public Toilets Tourist Information Post Office

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Divach Falls Walk

DIVACH FALLS WALK. This is a short walk through magestic oak woods on the slopes of the burn to the Falls, which makes this a very special area. A signed path off to the right descends through the woods to reach a fenced viewpoint for the falls. The view of the falls is well worth a visit. From the A82 at Drumnadrochit, turn up Balmacaan Road continue along the single track road and follow the signs for Divach.

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LOCH NESS Ness is the largest body of fresh water in Britain, holding more than all the lakes and reservoirs in England & Wales put together. 380 million years ago the earth’s crust fractured and moved which resulted in the formation of the Great Glen of which Loch Ness is part. 39km long with an average depth of 132m. It is possible to drive right round Loch Ness. Explanatory plaques situated in a lay-by 6.8 miles from Drumnadrochit on A82.

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CALEDONIAN CANAL - considered by many to be one of the greatest water-ways of the world, a masterpiece of canal engineering, slicing through the lengh of the Great Glen, a massive geological fault line running east to west. The canal runs for for 62mls (100kms) from Inverness to Fort William, a link to a chain of natural lochs. It was constructed

by Thomas Telford and completed in 1822. Enjoy walking or cycling along the tow-paths.

PLODDA FALLS is a sheer drop of over 100ft (30m) in the spectacular surroundings of wellestablished broadleaf and pine forest. Viewing platform above and below the falls. From the car park and picnic tables, there are two waymarked trails, one to the Plodda Falls (1mile). The other, Tweedmouth walk (1.75miles). Situated 6.1 mls from A831 at Cannich village. Follow signs for and through Tomich historic village to falls.

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FOYERS FALLS. A short walk down the steep gorge leads to a viewpoint across from the falls with an 80ft drop. Well worth the short walk to the view. Continue on the path down the gorge for other way-marked walks in this beautiful area. OPEN all year. Free admission. Car park beside the B852 and coffee shop.

Signposted by the road, 11.2 miles south of Dores on B852.

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THE HANGING TREE - A fantastic old Spanish Sweet Chestnut tree. The 2nd oldest chestnut tree in the UK (possibly the oldest in Scotland).The tree stands in the grounds of the Old Manse (now the Benleva Hotel) where the clergy could no doubt oversee the hangings!

Nearby is the Kilmore cemetery. Kilmore Road, Drumnadrochit.

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THE GREAT GLEN WAY is a 76 mile route between Inverness and Fort William. The path follows along the natural fault line of the Great Glen. Part of the route is along the towpath of the Caledonian Canal built by Thomas Telford. The walk is well marked and parts of it goes through the forest above the Loch, with spectacular views. The longest section is from Drumnadrochit to Inverness.

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@ExploreInvernes

GLEN AFFRIC. From Ath-Breac in Gaelic, meaning dappled ford. This Caledonian Forest Reserve is a magnificent place with a large area of native forest set amongst mountains and lochs, with many of the trees being 200 to 300 years old. Explore the reserve on bike or on foot, the forest roads and paths are open all year round. Entrance to the reserve is 1.2 miles from Cannich village and A831.

@ExploreInverness

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Fort Augustus 37 CRUISE LOCH NESS A 5 star, family run business with 50 years experience in running guided boat tours on Loch Ness. Enjoy one of our scenic cruises with state of the art Sonar Equipment or step it up a gear with one of our high speed RIB tours. Something for every age and budget. It’s more than a Loch, it’s our home. Open all year.

Canal side, Fort Augustus, PH32 4BD Tel: 01320 366277 www.cruiselochness.com

CALEDONIAN CANAL CENTRE is a small venue showing the history of Thomas Telford’s Caledonian Canal from the beginnings to the present day. Use a touch screen computer to explore the local walks and cycle routes. Free admission. OPEN 7 days. April to the End of October 9am - 5pm (Closed for lunch between 1.30pm 2pm). Other hours by prior arrangement.

Tel: 01320 366493 for information.

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FORT AUGUSTUS Originally called Kiliwhimin. It was renamed ‘Fort Augustus’ after the Jacobite Rising of 1715 when General Wade built a fort here. In 1867 the fort was sold to the Lovat family, who passed it to the Benedictine order, who established Fort Augustus Abbey. (No longer an abbey it is now apartments). Thomas Telford built the Caledonian Canal between 1803 and 1822, with a staircase of lochs through the centre of the village. It is now one of the most famous tourist spots in Scotland.

Parking Public Toilets Tourist Information Post Office

Cruise Loch Ness

Caledonian Canal Centre

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MUNLOCHY CLOOTIE WELL. A healing well dedicated to St Boniface (or Curidan). There is said to have once been a chapel on the site. To have your wish granted, you must spill some water 3 times on the ground, tie a rag torn from your clothes on a nearby tree, make the sign of the cross and then drink from the well. Tradition states that anyone removing a rag will succumb to the misfortunes of the original owner.

On the A832 car park adjacent to the road east of Tore.

SIR ALEXANDER MACKENZIE was born in Stornoway in the Western Isles. In 1788 he discovered and charted Canada’s longest river ‘Mackenzie River’ 2,500 miles - one of eleven physical features in Canada named after him. In May 1793 he was the first to cross the American continent. His book ‘Voyages’ was a best seller.

He bought an estate at Avoch for his retirment in Scotland, and he is buried in Avoch churchyard.

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INVERGORDON Here the summer cruise-liners berth in the heart of the town. The pier is a very short walk from the town centre. Tel:01349 852308 for cruise liner info.

Do not miss the superb Invergordon Murals on the side of buildings produced by the Invergordon Off the Wall Group.

Each mural is carefully selected after consultation with the townsfolk and the building owner. A booklet explaining the murals can be purchased from local shops.

DOLPHINS AND SEALS OF THE MORAY FIRTH INFORMATION CENTRE. Bottlenose Dolphins are often seen in the Moray Firth. The centre is a great stopping off place with spectacular views, great for spotting dolphins. Talks, events, underwater dolphin sounds and a shop. For details of tide times go to www.pol.ac.uk/ntslf - the UK National Tide Gauge Network.

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DOLPHIN WATCHING AT CHANONRY POINT. The point is the best place to watch the Bottlenose Dolphins. The nearby Dolphin and Seal Centre at North Kessock also offers dolphin watching opportunities during the summer. The best time to spot them is from low tide onwards as the tide rises between Mar & Oct. They can often be seen in front of the large ships in the harbour. Chanonry Point is situated East of Fortrose off the A832. IV10 8SE

DORNOCH boasts some fine buildings including Scotland’s smallest Cathedral built by the Bishop of Caithness in 1224 paying for it himself. There is also a Bishop’s palace (now a hotel), courthouse and old town jail. Sandstone cottages and town houses line its peaceful streets and lanes. Dornoch has some excellent descriptive plaques that help you unravel the past, as well as the History Links Trail taking you through the streets and countryside.

To advertise in this guide or online contact info@exploreinverness.co.uk

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Driving Distances From Inverness Dingwall Drumnadrochit Nairn Alness Fort Augustus Ullapool Aberdeen Perth Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow -

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14 miles 15 miles 17 miles 21 miles 34 miles 60 miles 104 miles 113 miles 138 miles 156 miles 170 miles 45

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Tomatin Distillery

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Fort George

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Boath Doocot

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The Highlanders’ Museum

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Abriachan Forest Walk

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Munlochy Clootie Well

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Dolphin & Seal Centre

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Sir Alexander McKenzie

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Dolphin Watching

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The Seaforth

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THE SEAFORTH Bar & Restaurant is situated in the fishing village of Ullapool. Open every day serving breakfast, coffee, baking, light snacks, award winning fish and chips, bar meals and a variety of specials - where possible we source local food and produce. Thursday nights from May-Sept we have live traditional Scottish music!

The Seaforth, Quay Street, Ullapool, IV26 2UE. Call 01854 612122 or visit theseaforth.com

THE NORTH COAST 500 is a route of more than 500 miles around the North Highlands of Scotland, thought of as Scotland’s answer to Route 66!

The route runs in a loop starting and finishing in Inverness. On route you will visit The Black Isle, Easter Ross, and Caithness to Sutherland along the rugged north coast to the West Coast of Scotland. Visit www.northcoast500.com for more information and maps.

DINGWALL is one of the smallest chartered burghs in Britian, it was granted its burgh rights by Alexander in 226. Here you will find a wide selection of shops from the intriguing to the supermarket, not to mention an interesting choice of places to enjoy a drink and meal. A recent innovation is the farmers’ market in the pedestrianised High Street on the second Saturday of each month. It is easily accessible from Inverness by train.

ALNESS is located on the Cromarty Firth. The River Averon runs through the town. The town has won acclaim with its Scotland in Bloom awards and is known for its summer floral displays. There is a marked circular walk above the bridge across the River Averon taking you past the golf course on the east bank. You will find tracks through the peaceful Coulhill Woods and south of the bridge the estuary can be reached by both banks.

Top Scotland car hire deals at locations all over Scotland - www.scotlandscarhire.co.uk

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