SCOTLAND
inverness Inverness in Scotland is known as the ‘Highland Capital’, it still retains its market town feel to it, dating back to its early development. Today tourism is a very important part of the economy. Inverness Things to do include just a short drive to the world famous Loch Ness and its monster. There are also some fabulous local castles and heritage all within an easy drive of the capital. Inverness is the main administrative centre for the Highland region of Scotland. Inverness is in the north of Scotland and is one of the smallest cities in Scotland with some 55,000 people. The City is growing fast due to Inverness airport and its location in the Highlands. Inverness airport has made a huge difference to the local economy, with cheap flights from the principle English Cities giving urban dwellers access to the delights of the Highlands of Scotland. In Scotland, Inverness has the greatest choice of accommodation, perhaps only exceeded by Edinburgh, whether you are wanting hotels, guest houses and bed & breakfast establishments it has them all. Inverness has a vibrant restaurant and pub scene, whether you want to eat on the banks of Loch Ness or in the city centre over looking the River Ness and Inverness Castle, there is a restaurant or pub for you. Inverness has a wide range of shops, particularly in you look in Inverness Old Town and the Victorian Market many are run by sole traders. The Eastgate shoppiung centre is a massive indoor shopping centre in the city centre.
Crowned by a pink crenellated castle and lavishly decorated with flowers, Inverness is a thriving city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do both in the city and around. The city boasts a number of historic buildings in the Old Town that can be appreciated while browsing city shops. There is a great selection of places to eat and drink too with peaceful areas close to the city centre for relaxing and a great variety of places to stay. The city itself is small, compact and easy to get around. Perched picturesquely above the river, Inverness Castle looms above the Gothic Town House in the High Street and dominates the horizon. The original castle formed the core of the ancient town, which has rapidly developed as a port trading with Europe in the 6th century. The Jacobites blew up the castle to prevent it falling into government hands. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery on Castle Wynd gives a good general overview of the development of the Highlands while medieval Church Street is home to the town’s oldest-surviving buildings. On the corner with Bridge Street stands the Steeple, whose spire has to be straightened after an earth tremor in 1816. Further down Church Street is Abertarff House, reputedly the oldest complete building in Inverness and distinguished by its stepped gables and circular stair tower. It was erected in 1593 and is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
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Explore Scotland, famous for its historic castles, traditional Highland games and beautiful lochs, and discover the setting of world-famous movies, the place for stylish shopping and the perfect stage for new and exciting events. Plan your break in Scotland with great deals on accommodation, travel advice and a variety of things to see and do.
The first written records of Scottish history date back to the arrival of the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. The Roman province of Britannia reached as far north as the Antonine Wall, which once ran across central Scotland from the River Clyde to the Firth of Forth. To the north lay the territory of Caledonia, which was ruled by the Picti people.
Situated within a vibrant Europe, Scotland is progressive nation built on dynamism, creativity and the fabulous warmth of its people. Here you will find a range of Scottish facts, from information on its diverse and dramatic landscape and natural resources to facts about Scotland’s population, economy and industry.
Frequent battles with the Picts saw the Roman retreat to Hadrian’s Wall – which spanned the north of England from Carlisle in the west to Wallsend in the east. By the 3rd century, the Romans had all but departed the land that is now known as Scotland.
Tourism is one of Scotland’s most lucrative assets, focusing on such attractions as golf, walking and a rich history. In industry, too, the country is pioneering and enterprising. Key business sectors include life sciences, electronic technologies, energy and financial services. Scotland also boasts a thriving export market with an impressive global reach, especially in food and drink – including Scotland’s famous whisky – and chemicals. Our people are also a major strength. In the workplace, we are well-educated, skilled and motivated – and we are proud of our heritage of inventiveness and innovation. We also like to play – whether it’s a party, festival or sporting event.
In the 5th century, the north-west of Scotland was raided and settled by Gaels (Scoti), originating from Northern Ireland. They later established the Kingdom of Dalriada in Scotland’s western regions. In the same period, Angles conquered a territory south of the Antonine Wall to form the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Bernicia. This later become a part of the northern English kingdom of Northumbria. At the end of the 8th century, all of Scotland’s kingdoms were overthrown to some extent by marauding Vikings. Numerous defeats by the Norse raiders eventually forced the Picts and Scoti to end their longheld hostility towards each other and unite in the 9th century to form the Kingdom of Scotland. laid claim to much of mainland.