Inverness is known as the capital of the Highlands, and is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe today.

Inverness Castle was built on the site of an earlier fortress in 1835 and sits on a low cliff overlooking the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite bank.  Today it houses the Sherriff's Court.  Take Castle Street which winds its way up around the rear of the castle and past some pretty floral displays to get to the statue of Flora MacDonald.  Please note the castle is not open to the public as a tourist attraction (it is in fact the sheriff court).

It is thought that 11th-century castle which featured in Shakepeare's play Macbeth (even though there is no historical evidence to suggest that it was where Duncan I was murdered) was in fact located to the east of the present castle (in what is now Auldcastle Road).

Originally built of wood, it was replaced by a fortress of stone on Castle Hill. Apparently there have been sightings of the ghost of King Duncan walking along the banks of the River Ness in full regalia.

On the opposite bank of the river is Saint Andrew's Cathedral (Minus its spires as the funds ran out before they could be completed).  The font is a copy of Thorwalden's font in Copenhagen Cathedral.  Lock out for the Russian gold icons.  Concerts and organ recitals are held.  From here you can walk down along the river banks and explore the Ness Islands where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops.  There are many old houses in the city centre dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.  Built in 1791, the Steeple on the corner of Bridge Street and Church Street used to be the steeple of the old jail.  Opposite, on the corner of Bridge Street and Castle Street is the Town House, and interesting 19th century Gothic-style building.

Cromwell's Clock Tower in Shore Street is all that remains of the large citadel build between 1652 and 1657 by Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth Army.

The tourist information Office is located on Bridge Street up some steps overlooking the road (ramp fro disabled access).  This includes a bureau de change, booking office for Caledonian MacBrayne ferries, gift shop, and accommodation booking service.  Plus internet access on 2 PC terminals.

Inverness has an excellent Museum and Art gallery between the castle and the tourist office, includes gift shop and coffee shop.  Open 10am-5pm, Monday-Saturday all year.

Inverness Public Library is situated near the bus station, which offers internet access.

Inverness is a beautiful, interesting, cosmopolitan and historic city (awarded city status in 2000), situated on the banks of the River    Ness. It is well known for floral displays and has won awards for them including Best Large Town in the Bloom of Britain competition in 1996.

Visit Bught Park, the ice rink and fantastic Aquadome sports centre, great fun for all the family. Along side is the Floral Hall, a sub-tropical horticultural experience where there is a small waterfall, fish and all sorts of flora and fauna. All open all year.

Eden Court Theatre is a fabulous place to experience a whole host of events throughout the year in drama,   cinema and music. Originally built in the 1970's, the building incorporates part of the old Bishop's Palace and is said to be haunted by the 'Green Lady' the ghost of a wife of one of the Bishop's who hanged herself there.

The other place to see films (movies) is at the Vue multi-screen cinema complex on the retail park (A96 to Nairn), where there are lots of large stores too, including a 24 hour Tesco.)

Inverness has 3 golf courses (Inverness Golf Club, Loch Ness Course & Torvean Golf Club). Just out of town, near the airport is the new Castle Stuart Golf Links.  Soccer fans might be interested in the local team and newly built stadium for the Premier League, Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club.

Shopping?

In the heart of the city is the Eastgate Centre, it is host to an array of modern shops including Marks and Spencers, Boots and Debenhams.   On the upper floor there's a large ornamental clock with lots of animated animals to keep the children amused when it chimes.

On Academy Street, take a look at the indoor Victorian Market which has shops selling Belgian chocolates, jewellery, needlework, clothes, Scottish souvenirs and Heraldic Art & Design.

Amongst the shops there is a bagpipe shop where you can hire a piper and buy CD's. In Castle Street, at the rear of Inverness Castle, you may pop into John Graham's for a selection of outdoor clothing, fishing & shooting equipment. In the same street is Chisholm's famous for their kilt-making and other tartan goods.

Tiso Inverness Outdoor Experience is a huge shop on the Longman estate which has an 18ft climbing wall, plus large range of hire equipment and bikes.

For a list of shops in the main shopping streets of Inverness, visit www.high.st/inverness/