Situated in the Scottish Highlands, at the mouth of the River Ness, Inverness is the northernmost city in the United Kingdom.
Although Inverness was granted city status in 2000, the settlement was established as far back as the 6th century, with its first royal charter being granted by King David I in the 12th century. As the administrative centre for the Highland Council, it is regarded as the capital of the Scottish Highlands.
The origins of Inverness go back to the prehistoric era, when it was inhabited by ancient people. Remnants of fortresses and excavated burial sites reveal the city's early Celtic roots. In the late 1990s, a Bronze Age settlement and cemetery were discovered, and, shortly afterward, an Iron Age settlement was uncovered. Included was an ironsmith, one of the earliest examples of ironsmithing in Scotland.
In the 500s AD, Inverness was one of the chief strongholds of the Picts, a Pre-Viking, Early Middle Age group who inhabited Britain, north of the Forth-Clyde isthmus.
The Gaelic King Mac Bethad Mac Findláich (MacBeth), whose 11th-century killing of King Duncan was told in the largely fictionalized Shakespearean play, Macbeth, had a castle within the city. Inverness Castle is believed to have been built for Malcolm III of Scotland after he had razed the former castle. In medieval times, Inverness was raided several times by the Hebrides.
During the post-medieval period, Mary, Queen of Scots, was denied admittance to Inverness Castle by the governor, after which the castle was taken over by the Clan Munro and Clan Fraser of Lovat. The house in which she lived stood along Bridge Street until it was demolished in the 1970s as part of the second Bridge Street development project.
Just outside of the then limits of Inverness, Oliver Cromwell built a citadel capable of accommodating a thousand people, but it was demolished during the Stuart Restoration, except for a portion of the ramparts.
Inverness was besieged by a contingent of the Jacobites during the Jacobite Rising of 1689. When the main Jacobite army arrived, Viscount Dundee, the Jacobite commander, required Inverness to profess loyalty to King James VII.
By the 19th century, Inverness had gone through significant transformations, particularly as the Industrial Revolution introduced modernization and urban development. The construction of the Caledonian Canal, connecting the city to the west coast, helped the city to become a transportation centre.
The city gained international prominence due to its proximity to the Loch Ness, and its legendary Loch Ness Monster.
Today, Inverness is a blend of its ancient heritage and contemporary amenities. The city has a bustling cultural scene, including arts and music traditions, festivals and other events, restaurants, and nightlife.
The surrounding area appeals to nature enthusiasts. Its rolling hills, glens, and lochs bring visitors to the city. Loch Ness, for example, drew people to the area even before reports of the Loch Ness Monster were popularized. Visitors to the region often find Inverness to be an excellent base for exploring the Scottish Highlands.
The city is also home to several historic buildings, ancient ruins, and architectural wonders. An integral part of the city's culture is its Gaelic language and traditional festivals. Gaelic, a Celtic language, is spoken by several of the city's local residents, and many of its festivals, music, dance, and even sports competitions, bear homage to the language.
While English is commonly spoken in Inverness, visitors can expect to find various Scottish phrases and expressions mixed into the local language, along with locals speaking Gaelic to one another.
As with many other Scottish cities, its traditional industries, such as distilling, have been replaced by high-tech businesses.
The Inverness City Centre is along the east bank of the River Ness, and connected to the west side of the city by three road bridges: Ness Bridge, Friars Bridge, and the Black Bridge, sometimes known as the Waterloo Bridge. The Greig Street Bridge, a suspension footbridge, is also in the City Centre area.
Topics related to the City of Inverness, Scotland are the focus of this portion of our web guide, including its subcategories.
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Recommended Resources
Launched in 2001, the author, Tim Lambert, is a graduate of Lancaster University, with a B.A. in history, the site includes histories of several cities and towns, including Inverness, Scotland. The Inverness page includes an account of the city during the Middle Ages, the 16th and 17th centuries, the 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, and 21st century, featuring the most prominent historical landmarks and incidents, including a few photos of the city.
https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-inverness/
The independent business is local to Inverness, Scotland, offering residential property management and letting services for private landlords in Inverness and the surrounding Moray and Highland areas. An introduction to the business and client reviews are published on the site, and an overview of its letting and management services. Clients have access to an online property repair reporting system to report issues in need of correction. The address, phone number, and contact form are included.
https://www.firthview.co.uk/
Highland Solicitors Property Centre
HSPC is located in Inverness, Scotland, offering it services throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. HSPC can assist those looking for buy property in Scotland in finding financial advice, arranging for a solicitor, planning a budget, and the other steps necessary for buying a home. Rental, sales, mortgage, and letting services are also available, along with arranging for renovations and other home services. Contacts are included. Available properties are featured on a map.
https://www.hspc.co.uk/
Situated on a cliff overlooking the River Ness in Inverness, Scotland, a succession of castles have stood on this site since 1057, the current structure dating from 1836. The existing castle buildings and gardens are being transformed from their original use as the home to Inverness prison and courts into a tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the gardens, the two towers, and experience its new restaurant, bars, and shops. The history of the castle and an overview of the project are included.
https://invernesscastle.scot/
The independent, privately-funded organisation is part of the Scottish and British Chambers of Commerce network. The membership organisation connects, supports, and represents members and the region's business community, working regionally, nationally, and internationally to support businesses of all sizes. Membership levels, benefits, member offers and packages, executive packages, and publications are set forth, along with a member directory, and contacts.
https://inverness-chamber.co.uk/
Situated 1.3 miles from the Inverness, Scotland city centre, and 9 miles from the airport, the hotel features standard double rooms, deluxe rooms, suites, family rooms, and classic small single rooms, each of which are described here, along with photographs, a list of amenities, and online booking. Special offers, and an introduction to its bed and breakfast fare, house bar, and accommodations for special events are set forth. An online contact form is also available.
https://lochardil.co.uk/
The official tourism website offers a guide to places to stay, things to do, and restaurant and bar options in the City of Inverness, Scotland, nearby Loch Ness, and the surrounding area. Featured is a map showing things to do or places to see, and live webcams, travel information, and events are included. Other resources include a guide to business and incentive travel, sustainable tourism, a media centre, and area communities and community groups. Contacts are included.
https://www.visitinvernesslochness.com/
