Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INVERNESS & THE GREAT GLEN
Inverness, one of the fastest growing towns in Britain, is the capital of the Highlands. It's a
transport hub and jumping-off point for the central, western and northern Highlands, the
Moray Firth coast and the Great Glen.
The Great Glen is a geological fault running in an arrow-straight line across Scotland
from Fort William to Inverness. The glaciers of the last ice age eroded a deep trough along
the fault line that is now filled by a series of lochs - Linnhe, Lochy, Oich and Ness. The
glen has always been an important communication route - General George Wade built a
military road along the southern side of Loch Ness in the early 18th century, and in 1822
the various lochs were linked by the Caledonian Canal to create a cross-country waterway.
The modern A82 road along the glen was completed in 1933 - a date that coincides neatly
with the first modern sightings of the Loch Ness Monster.
Inverness
POP 55,000
Inverness, the primary city and shopping centre of the Highlands, has a great location
astride the River Ness at the northern end of the Great Glen. In summer it overflows with
visitors intent on monster hunting at nearby Loch Ness, but it's worth a visit in its own
right for a stroll along the picturesque River Ness, a cruise on Loch Ness, and a meal in one
of the city's excellent restaurants.
Inverness was probably founded by King David in the 12th century, but thanks to its of-
ten violent history few buildings of real age or historical significance have survived - much
of the older part of the city dates from the period following the completion of the Caledoni-
an Canal in 1822. The broad and shallow River Ness, which flows a short 6 miles from
Loch Ness into the Moray Firth, runs through the heart of the city.
Sights & Activities
Ness Islands
The main attraction in Inverness is a leisurely stroll along the river to the Ness Islands.
Planted with mature Scots pine, fir, beech and sycamore, and linked to the river banks and
each other by elegant Victorian footbridges, the islands make an appealing picnic spot.
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