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Inverness Cruises

Inverness enjoys an impossibly beautiful setting, positioned at the northern tip of the Great Glen in the Scottish Highlands. Are you ready to try your luck at spotting the elusive Loch Ness monster? Now’s your chance as the tranquil waters of Loch Ness are just a stone’s throw away. Yet there’s plenty more to see within Inverness itself, from its stately castle to its charming Victorian Market. Centuries-old churches rub shoulders with modern tapas bars and cosy pubs in this friendly Highland city. The River Ness runs through the city’s centre, an ideal place to stroll and admire the views.

Inverness, Scotland

What You Need To Know About Inverness

How to reach Inverness from the cruise terminal?

If you’re arriving in Inverness on a smaller cruise ship or local ferry boat, you’ll cruise into Inverness harbour which is very central. However, most larger cruise ships will dock at Invergordon Port, which is located to the north of Inverness along Cromarty Firth. You’ll have your choice of taking an organised excursion into the Highlands, but if you prefer to make your way into Inverness city centre, you can use the clean and efficient public bus systems. The bus departs from Invergordon High Street, just a few minutes’ walk from the port. Rail services are also available, although these run less frequently.

What are the can’t-miss sights in Inverness?

Inverness is filled to the rafters with historic buildings in its charming Old Town. You can explore this area on foot, stretching from the covered Victorian Market to the modern Eastgate shopping centre. Inverness Castle sits on a hilltop overlooking the town. This stately fortress is currently used as the city’s courthouse, and it’s near St Andrew’s Cathedral overlooking the river. Walkers can enjoy the circular route around the river and Ness Islands, while art enthusiasts won’t want to miss a visit to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. And of course, Loch Ness is a top draw in the area!

Typical food and restaurants in Inverness?

The Highlands is Scotland’s natural larder, where you can enjoy locally caught venison, game, salmon and seafood in the restaurants of Inverness. The city’s dining scene includes an array of international eateries as well as Scottish cuisine. Try Highland cheeses like Strathdon Blue, Crowdie and Caboc, and of course you can’t visit the region without sampling a dram of whisky from a local distillery. Although haggis is often the first thing you think of when it comes to traditional Scottish food, regional dishes also include mashed potatoes and turnips (tatties and neeps), black pudding sausage, and buttery shortbread.

INVERNESS - DID YOU KNOW?

Loch Ness is over 20 miles long and one mile in width, making it Scotland’s largest lake. The loch is surrounded by beautiful Highland scenery, making it a top day out for visitors to Inverness. It’s also famed for its legendary monster affectionately dubbed ‘Nessie’, which you can learn about at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. The area is popular with walkers, who can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Loch Ness, take on the South Loch Ness Trail, or even embark on parts of the rugged Great Glen Way. Can’t get enough of the scenery? Venture south to the Cairngorms National Park, famed for its ski slopes and outdoor recreation. Don’t miss a visit to the beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle, with its modern visitors’ centre showcasing medieval artefacts stemming from the 1,000 years of history here. Cawdor Castle is a bit further afield but it’s well worth a visit for its lavish interior and beautiful gardens. It’s said to be the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, making it a top draw for fans of the Bard. Inverness and its surroundings are one of the world’s best regions for sampling the finest quality Scotch whiskey. Tour the Dalmore Distillery in nearby Alness, or head north to the world-famous Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain.