|
Inverness is an excellent touring centre with good road, rail and air connections. With its suspension bridges across the River Ness and old stone buildings, it is a pretty place which is well-known for its floral displays. In fact it won the 1996 award for Best Large Town in the Bloom of Britain competition.
In December 2000, it was one of only 3 towns to be awarded city status by the Queen. The official ceremony took place on 19 March 2001 and celebrations were held in July around the time of the Inverness Highland Games.
Walk down along the river banks (in the direction of the Caledonian Canal) and you'll find the Ness Islands where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops. Cross the river on the little bridges and you can visit Bught Park. Close by between the ice rink and the sports centre is the Floral Hall - a sub-tropical horticultural extravaganza with small waterfall, fish and all sorts of plants/trees (open all year round). Entrance fee only £1.20. We particularly like the cactus hall - quite a surprise! Walking up the river in the other direction (towards the harbour) you will see Ben Wyvis on the skyline - a majestic sight.
While research has been conducted at many of these lakes, Loch Ness is the icon for monsters and Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster is, without doubt the granddaddy of them all. It is to Loch Ness where myriad researchers, professional and amateur, from all walks of life, have flocked with their cameras and sonars, hopes, fears and aspirations to solve the greatest mystery on Earth. But more than just Nessie and the fabulous visitor centre, there is the daddy of all Scottish castles, Urqhuart Castle, on the banks or the loch with a spectacular recently opened visitor centre.
|
