Inverness today

Inverness, "the city in the Highlands" is a modern thriving city that is the Highland's main settlement and the hub of a transport network leading to and from all parts of the Highlands and the rest of the UK.

Through serving the needs of an extensive and rural hinterland as well as visitors Inverness is a bustling place with an excellent shopping choice, including the most northerly locations of many "High Street" retail chains.

Inverness today is modern and go-ahead - a small, fresh northern city with its streets in summer a busy mix of residents and visitors. The new extension to the Eastgate Centre, with its many High Street names, reflects the city's important commercial role, while the refurbished Victorian Arcade nearby, with its smaller businesses, is a reminder of the continuity as well as the variety of Inverness shopping.

The city also has an excellent selection of pubs, restaurants and late-night venues, as well as Scottish Showtime, traditional music and dance performed in costume, said to be Scotland's longest running show. Another important cultural centre is the Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, with an entertainment programme to suit all tastes, though this is just one venue for a very varied events programme which also includes the music and martial spectacle of the Inverness Tattoo.

The city environment is very attractive, with Inverness a Britain in Bloom award winner. Among its parks and gardens, the tropical gardens under glass in the Bught Floral Hall are notable. Nearby are the attractive walks by the Ness islands on the river.

Inverness is truly "the city in the Highlands" - a well-resourced small city and an ideal touring centre with plenty to see and do all around by way of sport and leisure activities.