Inverness Scotland. Inverness. Shopping and shops

Inverness- a small town 260 km. north of Edinburgh, but it is believed that it is from Inverness that most of the old Scottish families come, that it is the real birthplace of porridge, whiskey and bagpipes.

Local Attractions:

• 12th century castle;
• remains of a 4th century fort;
• nearby is the famous Loch Ness, where a monster with the affectionate name Nessie supposedly lives.

Inverness (English: Inverness, Gaelic: Inbhir Nis) is a port city in Scotland, the administrative center and the only settlement with city status in the Highland region.
Geography

Inverness is located in the north-east of Scotland at the mouth of the River Ness, which flows into the Marie Firth. Its name is associated with the location of the city - translated from Gaelic it means the mouth (or confluence) of the River Ness.
Story

In the 6th century, the territory where Inverness now stands was inhabited by Pictish tribes. It is known that a few kilometers west of the modern city there was a citadel of the Pictish king Bride, who was visited by the monk St. around 565. Columba, preacher of Christianity in Scotland. It is believed that the first Inverness Castle, a wooden fortress, was built around 1057 by order of King Malcolm III and was subsequently destroyed by King Robert the Bruce. Shakespeare in the play “Macbeth” described the castle as the residence of King Macbeth and the place of death of Duncan I, which, however, does not correspond to real events.

In 1214, King William the Lion granted Inverness four charters, one of which granted it the status of a royal city. In those days, Inverness was a fairly prosperous port, whose residents were mainly engaged in fishing. In 1233, a Dominican monastery was founded in the city, and in the mid-13th century a bridge was built across the Ness River. In the 15th century, Inverness experienced two devastating raids - in 1411, shortly before the Battle of Harlow, it was badly damaged by a fire set by order of Donald Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, then, in 1428, it was sacked and partially destroyed by Alexander MacDonald, Lord of the Isles .

Inverness Castle

In 1562, by order of George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly and a prominent political figure of those years, Queen Mary Stuart was denied access to Inverness Castle (by then it had been rebuilt from stone). The earl's open disobedience led to the fact that the Queen's supporters from the Fraser and Munro clans took the castle, hanged its commandant, and Huntly himself was accused of treason. In 1644, to replace the collapsed wooden bridge across the Ness, a stone bridge was built, which existed until 1849, until it was destroyed during a flood.

In the middle of the 17th century, during the protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, on the outskirts of the city, on his orders, a citadel was erected, which in 1662 was almost completely dismantled into stones for the construction of a hospital (only the clock tower survived). On April 16, 1746, the Battle of Culloden took place near Inverness. In this battle, the Scottish militia of Charles Edward Stuart, the so-called. The young challenger was defeated by the British under the leadership of the Duke of Cumberland.

Throughout the 18th century, Inverness remained a fairly prosperous port city. The most important sectors of the economy were brewing and whiskey production, and in the 19th century shipbuilding, leather tanning, sheep farming and wool exports developed. The year 1882 was marked by the opening of the Caledonian Canal, linking Inverness with the west coast of Scotland. In 1855, a railway service appeared in the city. On September 7, 1921, an emergency meeting of the British Cabinet took place in Inverness - the only one in history held outside London - when Prime Minister David Lloyd George, then on holiday in the north of Scotland, initiated a government meeting to discuss the critical situation, associated with the struggle for independence in Ireland.

In the 20th century, the city developed quite actively - over the century its population more than doubled, amounting to more than 50,000 people by the beginning of the 21st century. Inverness officially gained city status in 2000.


Inverness Station
Transport

Inverness's only railway station offers services to Perth, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Aberdeen, Thurso, Wick and Kyle of Lochalsh.

In the northeast of Scotland is the city of Inverness. This is a small town that became famous thanks to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Natural wealth and interesting sights have contributed to the tourist fame of this place.

In ancient times, Pictish tribes lived in the territory of Inverness. In 1214, by order of King William, Inverness was transformed from an ordinary village into a royal city.

In the 18th century, Inverness was considered a prosperous seaport. Later, sheep breeding, shipbuilding, and wool export became important areas of the economy. Today, the leading sector of the economy is the service sector.

Inverness is a cozy, hospitable city where tourists are always welcome. You can relax there in peace and quiet, admiring the superb nature of Scotland.

Region	Scotland
Population	63,638 people
Population density	5,656 people/km 2
	British pound, euro
Timezone	UTC(0), summer UTC+1
Postal code	IV1-IV3, IV5, IV13, IV63
International dialing code

Climate

The maritime climate predominates. Winters are cold and snow often falls. In summer it can be quite hot. In winter there are frosts down to -17 °C, and in summer the air can warm up to +30 °C, which is significantly warmer than in other areas of the UK. With the beginning of spring, rains come to the city, and in late autumn it is very windy, cold and rainy.

The best time to relax will be late spring, summer and early autumn. During this period, the city is very warm and cozy.

Nature

The city is located at the mouth of the Ness River, which largely determines the landscape and natural features of the area. There are steep cliffs, sandy and pebble beaches. Most of the city's territory is flat, with small hills rarely seen. This is also where Mount Ben Nevis, which is considered the highest point in Great Britain. Coniferous tree species predominate in dense forests. The proximity of beaches and forests creates excellent conditions for recreation and relaxation, and river waters perfectly complement the landscape.

In the south of the city is located the most famous and mysterious lake in Scotland and Great Britain - Loch Ness. It is with him that many stories are connected about the Loch Ness monster, which many people allegedly saw. The existence of the local monster has never been proven, but this does not stop thousands of tourists from coming to the city to see it.

Attractions

Even though Inverness is very small, it has amazing attractions worthy of big cities. The rich history of the city has left them for many future generations.

The advantageous location of Inverness became the reason for frequent battles for its territory. Both pirates and kings wanted to subjugate this city. A witness to the battles is the 11th century castle, part of which has survived to this day.

Another wonderful castle - Inverness Castle. It was erected in the second half of the 19th century. The architectural style of the castle is very close to classic medieval buildings. It is open to the public almost every day. Today the castle is used to host important cultural and political events in the life of the city.

Be sure to take a tour of "Haunted Castle" Cawdor. On the excursion you will be told the history of the city, introduced to the collection of ancient paintings, tapestries and household items, and also told about the affairs of King Macbeth, about whom Shakespeare wrote. The castle is located in a dense forest, which gives it a special mystery, and in the kitchen of the castle there is a well with spring water.

Must visit St Andrew's Cathedral. This is a magnificent Gothic building, designed by the famous architect Alexander Ross. At one time, the Russian emperor presented the cathedral with a collection of gold icons. Today everyone can admire the beauty of icons.

Of course, we cannot ignore the known Loch Ness And museum dedicated to the Loch Ness monster. The museum contains newspaper articles, photographs, and records of eyewitnesses who saw the mysterious creature.

Excursions to Stratisla plant, where the famous whiskey is made. It was built in 1786, in the town of Keith, near Inverness. Tours of the distillery always end with a tasting of new whiskeys.

Nutrition

Inverness offers classic Scottish cuisine. The predominant dishes are game, venison, various seafood, and cheeses. Among the alcoholic drinks are rare varieties of wine and whiskey.

It is in demand among tourists as a restaurant serving national cuisine. Kitchen. The dishes of this establishment are prepared only in accordance with ancient recipes.

Housed in a luxurious 18th-century building, you will find a popular restaurant Bunchrew. This place is known for its excellent menu of national dishes, quality service and excellent interior. The signature dishes of the restaurant's chefs will surprise even gourmets. The establishment is suitable for business meetings and banquets.

The New Drumossie- a restaurant popular among vegetarians. The Art Nouveau style interior and varied menu make it very popular.

For European cuisine, head to Rockpool. This establishment is the most suitable option for a romantic evening. On summer days there is a terrace where you can watch the River Ness. There is an entertainment program every day. The establishment is open until late in the evening.

At the restaurant Cinnamon you will taste Indian cuisine. Specialties include vegetables with curry, cold cuts, spicy salads, and desserts.

The restaurant will offer you exquisite French dishes. Chez Roux. It opened twenty years ago and over the years has gained an excellent reputation. Reasonable prices, a wide range of dishes, a cozy atmosphere, music in the evening - all this is among the advantages of the restaurant.

This establishment is ideal for lovers of pizza and relaxing in large groups. Pizza Express. Its spacious hall in light colors is very conducive to relaxation. The restaurant menu will not disappoint you either - it has about thirty types of pizza and other Italian dishes.

Accommodation

Budget hotel Smithton located near the city center. Its rooms cost from 55 € to 150 €.

Pension Winston features good service and living conditions. Room prices range from 40 € to 140 € per night per room.

Good and inexpensive three-star hotels Ramada Encore Inverness and Ramada Inverness located closer to the center of Inverness. The interior of the hotels is quite good. Prices - from 40 € to 490 € per room.

Convenience and comfort you will find in a four-star hotel Highland Apartments. You will be provided with free Internet access, guarded parking, and an equipped kitchen. Prices range from 30 € to 300 €.

Entertainment and relaxation

You can enjoy the beauty of nature, relax and unwind in the picturesque garden Floral Hall. Many winding paths, carved gazebos and benches, sports grounds for children and adults - this makes the Floral Hall garden convenient for relaxation and sports.

You can take a pleasant walk along the banks of the River Ness. The atmosphere of tranquility, magnificent scenery and natural landscapes will help you relax and unwind from the bustle of the city.

A modern water park awaits you in the suburbs of Inverness Great Glen Water Park. It is equipped with water attractions, slides and swimming pools.

Almost in the center of the city there is a place where golf lovers can relax. In club Castle Stuart Golf Links there is a high-quality golf course, as well as an equipment rental shop and an excellent restaurant.

As evening falls, the city's hospitable clubs open their doors. Among them, clubs are especially popular Gellions, Miami Nightclub and Hootananny. All have great bars, large dance floors, and menus including signature cocktails and appetizers. Music and theater stars perform on their stages, and theme nights are hosted by popular DJs.

Purchases

In the old part of the city you will see Victorian Market. This is an indoor market where a wide range of goods are sold at prices lower than in stores.

On the street High Street You will find many shops selling nice little things, daily necessities and much more. There are also expensive boutiques with trendy clothes and shoes from famous brands.

Find high quality clothes and shoes at low prices in the store Paper Bird. This place is famous among tourists and is highly appreciated by local residents.

The largest shopping center in the city is Eastgate Centre. To the east of the city center is the second largest shopping center - Inverness Retail & Business Park.

Be sure to visit the store Whiskey Shop. Here you will find the widest selection of locally produced collectible whiskey.

Most shops in the city are open from 9:00 to 18:00. Large shopping centers - until 22:00.

Transport

Public transport in Inverness is provided by buses. The cost of a travel ticket ranges from 0.8 € to 2 €. Public transport starts at 5:30 and ends at 23:30. To save money, purchase Inverness Roverbus ticket. It is valid for 24 hours.

There is a train station in the city.

There are few roads in Inverness, and the number of cars is also small (which gives the city an undeniable advantage - the air here is fresh and light). You can rent a car in Sharp's Vehicle Renta l, which is located near the train station. Rental costs from 28 € per day.

Since the town is very small, the most convenient means of transportation can be a bicycle. At 16a Telford St there is Highland Bicycle Co rental shop, where you can rent a bicycle for 14 € per day.

Connection

The landline and mobile telephone network in Inverness is highly developed. Post offices and internet cafes are open daily.

Mobile communications and mobile Internet are provided by operators Vodaphone, O2 and T-mobile in GSM 900/1800 standard.

Payphones on city streets operate using calling cards. They can be purchased at large stores, post offices and newsstands.

In public areas you can access free Wi-Fi. In a cafe, in a hotel, or at a post office, you will be provided with Internet communication services costing from 0.5 € per hour.

Safety

The city has a low crime rate, but your vigilance will be an additional guarantee of a safe stay in Inverness.

Business climate

In fact, Inverness's economy is in development. The town is small, but has a very advantageous location - there is access to the sea. The city authorities are interested in investment and provide good conditions for business. You won't find as much competition here as in Aberdeen or Edinburgh.

The main sectors of the economy are shipbuilding, tourism, and the service sector. Farming is developed.

Real estate

It is not difficult to buy real estate in this cozy city, but the choice of housing is quite limited. The average price for 1 m2 is about 3,000 €. The value assessment is carried out by competent appraisers.

To purchase real estate you need to submit an application and copies of identification documents.

It is best to buy souvenirs and things in city markets, and food is cheaper in supermarkets.

If you want to visit the city on a national holiday, check the date in advance, as the dates of the celebration change periodically.

When going on a trip in the summer, do not forget to take warm clothes with you, as nighttime temperature changes can be quite significant.

Residents of Inverness value order and cleanliness. Do not litter on the city streets, be restrained in conversation, and do not raise your voice in conversations with local residents.

On walks and excursions, it is preferable to take with you a hotel card and a copy of your identity document. When visiting nightclubs, you need a photocopy of your passport.

4. Inverness - capitalHighlands

Directly in the highlands of Scotland, almost all roads lead to its beautiful capital - Inverness. This is the largest city in the north, which is very easy to get to - it takes three and a half hours to get from Glasgow by train to the station in the center of Inverness. Inverness is connected to the rest of the UK by rail, motorway and air.

Inverness is located in the north-east of Scotland, at the point where the waters of the River Ness flow into the North Sea, the Moray Firth. In ancient times, these lands were inhabited by Pictish tribes. Just a couple of kilometers from the territory of the modern city was the citadel of their king Brude I, as evidenced by large-scale archaeological excavations carried out in these places.

In 1214, King William the Lion granted Inverness, which was then known as an ordinary fishing village, the status of a royal city. In the 18th century it had a reputation as a prosperous seaport, and then sheep breeding, leather tanning and shipbuilding began to actively develop here. The export of wool began to bring a significant share into the city treasury. Over time, the local population has also increased, currently numbering just over 50,000 people. However, the total area of ​​Inverness is only 36 km. It is both the industrial and business center of the Scottish Highlands, as well as a favorite tourist destination - people come here for shopping or just to have fun.

It is believed that most of the old Scottish families come from Inverness, and that this is the real birthplace of porridge, whiskey and bagpipes.

Every year, in the summer, a mountain festival is held in the city, where you can admire folk competitions and games - barrel throwing, shot put, hammer throwing, wrestling, folk dancing to the accompaniment of bagpipes. And in September there is a separate festival of folk music performers on bagpipes.

The city is interesting not only for the castle and the ruins of a 4th-century fort, but also because not far from here is the famous Loch Ness, where a prehistoric lizard named Nessie allegedly lives; Inverness even celebrates International Loch Ness Monster Day.

Today's Inverness is a diverse, modern and bustling city with two main streets HighStreet And BridgeStreet, a compact and attractive center.

The River Ness with its bridges creates a key center of the city. On its picturesque banks there are the main attractions - the castle, the Episcopal Cathedral, as well as many churches.

It is curious that the town of Inverness, with a population of 50 thousand people, is literally crammed with churches. Here, opposite the bridge Greig Street Bridge, in a row are the Old Church, the Free North Church and the Church of St. Columb. The old church is notorious for the fact that after the Battle of Culloden its cellars were turned into a place of imprisonment for Jacobite prisoners, because. The city prison was already overcrowded.

Opposite, on the other side of the river, is the Catholic Church of St. Mary.

Another church on the embankment -Ness Bank Church, and next to it is the sculpture Faith-Hope-Charity (Faith-Hope-Love).

The status of the main religious building of the city belongs to the Scottish Episcopal Cathedral or St. Andrew's Cathedral.

There was no cathedral in Inverness for a long time, despite the fact that the city is the residence of the bishop of the regions of Moray, Ross, Caithness, and the ordinary of the diocese of Inverness.

Only in the 19th century did local architect Alexander Ross undertake to correct the situation. The architect built the majestic building of the cathedral in the Gothic style in just three years, starting in 1866 and finishing in 1869. The architect intended to decorate the two massive towers of the cathedral with majestic spiers thirty meters high, but the money allocated for construction suddenly ran out, and Ross's additional investments not wait.

Without the spiers, St. Andrew's Cathedral looks somewhat unusual, which, however, makes it unique and recognizable. Otherwise, the majestic temple lives up to the wildest expectations. The building is made of pink sandstone, and the columns of the cathedral are carved from granite. Local carvers decorated the capitals with elaborate floral designs. Stained glass windows are famous throughout the Christian world, and one of them is especially interesting. The stained glass window depicting Christ is not only the largest in Scotland. It has retained all the richness of color because the sun's rays never fall on it.

It is especially interesting that the Episcopal Cathedral in distant Inverness also houses Orthodox relics - icons donated by Emperor Alexander II to the Anglican Church. Orthodox services are allowed to be held in the cathedral.

Orthodox part with an iconostasis of five icons in gold frame

On both sides of the River Ness there are other attractions - the city hall, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers (Eastgate Shopping Center and Victorian Shopping Arcade).

Directly above the city rises the famous Inverness Castle- a beautiful red sandstone building. And under the castle, near the tourist office there is Museum and art gallery Inverness with a permanent exhibition, excellent exhibitions and workshops. The museum houses a unique collection of Pictish stones, covered with ornaments and dating from the 6th-9th centuries AD. Here you can admire colorful dioramas with natural landscapes and paintings by famous painters from different years.

Popular shopping areas spread out from here in three directions, including a beautiful, crowded pedestrian area where bagpipers and other musicians often perform.

Shopping lovers should definitely visit the indoor market VictorianMarket in the old part of the city, as well InvernessRetail V BusinessPark. The street attracts a lot of attention from tourists. HighStreet, where there are always a lot of people and even more interesting potential purchases and souvenirs.

In the vicinity of the city there is Loch Ness Monster Museum(Loch Ness Museum), which is invariably popular with children and people who are partial to the beautiful legends and tales associated with this creature. The museum is located on the western side of Loch Ness. It fits harmoniously into the romantic image of these places and the ancient ones.

When it comes to cuisine, Inverness can easily be called a classic representative of Scottish cuisine. The city has a great variety of pubs, restaurants, cafes and snack bars, where visitors are invited to taste rare salmon, various types of venison, game, seafood, cheeses, whiskey and unique wines. Among the restaurants of national cuisine, this establishment stands out Kitchen, which serves classic Scottish recipes.

In the Highlands of Scotland, many memorable places are associated with the person (Charles Edward Stuart). One of the last representatives of the Stuart dynasty, he made a desperate attempt to regain the throne of the kingdom. He was not particularly lucky, so mainly in Scotland the places of his failures are marked: defeat at Culloden, flight to the Isle of Skye, etc.

Monument to Flora MacDonald, who took the prince to the Isle of Skye in a woman's dress, disguised as her own maid.

The symbol of the city is the majestic Inverness Castle of the same name, rising on a massive rock above the River Ness, offering a fabulous view of the city area and its surroundings.

For many centuries, starting in 1057, one fortification after another was located on this site. The first castle, or rather a wooden fortress, was built by King Malcolm III of Scotland (Mael Coluirn III), a little east of the current castle. In 1310, the fortress was partially destroyed by King Robert the Bruce, and only in 1548 George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly, decided to take a closer look at the fortress and rebuilt the stone palace. Gordon was commandant of the castle until 1562.

The castle later passed to Clan Munro and Clan Fraser, who supported Mary, Queen of Scots. Robert More Munro, head of the Munro clan, was a staunch supporter and loyal friend of Mary and gained the favor of her son James VI. Historian George Buchanan states that when the Queen arrived in Inverness, George Gordon slammed the castle doors in her face, refusing her admission. A large number of distinguished Scots immediately came to the queen, especially representatives of the Munro and Fraser clans, and won the castle for Mary. Mary Stuart later hanged Gordon.

In 1645, during the Civil War, the castle held out to the last - and withstood the siege of the royalist James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. In 1649, Inverness Castle was stormed by more serious royalist forces. Enemy commanders included Thomas MacKenzie, Colonel John Munro, Colonel Hugh Fraser and Sir Thomas Urquhart. Dissatisfied with the power of parliament, they attacked the city and took the castle. However, as the Parliamentary forces, led by General David Leslie, approached, all clans retreated back to Ross-shire.

In 1715, the Mackay clan took the side of King George I and defended Inverness Castle from Jacobite attack.

In 1725, the castle was expanded and strengthened by General George Wade.

In 1745, when the second serious wave of the Jacobite uprising broke out, Inverness Castle survived thanks to the independent troops of the Ross clan, which supported the British government. However, shortly after this, when the castle was guarded by John Cope, rebel leader Prince Charlie launched an explosive charge - and practically razed the fortress to the ground.

The current version of Inverness Castle, a red sandstone building with round, square and octagonal towers, stylized in the Middle Ages, was erected on the site of the original in 1836. Lighting and water supply appeared in the castle. Now it houses a sheriff's court, so entry is closed to visitors, but the castle grounds are available in full for excursions and walks to everyone. In the summer, an exhibition of medieval objects and paintings is held in one of the castle towers.

From the hill where the castle is located, there is a wonderful view of the city and St. Andrew's Cathedral.

Inverness practically enchants with its flower shows in summer and the picturesque River Ness, which actually runs right through the very center. In addition to the central shopping street, castle and cathedral, within the city there is a lovely natural attraction called The Ness Islands. These are several wonderful tiny islands in the middle of the river, a kind of oasis of greenery, water and peace, a 20-minute walk from the city center, where people fish, walk their dogs and children and seek peace. Fishermen are constantly trying to catch salmon, and this is practically in the center of the city. It is noteworthy that it is considered good form to release the caught fish. A license is required to fish in the River Ness.

On the northern side of the city there is a port, industrial buildings and a small nature reserve MerkinchLocalNatureReserve. Deserted and quiet, only air and water.

The region has a temperate maritime climate with fairly cold winters and often hot summers. From December to February, and sometimes until the first half of March, the average air temperature can be -17 degrees. It often snows. In summer, it is noticeably warmer here than in many other areas of the UK and the thermometer can rise to +30, although the average temperature is usually limited to +23 - +25 degrees. Early spring and late autumn, mostly cool, with lots of rain and strong winds.

It is here, in this area of ​​the Scottish Highlands, that the highest point in Great Britain is located - Mount Ben Nevis. Starting from its northern slopes, a giant cleft in the mountains moves away to the northeast. In clear weather, the sun plays on the surface of a spectacular string of lakes: Loch Ness, Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and, finally, in the southeast, the long sea bay of Loch Linney.

In general, the Highlands of Scotland is the most romantic and picturesque region occupying the northwestern part of the country.

It is a world of difference, different from everything else on the British island. The main thing is the mountainous terrain, which only softens in the northeast, turning into a flatter area between the mountains and the sea. This is where the name comes from Highlands, i.e. mountainous terrain, and in English this word is plural. Similarly, the rest of the flatter part of Scotland, with the exception of Orkney and Shetland, is called Lowlands. Sometimes another translation is found in the literature - highlands scotland, which does not accurately reflect the essence and diversity of this country.

The Highlands is a land where the ancient Gaelic language still lives and is as important as English. This is the land where all surnames starting with the prefix come from Poppy. And the Celtic spirit is still alive here. The Gaelic language, which disappeared from the Highlands along with the population leaving it in the 18th and 19th centuries, is now entering a new round of revival as children begin to learn it, and not just in the Highlands. It has become one of the clichés of Scotland along with bagpipes, tartan, kilt, whiskey.

Overall, the Highlands is not an easy place to live. Transport today, as well as always, has been and remains a sore point. The remoteness of these places from the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, not to mention London, was the reason, or perhaps the reason, that the needs of the Highlanders remained last on the list of government priorities. It's no surprise that Highlands residents have historically been accustomed to fending for themselves and have always been raised to be independent.

The first impression one gets when traveling through the Highlands is their almost deserted landscape. In winter, most mountain roads become impassable, and life glimmers only along the coast in anticipation of the new tourist season. The Highlands are now more desolate than ever. Events in the 18th and 19th centuries meant that the 20th century inherited the region's lowest population levels in its history.

In 200 years of devastation, first there was the hated Act of Union in 1707, which united the parliaments of England and Scotland, and which most Scots considered (and many still do!) as a betrayal of their leaders. Jacobite uprisings followed, culminating in the final defeat at Culloden Field in 1746. The government has decided to pacify the restless Highlands once and for all. This determination led to the Highlands Clearances, and never was the betrayal of the clan chiefs more horrific and more humiliating in its effect than this. Thus, when the 20th century arrived, it found a depopulated and demoralized land.

Today, when humanity has already entered the 21st century, which beckons us with its prospects, Highlands looks to the future with justified optimism.

When you travel to the Highlands, another difference you can't help but see is the unique beauty that comes with the combination of unique creations of nature, light and sea. This is on the one hand, and on the other hand, the melancholy history of the Highlands people who inhabited these areas with a culture that captured their misfortunes and persecution. There are places here where every rock seems to have absorbed this melancholy, and the beauty of the Highlands is sometimes simply unbearable.

It is not surprising that many people who have already visited the Highlands are drawn there again and again, as if some silent call lives in their soul. This is what this song is about:

Heart of the Highlands

To be continued...

It is allowed to use materials with an active link, and not as VKontakte did by reposting the first 3 parts under their name.

Of course, I also used materials from the Internet. But I asked permission from the authors of the texts and honestly indicated the sources. Guys from VKontakte, this is not ethical.

Inverness is located in the north-east of Scotland at the mouth of the River Ness, which flows into the Marie Firth. Its name is connected with the location of the city - translated from Gaelic it means mouth. An ancient city with a rich history and beautiful architecture of bridges, monasteries, palaces. There are castle hotels along the river bank. It’s a nice place to relax and it’s convenient to start your journey through the hills of Scotland, to lakes, castles and other attractions.

The first official mention of Urquhart Castle, which is located on the shores of Loch Ness, dates back to the beginning of the 13th century. It is known from the chronicles that in 1296 Urquhart was captured by King Edward I of England. Subsequently, the castle constantly changed hands and was rebuilt, until in 1692 it was destroyed by the defenders of the fortress, who did not want it to fall to the Jacobites. For many years, Urquhart's remains served local residents as a source of building materials, and as a result, only fragments of it have survived to this day.

The Battle of Culloden took place in 1746 and was fought between the British and Scottish armies. The English throne was free, and George I took power. The unsuccessful challenger, Charles Edward Stuart, fled to Scotland to gather troops in order to begin the fight for the throne. Scotland at that time was ruled by clans, they united around Charles Edward Stuart and decided to help him win the throne. A huge Scottish army headed towards London. The English capital authorities sent troops to stop it, but the valiant Scots attacked and destroyed the enemy. The Scots approached London and hastily surrounded it. They marveled at the ease of their victory, but did not dare to strike the final blow, although King George I was already ready to flee. But the Scots are not warriors at all in spirit, and the siege does not amuse them at all. First of all, they are peasants and remember that it is time to collect grain before the grain rots on the vine. They turn back and hurry home. Here hope returns to George I. He quickly assembles a mercenary army, equipped with the latest model guns, pursues the Scots and crushes them from the rear. The frustrated Scots decide to fight. Scouts claim that the British are in a small village. The Scots rush in, but the English army has already escaped. The spies turned out to be traitors. The Scottish army is losing strength, searching for the enemy in the villages. At this time, the general of the English army found a battlefield: Culloden, a vast clearing surrounded by trees. Under the trees, the strategist sets up cannons and low shelters to protect riflemen. When the Scots, exhausted from a three-day march, arrive at Culloden, they do not see the enemy, hidden in the forest and hidden behind stone walls. As soon as all the troops of Charles Edward Stuart gather in the center of the clearing, the English general gives the order to begin fire. A real massacre ensues. The British are shooting point blank. The Scots are trying to defend themselves; old-style sabers and guns cannot compete with modern cannons hidden in the forest. The Scots were completely destroyed, and the British had virtually no losses. The battle lasted half an hour. The Scots were bleeding, the British cut down everyone who got in their way, finishing off the wounded after a powerful shelling. Culloden today is a vast field covered with grass and heather. The grass waves in the wind, reminiscent of the surface of the sea. The peaceful landscape is cut by countless winding paths leading deep into the fields. There are tombstones here and there along the trail. But these are monuments not to individual fallen soldiers, but to entire Scottish clans who died under English artillery fire.

William Shakespeare. "Macbeth".

Duncan: Was Cawdor executed? Or those who are sent
Not back yet?

Duncan: This castle is pleasantly located;
And the very air, gentle and light,
Softens your feelings.

The castle was built in the 14th century as the private fortress of Thanes Cawdor. The ancient medieval tower was built around the legendary holly tree. Built on the spot where, according to legend, King Duncan was killed by Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor.
By the way, the current Countess of Cawdor continues to live here, and her personal gratitude for visiting the castle is printed on the entrance tickets. But they still don’t allow photography inside.

The castle is famous for its beautiful gardens, which include a walled garden (17th century), a flower garden (18th century), and a wild garden (added in the 1960s). More than 100 species of lichens are found in the castle parks.

Highland cattle or kyloe. Cute shaggy Scottish cows. An ancient Scottish breed of cattle with long horns and shaggy hides. Black, striped, red, yellow or grayish brown.

The thistle is a symbol of Scotland. In ancient times, the Vikings landed on the east coast of Scotland with the intention of capturing and plundering the country (I think they - the Vikings - were used to this and it became the most common thing for them:) The Scotts gathered all their fighting forces and took up a position across the River Tay - a large river in Scotland, in a place where there was a convenient ford. Since the Scotts arrived in the evening, exhausted after a long march, they set up camp and settled down to rest, believing that the enemy would not attack until the next day. However, they missed with this: the Vikings were nearby; not finding guards and sentries around the Scott camp (similar to the already world-famous Russian carelessness, isn’t it?), the Vikings crossed the river with the intention of a surprise attack. They took off their shoes to make less noise when moving towards the camp. But suddenly one of the Vikings stepped on a thistle. He screamed from the sudden and acute pain (I think because it was unpleasant for the poor fellow...). Hearing the scream, the Scots raised the alarm in the camp. The Vikings were forced to retreat, and the Scots chose the thistle as their national emblem as a sign of gratitude for such unexpected help.

Inverness is a port city in Scotland, the administrative center and the only settlement with city status in the Highland region. In the 6th century, the territory where Inverness now stands was inhabited by Pictish tribes. It is known that a few kilometers west of the modern city there was a citadel of the Pictish king Bride, who was visited by the monk St. around 565. Columba, preacher of Christianity in Scotland. It is believed that the first Inverness Castle, a wooden fortress, was built around 1057 by order of King Malcolm III and was subsequently destroyed by King Robert the Bruce. Shakespeare in the play "Macbeth" described the castle as the residence of King Macbeth and the place of death of Duncan I, which, however, does not correspond to real events.
In the 20th century, the city developed quite actively; over the century its population more than doubled, amounting to more than 50,000 people by the beginning of the 21st century. Inverness officially gained city status in 2000. This city is a major trading center, a port, and also a junction of various roads. In this regard, the city has always been a tasty prey for leaders and kings. That is why the history of this city is closely connected with military operations. The castle, built in 1053, is a witness to this. It was besieged by Edward I in 1303, and seven years later by Robert the Bruce, in 1429 by Alasdair, and in 1455 by John, both Lords of Islay. This, however, did not prevent the city from thriving. The canal arrived in 1803, the railway in 1855, and tourism came with the Victorian era. Inverness's popularity increased even more when, in 1920, members of the government chose the city as the venue for discussing the Irish problem. Until then, London was the only place for such meetings. During the Second World War, Inverness survived thanks to hydroelectric power and the timber industry. Currently there are more than 40,000 inhabitants. This city is rightfully the largest in Northern Scotland.

WHAT TO SEE.
Inverness Castle- a modern castle, with round, square octagonal towers, built in the mid-19th century, but stylized as the Middle Ages. It now houses the sheriff's court.
St. Andrew's Cathedral- the cathedral was built in the second half of the 19th century, in the Gothic style, according to the design of Alexander Ross. Five icons in gold frames, which were presented to the cathedral by the Russian emperor, are kept here.

HAVE FUN.
Visit to Inverness Castle and excursion to Loch Ness, where, according to legend, the beautiful creature Nessie lives. Every year, in the summer, a mountain festival is held in the city, where you can admire folk competitions and games.

CLIMATE.
The weather is changeable. In the summer, to the delight of tourists, there are very long daylight hours - as a rule, it begins to get dark only after 10 pm. The average air temperature in summer is +19°C, in winter +6°C.