GLEN ORD DISTILLERY A visit to Glen Ord, on the edge of the Black Isle west of Inverness, is a delight to both the eye and the palate. Watch our distillers at work creating a magical malt whisky OPEN Jan - Mar Mon - Fri 11am - 4pm. Easter Fri/Sat & Mon 10am - 5pm. (Sun 12-5pm) Apr - Oct Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm. Also Sun (Jun to Aug): 12noon - 5pm. Nov - Dec Mon - Fri 11am - 4pm Christmas & New Year Please call for details. Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, IV6 7UJ Tel: 01463 872004

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CAWDOR CASTLE A romantic fairy-tale castle and home of the Thanes of Cawdor since 1370. The dramatic medieval tower, turrets, battlements and drawbridge belie an enchanting interior of fine art work, tapestries and furniture. Stunning grounds, beautiful gardens, woodland nature trails, putting green and short 9-hole golf course make Cawdor a memorable day out for all the family. The Courtyard Café offers a mouth-watering menu and the shops an exciting range of gifts. IV12 5RD. Tel: 01667 404401.OPEN 1st May to 6th Oct, 10am to 5.30pm.Last admission 5pm. www.cawdorcastle.com

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HOOTANANNY CEILIDH BAR LIVE SCOTTISH MUSIC EVERY NIGHT

Scottish Music Pub of the year 2010, “Winner of ICA Pub of the Year”

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Best Scottish home made food.

Ceilidh every Saturday 2.30pm to 4.30pm 67 Church St IV1 1ES Tel:01463 233651

www.hootananny.co.uk (Map Grid: B2)

3

EDEN COURT THEATRE AND CINEMA.In the heart of Inverness, Eden Court boasts a magnificent riverside setting and stunning views of the River Ness. Eden Court is the main entertainment venue in the Highlands with two theatres, two cinemas, two dance studios, the stunning 19th century Bishops Palace and chapel,

as well as a superb café/bar and restaurant. The building is a hub of activity with over 400 live theatre performances each year, over 2000 cinema screenings each year and over 60 classes and activities each week.

Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA Box Office Tel: 01463 234 234 www.eden-court.co.uk(Map Grid Ref: C1)

4 HUGH MILLER BIRTHPLACE COTTAGE AND MUSEUM presents Hugh Miller’s many talents, including stonemason, geologist, writer, editor and church reformer through a variety of exhibitions. The C17th thatched cottage where Hugh was born in 1802, has an audio tour which tells of its history. OPEN 23 March to 30 Sep, daily 12 to 5, 1 to 31 Oct, Thurs and Fri 12 to 5. Tel: 0844 493 2158 Church St Cromarty. IV11 8XA

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NEW ERA CRUISES Eco-friendly boat trips on the Beauly Firth from North Kessock. Fine scenery plus a good chance to see dolphins and other wildlife. Up to 8 passengers. Duration approximately 40 minutes. Most days May - September subject to weather and tide. Look for the boat at North Kessock or phone 07732 837216 to arrange for same or next day. www.boattripsinverness.co.uk

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BRODIE CASTLE. Impressive castle contains fine furniture, porcelain and a major collection of English and Dutch paintings. Woodland walk and wildlife hides. Shop, wild garden, children’s adventure playground and picnic area. OPEN: Castle 24 March-30 Apr daily 10.30-4.30 1 May -30 Jun, Sun to Thurs 10.30-4.30, 1 Jul to 31 Aug 10.30-5pm. 1 Sept to 31 Oct Sun to Thur 11.00-4.30. Last tour 1hr before close. Grounds OPEN all year. Off A96, 24miles East of Inverness. IV36 2TE Tel: 0844 493 2156

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THE LOCH NESS MONSTER The first recorded sighting of the monster was by St Columba in 565AD It was not until 1933 that the monster became famous as the world newspapers reported the story. There are a remarkable number of eye witness accounts. So keep your eyes peeled, you never know you may be lucky to spot the monster. A82 lay-bys give different viewing angles of Loch Ness, so be prepared to pull off and enjoy the spectacle (Don’t forget your camera!).

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CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD (NTS).The battle lines have been redrawn at the Culloden battlefield. With the Site restored as closely as possible to that seen on that fateful day in April 1746, Culloden now boasts a visitor centre and exciting interactive exhibition. Follow characters who were actually involved in the battle in the exhibition, experience the true horror

of the battle in the 360 degree immersive film, take a battlefield tour, and watch the daily Living History presentations. Battlefield Visitor centre Exhibition, Licensed restaurant, Shop: OPEN 1 Feb to 31 Mar daily 10 to 4pm, 1 Apr to 31 May daily 9 to 5.30pm, 1 Jun to 31 Aug daily 9 to 6pm, 1 Sep to 31 Oct daily 9 to 5.30pm, 1 Nov to 23 Dec daily 10 to 4. Site: OPEN all year daily. On B9006, 5 miles East of Inverness IV2 5EU. Tel 0844 4932159. www.nts.org.uk

8

Beauly, Dingwall, Loch Ness and The Black Isle.

1 For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net

www.Explore-Inverness.com

HIGHLAND SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS. The oldest shop in Inverness C1700’s. With the greatest range of Scottish related gifts and souvenires, tartan tights, fridge magnets, harris tweed etc. This independent, family run business is fluent in German and Italian and prides iteself on offering the very best customer service and satifaction with tourist information. We offer Euro transactions of any value. OPEN 7 days 9am - 6pm, 9am-10pm June - August. 15 Inglis St, IV1 1HN. Tel: 01463 713475 (Map Grid: B3)

10 When in Inverness you simply must visit the truly authentic home of Highland Dresswear CHISHOLMS HIGHLAND DRESS. The Shop is a treasure trove of top quality kilts, jackets, sporrans, accessories, tartans and clan memorabilia. A family run business in the shadow of the Castle which makes you most welcome. 47/51 Castle Street, IV2 3DU. Tel: 01463 234599 www.kilts.co.uk (Map Grid: C2)

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CASTLE GALLERY, described by The Independent newspaper as “one of the best reasons to visit Inverness” shows landscape, figurative and abstract work by artists from Scotland and throughout Britain, with pieces by established artists and emerging talent. Exhibitions of contemporary paintings, prints, sculpture, crafts and jewellery. OPEN Mon to Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm 43 Castle Street, IV2 3DU Tel:01463 729512 www.castlegallery.co.uk (Map Grid C2)

12 TOMLINSON’S BEER SHOP. A Beer Shop likeno other, using brewing knowledge built up over 25years, to bring together beers from craft breweries throughout Britain and further afield. If you enjoybeers, drop in to Tomlinsons. A unique collection ofover 300 bottled beers, real ales and cider to takehome in 4-pint growlers. OPEN Mon to Sat, all year.79 Castle Street. IV2 3EA.Tel: 01463 719858www.TomlinsonsBeerShop.co.uk (Map Grid:C2)

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14 VICTORIAN MARKET A visit to Inverness City Centre would not be complete without giving yourself the chance to step back in time and experience the unique atmosphere of the Highland Capital’s Victorian Market.

With 41 interesting shops to explore and 2 great cafes in which you can relax; the Victorian Market has been delighting shoppers since the late 19th Century by giving them the chance to enjoy shopping as it should be. Highly recommended.

www.InvernessVictorianMarket.co.uk IV1 1PT (Map Grid: B2)

Pleasantly located on the banks of the River Ness, the RIVERSIDE GALLERY has probably the widest selection of Fine Art in the Highlands, from C19th Scottish Art through early and late C20th work, to the very latest of contemporary Scottish painting. Well worth a visit. OPEN 9.30am to 5.00pm daily all year (Saturdays to 2.30pm, closed Sundays). 11 Bank St, IV1 1QY. Tel:01463 224781.www.riversidegallery.info (Map Grid: B2)

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CALEDONIAN GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS Family run business offering an eclectic mix of souvenirs & gifts. The best quality off the peg kilts at the cheapest price including accessories. Most of the products are exclusive. Buy with confidence as they offer a no quibble guarantee, if you find the same item cheaper within 150 miles of Inverness they will refund the difference. Mountain bike hire from £20.12 Church St. IV1 1EA Tel: 01463 710664 (Map Grid: 2C)

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SAMS INDIAN CUISINE Fully licensed and fully air conditioned, in the centre of town. A fabulous menu which includes Indian, and European dishes. Eat In or Take away service available. OPEN Monday - Wednesday 12 noon - 2pm and 5pm - 11pm. Thursday - Sunday 12noon - 11pm. 77/79 Church Street Inverness IV1 1ES Tel: 01463 713111 or 01463 711400 www.samscuisine.co.uk (Map Grid B2)

17 THE DORES INN. Come and enjoy the breathtaking views of Loch Ness at The DORES INN ; whether it be for a walk along the beach, a glass of wine, a pint of one of our real ales or a delicious meal in the restaurant, we look forward to welcoming you. Please give one of the team a call if you would like us to book you a table. Only 10 mins from Inverness, Loch Ness, Inverness, IV2 6TR. Tel 01463 751203 info@thedoresinn.co.uk

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THE CASTLE TAVERN ‘Taigh-osada a chaisteil’Real Ale, Real Food, Real Pub, (Voted Real Ale Pub of the Year 2008 & 2010) opposite the Castle entrance. The perfect place to meet, eat and enjoy the tantalising hot food and award winning real ale, either inside or out. Food served from midday to 11pm daily. 1 View Place, Inverness, IV2 4SA Tel: 01463 718178 www.castletavern.net E-mail: enquiries@castletavern.net (Map Grid: C2)

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REFLEXIONS at the WATERSIDE HOTEL, INVERNESS

A place to relax and enjoy great Scottish food with a modern twist.

Serving food all day. Every seat has a river view.

19 Ness Bank, Inverness, IV2 4SF Tel: 01463 233 065

www.thewatersideinverness.co.uk (Map Grid: C2)

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THE ROOM has an excellent reputation for its pub style food freshly prepared by professional chefs, it has received a GOLD Best Bar None Award for 2012 & holds its reputation as one of the most recommended Bar & Restaurants in Inverness. LIVE music every Fri & Sat from 10pm with only the Best Bands In the highlands booked to play in 2012. OPEN for Food Daily From 12pm – 9pm. Steak Nights on Thursays. Tel: 01463 233077. 73 Queensgate,Inverness,IV1 1DG (Map Grid:B2)

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HOOTANNANY Best for Pub Food

Scottish CuisineScottish Music

67 Church St, IV1 1ES Tel: 01463 233651JOY OF TASTE

Best for Restaurant Food - European Cuisine25 Church Street IV1 1DY Tel: 01463 241459

(Map Grid: B2)

24 ASPENDOS MEDITERRANEAN TURKISHRESTAURANT. A modern, stylish restaurant that serves Mediterranean and Turkish food - cooked by authentic methods, the food becomes part of the entertainment. Fully Licensed OPEN Mon - Sat: 12 noon - 11pm, Sun: 12 noon - 10pm. Aspendos lunch menu, Tapas lunch. Evening Tapas menu with main dish. 26 Queensgate IV1 1DJ Tel: 01463 711950 www.highlandaspendos.co.uk (Map Grid:B2)

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Shop Inverness Eating Out

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RAJAH INDIAN RESTAURANT The Rajah is the longest established Indian Restaurant in the Highlands (since 1982), providing superior quality food and service to locals and visitors alike. Only using the finest quality ingredients sourced with extreme care by our very experienced team of chefs, giving you the authentic taste of India in the heart of the Highlands.www.rajahindianrestaurant.com (Map Grid: B2)

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2 Post Offi ce Ave,Inverness,IV1 1DN.Tel 01463 237190or 01463 711525

NUMBER 27 in the city centre is overlooked by Inverness Castle. They pride themselves in offering something a little different, the food is cooked by traditionally trained chefs. The service standards are considered to be friendly but professional, it has a strong local trade due to its mouth watering menu and has one of the largest selections of draft beers in Inverness. Food Served Daily From 12pm-9pm Tel: 01463 241999 27 Castle Street,Inverness,IV2 3DU www.number27inverness.co.uk (Map Grid:C2)

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Eating Out

For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net www.Explore-Inverness.com

THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & BAR.Described as “a gem of a find” on Trip Advisor, the Waterfront has an excellent reputation for its good food and friendliness. With a varied menu consisting of traditional Scottish dishes, steaks, grills and seafood, all food is freshly prepared. Children welcome. OPEN 7 days. Lunch served 12 to 2pm (Sun 12.30pm-5pm) Dinner from 5pm. Traditional music every Thursday night. 70-71 Huntly Street, IV3 5JN. Tel: 01463 233870 (Map Grid: B1)

26 CAFÉ 1 has an excellent reputation built over the last 14yrs for high quality modern Scottish cuisine. Only fresh locally sourced fresh produce are used where possible, also home made deserts and ice creams. Friendly professional service. Café 1 ‘the accent is on good food’. OPEN all day, lunch from 12noon dinner from 5.30pm. 75 Castle Street. IV2 3EA.Tel:01463 226200 www.cafe1.net (Map Grid: C2)

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CINNAMON INDIAN RESTAURANT has an excellent reputation for the high standard and consistency of it‘s cuisine served by attentive staff. ‘Cinnamon Restaurant of the Year 2011 Sunday Post’.The Restaurant is very spacious, (90 seats) Located right in the very heart of Inverness. Whether you are looking for lunch or evening meal, you will find Cinnamond hard to beat.

Their popular Sunday Buffet (over 35 items) “Eat as much as you like!” 12.30pm to 4.30pm £8.95; 5pm to 10.30pm £10.95 OPEN Mon to Thurs 12noon to 2pm and 5pm to 11pm, Fri 5pm to 11pm, Sat 12noon to 2pm and 5pm to 11pm. 1b Milburn Road, Opposite Morrisons, Inverness IV2 3PX. Tel:01463 716020www.cinnamoninverness.co.uk (Map Grid: B3)

28 FILLING STATION offers a warm welcome, comfortable surroundings and of course fantastic food. Menu highlights include a wide range of wraps, pizzas, burgers, salads and grills, not to mention the ever popular sizzling fajitas. Filling Station’s central location makes it an ideal place to refuel after shopping, sightseeing or stepping off a train. OPEN 9am until late. 8-10 Academy Street. IV1 1JT Tel: 01463 663 360 (Map Grid: B2)

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LITTLE ITALY A traditional ‘Italian Tratoria’ with a real buzz and excellent service. Serving Italian specialities, fresh seafood and a wide range of ice cream sundaes. “Anything not on the menu can be cooked for you provided the ingredients are available”. OPEN 11am to late evening. Lunch served all day. A family restaurant, outside terrace in summer. Open Sundays in season. 8 Stephen’s Brae Inverness IV2 3JN Tel: 01463 712963 (Map Grid C3)

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ORIENTAL CHOICEOnly authentic Chinese Restaurant in the Highlands. Chinese cuisine at its best. OPEN - Monday to Sunday Lunch 12 noon - 2.30pm, Dinner 5pm -11pm Take Away Service Available. Delivery Service Available from 5pm. Tel: 01463 712715 1st Floor 25 Union St, Inverness IV1 1QA www.oriental-choice.co.uk (Map Grid: 2B)

31 THE LARDER Inverness’s newest restaurant, chef proprietor makes everything on the premises, baking includes ‘epic scones’ to homemade pasta. All Day Breakfasts, lunches and everything in between. Focus is on the customers, “customers get what they want” as everything cooked to order, child friendly. OPEN Mon,Tue 9am-5pm Wed to Sat 9am-9pm Sun 10am-5pm Tel: 01463 712422.6 Stephen’s Brae, Inverness IV2 3JN (Map Grid: C3)

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THE ROYAL HIGHLAND HOTEL, one of Scotland’s oldest and most loved, was originally the Railway Co’s Station Hotel. In late Victorian times it was patronised by Royalty from Britain and abroad. Serving gourmet cuisine at the renowned Ash restaurant, with the more traditional coffee lounge and gallery deli serving fine patisseries. Station Square Inverness IV1 1LG. Tel: 01463 251451/or 231926 (Map Grid: B3)

33 EATING OUT - AROUND INVERNESS North of Inverness

Crazy Horse Coffee Shop (see page 8)74 High St Invergordon

Storehouse Restaurant (see page 8)Foulis Ferry, Evanton South of Inverness

The Dores Inn Loch Ness (see page 2)

INVERNESS CASTLE. The original 12th century castle was of timber. In 1540, a stone fortification was constructed. In 1562, Alexander Gordon refused entry to Mary Queen of Scots. She captured the castle with the help of the MacKintoshes and Frasers. Alexander Gordon was duly hanged. In 1726, it was enlarged into a government fort, only to be blown up by the Jacobite army in 1746. The present castle was built in 1836. (Map Grid Ref C2)

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INVERNESS CATHEDRAL. The first new Cathedral built in Britain since the Reformation. The foundation-stone was laid by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the first official act in Scotland by an English Primate since the start of Presbyterianism. The cathedral church was consecrated on 29 September 1874. Summer recital programmes and regular services throughout the year. Tea room and shop open Mon to Fri May to Sept . (Map Grid: C2)

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THE CALEDONIAN CANAL - considered by many to be one of the greatest water-ways of the world, a masterpiece of canal engineering, slicing through the length of the Great Glen, a massive geological fault line running east to west.The caledonian canal runs for 62 miles (100 kms) from Inverness to Fort William, it is the link to a chain of natural lochs ‘to form the most beautiful waterway in Europe’. It was constructed by Thomas Telford (the famous

Scots engineer), and completed in 1822. At Fort Augustus there is a series of canal locks where you can watch the crafts being lowered to or raised from Loch Ness. You can enjoy the canal, walking or cycling along the tow-paths. 3

Shop Inverness Eating Out

Active Inverness

Inverness - Ness Island Walk - Inverness must be one of the few cities in the world where you can literally walk from the city centre along a pictur-esque river and feel as though you are right in the middle of the countryside.

Follow the foot steps on the painted Inverness City Centre map along the banks of the River Ness. There are a number of footbridges along its length of the River Ness where you can cross from one side of the river to the other.

Watch out for seals, especially between Friars Bridge and Ness Bridge you will often see a head sticking out of the river. The seals are shy crea-tures so be patient and do not make it obvious that you have spotted the seal and you will able to watch it for ages.

Walking upstream you will find Ness Island. The walk will take you past the Castle, churches and gardens. Cross the river on the little bridges and you can visit Bught Park. Close by you will find the Floral Hall - a sub tropical horticultural gem with small waterfalls, fish and an assortment of plants/trees. Floral Halls also

has a delightful little tea room You can make a loop by the connecting bridg-es, and if its the right season you can watch the salmon fishermen standing in the river.Allow 1 to 2 hours for the circular walk.

For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net www.Explore-Inverness.com

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The word Inverness - from the Gaelic meaning “Mouth of the River Ness”. A walk around the riverside gives you the chance to enjoy beautiful mountain views and wildlife in the heart of the city.

Inverness CastleThere has been a castle on this site since the 12th century. Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s Jacobites blew up the Hanoverian Fort in 1746. The present sandstone building dates from 1834 with the North block added in 1847. Today it serves as the Inverness Sheriff Court House. ALSO SEE Inverness Museum

Town HouseCompleted in 1882, this Victorian Gothic building was the Town House of the Royal Burgh of Inverness and now serves as the Inverness area office of the Highland Council.

Tollbooth SteepleThe Georgian tollbooth steeple was erected beside the adjoining Old Court House and Jail in 1791 and rises 45 metres to where three bronze bells hang in the spire.

Falcon Squareis named after John Falconer who opened Falcon Foundry at Inverness Rail Terminus in 1858. The building on the square which houses Laura Ashley and Pizza Express formed part of this Foundry –

it was dismantled and relocated here in the late 1990s.

LibraryIn 1841 this building, which has Egyptian and Greek influences was erected with Doric col-umns and pediments to house Bell’s Institu-tion, and the school remained in the building until 1937. It has been the home of the public library since 1981.

The Victorian MarketOriginally known as the “New Market”, was built in 1870 and rebuilt after a fire in 1890. It connects all four surrounding streets and houses a variety of unique local shops. The entrance from Academy Street has Corinthian arches and animal carvings on the keystones.

Abertarff House Built in 1593, this is the earliest surviving house in Inverness. The crow-stepped gables - known as “corbie steps” - of this town house stand out in this crowded street. It was received from the National Commer-cial Bank and restored in 1966 by The National Trust for Scotland.

Dunbar’s Hospital Built in 1668, this building is named after Provost Alexander Dunbar, who endowed it as a hospital for the poor, and as the Grammar School which remained there un-til 1792. Subsequently it served as a public library and now houses flats, a shop and a day centre

Old Gaelic ChurchBuilt as the Gaelic Church in 1649. Rebuilt in 1792 and reconstructed before becoming Greyfriars Free Church. It now houses a second-hand bookshop and café.

Old High ChurchThe original Parish Church of Inverness dedicated to St Mary, built on St Michael’s Mount since at least the 12th Century. The base of the bell tower probably dates from the 15th century and the top from the 17th. The church was built in the 1770s. Jacobite prisoners were confined in the church af-ter Culloden and some were executed in the grave-yard.

Free North Church Built in 1889-92 in decorated Gothic style it has the highest steeple in Inverness, a dominant feature by the River Ness.

St Columba’s High Church. The congrega-tion was established in 1843, the present church opened in 1852. A fire in 1940 left only the walls

standing. The congregation, servicemen & prison-ers of war refurbished the church and it opened nine years later.

Balnain HouseBuilt as a town house around 1726 in early Georgian style, Balnain House was used as a hospital for Han-overian soldiers after Culloden and as billets for the Royal Engineers when completing the 1st Ordnance Survey. Now restored it is the office of The National Trust for Scotland.

St Mary’sBuilt in 1837 in perpendicular Gothic Revival style, St Mary’s is the first Roman Catholic church built in Inverness after the Reformation.

Inverness CathedralThe Cathedral was built 1866-69, to a design by Alexander Ross, in Gothic Revival style. The original design (shown on a painting inside the build-ing) incorporated spires. Open all year for visitors, 9am - 6pm.

Northern Meeting Park Arena Ardross Street, Inverness IV3 5NSEvery July the biggest Highland Games staged in the North of Scotland with a full programme of heavy events, athletics, piping, dancing and traditional music.

The Inverness Historic Trail guides you through Inverness’s New and Old Towns where you will find fascinating buildings and an abundance of shops and restaurants to enjoy. From the unique local traders in the Victorian Market, to souvenir shops by the river and on the High Street, and quality retailers in the Eastgate Centre; the Capital of the Highlands offers a friendly welcome with plenty to see and do.

Refer to the letters on the painted city centre map in the centre pages of this guide for directions.A

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West of Inverness to Loch Ness - Day Tour by car

For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net www.Explore-Inverness.com

Inverness Historic Trail

7

North of Inverness

West of Inverness to Loch Ness - Day Tour by car This circular tour takes you along Loch Ness, then inland to a number of sites well worth visiting. (Approx. 50 miles)

The route also gives you a true taste of Scottish Highland scenery, as you drive through some dramatic rugged landscapes.Refer to the green letters on the map above for directions.

Drive out of Inverness onto the A862 signposted for Drumnadrochit. This road will take you along the North Shore of Loch Ness. The first lay-by is worth stopping at as it has information plaques and plenty of space for you to take in the history and feel of the World’s most famous ‘Monster’ Loch.

The Loch Ness Monster. The first recorded sighting of the monster was by St Columba in 565AD It was not until 1933 that the monster became world

famous as the world newspapers reported the story. There are a remarkable number of eye witness ac-counts that ring true on close examination. So keep your eyes on the loch as you travel around, you never know you may be lucky and spot the monster too.Continue driving along the A82, you will find further lay-bys for you to pull off the road. These lay-bys give

different viewing angles of Loch Ness, so be prepared to pull off and enjoy the spectacle (Don’t forget your camera!).

Turn off the A82, to the A831 in Drumnadrochit. Drive for about 9 miles on the A831; look out for a sign for Corrimony Chambered Cairn. Glen Urquart cham-bered cairn, built about 4000 years ago, is encircled by 12 standing stones. A particularly clear example of a prehistoric burial tomb. Good explanation plaque. Open all year. Free.

After visiting the Cairn turn left and follow the A831 to Glen Affric (from ‘Ath-Breac’ Gaelic for ‘dappled ford’). A magnificent glen, large areas of native forests, trees of 200 to 300 years old, forest roads, walks, Dog Falls, 100 ft Plodda Falls, magnificent views, open all year.

Plodda Falls A drop of 100ft in spectacular broadleaf and pine forest. Viewing platform above and below the falls. From the car park Plodda Falls is a 1ml circular walk. A831 at Cannich village. Follow signs for Tomich historic village .

Continue to the A862 follow signs to Beauly, where you will find Beauly Priory. Founded in 1230, it became a Cister-cian home around 1510. The church was roofless in 1633, the stone is said to have been used by

Cromwell to build a fort in Inverness in 1650. A plaque tells of Mary Queen of Scots’ visit here in 1564 and her travels in the Highlands. Descriptive plaques point out all the points of interest. Open daily. Free admission.

After Visiting Beauly turn back along the A862 following your route about 3 miles turn right towards Inverness. You will come to the village of Kirkhill. Continue on A862 to Inverness.

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We have put together a great day trip of about 100 mile circular route north of Inverness which take you to some superb places to visit, through fabulous Highland scenery with great views to the Falls of Shin. The route then takes you back along the coast to Dornoch where Madonna married Guy Ritchie, on to Invergordon the scene of the 1st World War naval mutiny, home to today’s ocean going cruise liners and then back to Inverness. Refer to the purple letters on the map on page 8 for directions.

Head north from Inverness along the A9 over the Kessoch Bridge, staying on the A9 over the long low bridge over the Cromarty Firth, approxi-mately 4 miles after the bridge take the left turn on to the B9176 for Bonar Bridge and Ardgay. This route climbs up to higher ground of heather clad moorland, streams and forests, offering some spectacular views over the Dornoch Firth.

As you come over the top of the brow of the hill, watch out for the layby with a viewing area, we recommend you pull in and enjoy the views over the Dornach Firth out west to Benmore and Assynt to the west. Then descend down to Bonar Bridge.

Now head back to Bonar Bridge, this time fol-lowing the A949 around the north shore of the Dor-noch Firth to the A9, turn north for about 1 mile to rejoin the A949 ,then 2 miles to Dornoch.

Dornoch hit the world headlines when Madonna chose this idyllic setting for her marriage to Guy Ritchie, the father of her son Rocco, who was Christened in the Cathedral the evening before the wedding.

Dornoch boasts some fine buildings including Scotland’s smallest Cathedral built by the Bishop of Caithness in 1224 paying for it himself. There is also a Bishop’s palace (now a hotel), courthouse and old town jail. Sandstone cottages and town houses line its peaceful streets and lanes. Dornoch has some excellent descrip-tive plaques that help you unravel the past, as well as the History Links Trail which takes you through the streets and nearby countryside.

Leaving Dornoch retracing the route to the A9 head south towards Inverness, taking the turning to wwwwwwInvergordon. Here the summer cruise-liners berth, (Tel:01349 852308 for cruise liner info) in the heart of the town the pier is a very short walk from the town centre. Visit the Crazy Horse Res-

taurant on the High Street (see page 2 for details).

Do not miss the superb Invergordon Murals on the side of buildings produced by the Invergordon Off the Wall Group. Each mural is carefully se-lected after consultation with the townsfolk and the building owner. A booklet explaining the murals can be purchased from local shops.

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East of InvernessThis circular tour of approx.40 miles takes you to two important Scottish locations. Each of the attractions highlighted on this tour is special in their own unique way and is highly recommended to visit. Refer to the blue letters on the map on page 8 for directions.

Take the B9006 from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, (see Page 1 for details). We suggest you allow 2-3 hours to take in all that the National Trust for Scotland has included in this newly presented visitor experience (2008) A visit to the atmospheric battlefield is a must.

On 16 April 1746 the last battle to be fought on British soil took less than an hour to reach its bloody conclusion here on what is now know as Culloden Moor. It was not, as often portrayed, a battle between the Scots and the Eng-

lish: large numbers of Scots fought on the Government side while the Jacobite army included French units and some English Jacobites. Rather it was the last chapter in a sporadic civil war for succession to the British throne that had been under way since 1688.

On leaving, turn right onto B9006 and drive for about 7miles to the crossroads, turn right onto B9090 following signs to Cawdor Castle (see Page 1 for details). The story of Cawdor Castle is connected with Wil-liam, 3rd Thane of Cawdor. There is a gift shop, a bookshop, a wool shop; an excellent restaurant in the castle itself. There is a snack bar near the car park. Visitors can wander at will through the walled garden, flower garden and wild garden. There is a picnic area, a 9 hole pitch and putt golf course, a putting

green, a duck pond, an extensive area of natural woodland with a series of way-marked nature trails of different lengths from three quarters of a mile up to five miles.

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For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net www.Explore-Inverness.com

DOLPHIN WATCHING AT CHANONRY POINT. The point is without doubt the best place to watch the Bottlenose Dolphins. The nearby Dolphin and Seal Centre at North Kessock also offers dolphin watching opportunities during the summer. The best time to spot them is from low tide onwards as the tide rises between Mar & Oct. They can often be seen in front of the large ships in the harbour. Chanonry Point is situated East of Fortrose off the A832.

36 THE STOREHOUSE RESTAURANT AND FARM SHOP. Fresh seasonal produce in a beautiful setting. Delicious, home-cooked meals. Full Scottish breakfasts and Sunday lunches. Award-winning cakes and pastries. Picnic service. Farm shop with gifts and homewares. Clan Museum, and much more. Wi-Fi available Foulis Ferry, Evanton, IV16 9UX Tel: 01349 830038 info@thestorehouseathome.com

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DOLPHINS AND SEALS OF THE MORAY FIRTH INFORMATION CENTRE.Bottlenose Dolphins are often seen in The Firth. Spot their fins or see them leaping out of the water. The best places to see them are Chanory Point and North Kessock. The best time is on the rising tide. For details of tide times go to www.pol.ac.uk/ntslf the UK National Tide Gauge Network.

38 CRAZY HORSE COFFEE SHOP & RESTAURANT ‘Traditional Highland Hospitality’- in the heart of the local community. Chef’s Daily Specials and Bistro menu, quality ground coffee & specialist teas, home baked cakes, country style soups and local haggis. OPEN 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Tel 01349 852030 74 High St. Invergordon IV18 ODL On the scenic shoreline Pictish Trail route (B817) venture off the beaten track from Dalmore Distillery to Kildary.

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MUNLOCHY CLOOTIE WELL. A healing well dedicated to St Boniface (or Curidan). There is said to have once been a chapel on the site. To have your wish granted, you must spill some water 3 times on the ground, tie a rag torn from your clothes on a nearby tree, make the sign of the cross and then drink from the well. Tradition states that anyone removing a rag will succumb to the misfortunes of the original owner. On the A832 car park adjacent to the road east of Tore.

40 “A hidden treasure, a delightful museum” GROAM HOUSE is an award-winning museum dedicated to the Picts and to displaying and interpreting the stunning examples of their sculptural art found in Rosemarkie. An annual exhibition is also held (The 2013 exhibition will showcase exciting objects acquired in the past four years) and there is a museum shop which stocks high quality gifts with Celtic and local themes. There are activities for children and videos to watch as well

as a suite of interactive computer programmes.

ADMISSION IS FREE (Wheelchair access to ground floor only). OPEN: 29 March to 31 October : Monday – Friday 11am – 4.30pm, Saturday 2 – 4.30pm1 November to 7 December : Saturday 2 – 4pmTel:01381 620 961 Email:curator@groamhouse.org.uk www.groamhouse.org.uk IV10 8UF

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HIGHLAND AVIATION MUSEUM opposite Inverness airport on Dalcross Industrial Estate. Exhibits from complete aircraft to nose sections, the Museum’s unique attraction is that visitors can climb in many of the cockpits. This is a rare experience, from the cramped cockpit of the Lightning, a jet-fighter capable of twice the speed of sound, to the spacious 54ft front section of Nimrod the submarine hunter. OPEN from Easter to Nov Sat & Sun 10am - 4.30pm, www.highlandaviationmuseum.org.uk

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Outside Inverness

For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net www.Explore-Inverness.com

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