Inverness is the only city, population about 50,000, in the vast area of the wild Scottish highlands and was only recently granted city status. The nearest cities are Perth or Aberdeen, both over 100 miles away.
Roads radiate out and there are air links from London, Glasgow and the Scottish islands.
T his is a land once inhabited by prehistoric people and the evidence is still to be seen in the remains of Iron Age hill forts, stone circles and burial cairns such as Corriemony and Clava, dating from 3,000BC, near Culloden Battlefield. The battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his devoted Highland clans, defeated in a dramatic and catastrophic 20 minutes, lost their hopes of putting a Stuart king back on the throne. Clan graves are marked on the windswept moor, where flags pinpoint the battle lines and there is a commemorative ceremony every year to mark the anniversary. I t is easy to get out from the city into beautiful unspoilt countryside, to enjoy from your car or on foot, and Inverness is surrounded by it. In spring, the first hint of green appears on the trees and roadside verges are thick with pale primroses.