Put on the map by Cawdor Castle of Macbeth fame and by the elusive Loch Ness monster, Inverness certainly isn't lacking in history. Occupying a desirable position at the head of the Great Glen on the shores of the Moray Firth, Inverness was the ancient capital of the Highlands and their industrial, commercial and cultural centre. Inverness achieved city status in December 2000 and offers plenty to see and do as well as having a strong presence of pubs, restaurants and shops.
If you're pushed for time on your holiday in Scotland make a beeline for the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which gives a crash course on the area's heritage from archaeology to natural history and features collections of Highland weapons, bagpipes and contemporary Scottish art. Inverness Castle is also well worth a visit – dating from the 1830s, the castle overlooks the charming River Ness and provides a great viewpoint from which to behold the city's award-winning floral displays.
- Twelve miles west of Inverness the Great Glen opens up to reveal the dark, mysterious expanse of the world-famous Loch Ness. A coach trip favourite with tourists hoping to glimpse the elusive monster, the Loch is also dotted with other attractions from Urquhart Castle to the Loch Ness Exhibition.