Loch Ness, Inverness and the Black Isle Visitor Attractions
Urquhart Castle near Drumnadrochit
Urquhart Castle is probably the most visited attraction in the area. These extensive ruins were once one of Scotland's largest castles;
today the beautifully situated remains of the castle enjoy tremendous views up and down Loch Ness. There is an interesting new visitor centre with audio
visual presentation, cafe and all facilities.
Photo ©William Brin reproduced under this licence
Corrimony Cairn Glen Urquhart
This is a spectacular example of a passage grave, which a huge mound of pebbles, collected from the river, stacked into a giant cairn, with a hollow chamber in the centre. The original roof of the burial chamber has collapsed, but the claustrophobic passageway leading to it is still intact, and can be crawled through for its length of seven metres.
Culloden Battlefield near Inverness
The site of the last great battle fought on British soil in 1746, Culloden is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. This is where Bonnie Prince Charlie's demoralised army was slaughtered by the government troops, led by 'Butcher Cumberland'. The site features a visitor centre with audio-visual displays and a Jacobite exhibition, as well as the battlefield itself and its memorials including the Well of the Dead. Photo ©Donald Bain reproduced under this licence.
Glen Ord Distillery Muir of Ord
A visit to Glen Ord, on the edge of the Black Isle in the Highlands west of Inverness, is a delight to both the eye and the palate. Watch our distillers at work creating a magicial malt whisky which is sweet, malty and dry on the palate. Adult admisson charges includes a discount voucher, redeemable at the distillery against the purchase of a 70cl of single malt whisky. Try the excellent tour of the distillery, sample a wee dram, and browse the visitor centre shop.
IMAG - Inverness Museum and Gallery
Inverness Museum and Gallery reopened in early 2007 following a £1.3 million refurbishment. The new museum has superb displays detailing the story of the Highlands from the very beginning to the present day. The Art Gallery upstairs hosts touring exhibitions.
Loch Ness Exhibition Centre Drumnadrochit
The Loch Ness exhibition was opened by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. It takes visitors through seven themed areas on a journey from the dawn of time to the third millennium. Whilst keeping the mystery centre stage, it is placed firmly into the context of a loch with rare & unusual properties: some still motivate expeditions while others can "create" monsters. Here are the results of that exploration, using the very latest multi-media system, original research equipment and authentic underwater films.
Jacobite - Experience Loch Ness
For the finest way to see Loch Ness, nothing compares to a luxury cruise with Jacobite - Experience Loch Ness, Scotland. Enjoy the splendour of a bright summer's day. Thrill to the crisp exhilaration of a winter cruise, and when it's a little too crisp! Enjoy it with a hot drink from the warmth of the centrally heated cabin. Whichever season you choose to visit, our Loch Ness cruises are a superb way to experience the magnificence of the loch and explore its stunning attractions, such as the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Black Isle Brewery
The Black Isle Brewing Co is a small intensely independent organic brewery in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Our mission is to produce a range of top quality organic beers packaged in recycled materials. The barley and hops used are grown on organic farms, without artificial fertilisers or herbicides. We at Black Isle Brewery believe that our beer is the best for both you and the environment.
Cromarty Courthouse
Cromarty is one of the finest small towns in Scotland and the Courthouse museum has been described as the best place to begin to get a sense of the town. Meet the eccentric 17th century laird Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty, who proposed a University of the Highlands as early as the 1650s. See a trial from the 1770s in the original courtroom, with life-like animated models with voices of local people. Understand the real history of the North of Scotland and the lives of its people. Explore the town with a personal digital audiotour. Use our extensive records to make your own discoveries in Highland History.
Avoch Dolphin Trips
This is a wildlife trip with a difference! You may encounter osprey and red kites or if you are really lucky, seals and our famous bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth. Dolphin Trips Avoch run from April to October and operate up to six trips a day. Simply the best for local knowledge and satisfaction. See anything from ospreys and otters to seals, dolphins, porpoise, buzzards and peregrines in safety and comfort.
Ecoventures Cromarty
The ultimate wildlife watching adventure at the heart of the Moray Firth. Located at the heart of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, EcoVentures offers you a truly exhilarating and memorable boat trip experience.
Clava Cairns near Culloden
Clava Cairns is an impressive prehistoric site. It consists of a series of chambered burial cairns, some very well preserved, surrounded by stone circles and other remains. The cairns are set amongst fine woodland and are a wonderful spot to visit.
