Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, offers the visitor a captivating blend of history, nature, and charm that makes it a must-visit destination. The neighbouring waters of Loch Ness are world famous for not just a monster but also incredible beauty. The Scottish Banner’s Sean Cairney recently visited both and shares just some of the many highlights this Scottish must-see travel destination offers.
I recently had the opportunity to revisit one of my favourite parts of Scotland and jumped at the chance to again visit Inverness, the northernmost city in the United Kingdom. Inverness began as a Pictish stronghold in the 6th century and is today one of Europe’s fastest growing cities.
Nestled along the banks of the River Ness, this compact city which has been named as one of the ‘50 Best Places to Travel in 2025’ offers a walkable centre filled with cozy cafés, lively pubs, and independent shops, all set against a backdrop of Highland beauty.
Inverness Castle
One of the biggest attractions for the city this year will no doubt be the opening of the Inverness Castle Experience. Inverness Castle is set to reopen this year with a transformative visitor attraction, celebrating the spirit and stories of the Scottish Highlands.
Once a courthouse and prison, the castle’s red sandstone towers are being reimagined into a vibrant cultural hub that blends history, storytelling, and immersive design. I managed to get a sneak peek tour of the castle and really got to see how the unique blend of historic architecture, with creative modern building techniques, interactive spaces and innovative exhibits are being blended.
The castle will open with an exhibition on Scottish super group Runrig, which looks at their incredible career and developed, and designed alongside the band members themselves. The castle sits prominently above the city and River Ness and will become a year-round visitor experience for the city and region and it so great to see what they have done with this iconic space. Inverness Castle is getting ready to open and it should be on your list on your next visit to Scotland.
Loch Ness
One of Inverness’s greatest draws is its proximity to the legendary and world-famous Loch Ness. Whether you’re chasing the myth of Nessie or simply soaking in the tranquil scenery, the loch offers boat tours, castle ruins like Urquhart Castle, and stunning photo opportunities. Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic ruins, perched dramatically on the banks of Loch Ness. Its strategic location made it a key stronghold during the Wars of Scottish Independence, changing hands between English and Scottish forces, including Robert the Bruce.
The castle’s turbulent history includes raids by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles and its eventual destruction in 1692 to prevent Jacobite use. Despite its ruinous state, Urquhart’s silhouette against the loch evokes centuries of conflict, resilience, and mystery. The castle is also linked to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, adding a layer of folklore to its allure. You can get to the castle by road or boat, and the setting is the most famous on the loch.
Nature is the star of Loch Ness, and the cold dark waters are not only the most famous in all of Scotland, but it is also the largest body of water in Scotland by volume and contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. The Loch Ness monster still holds the imagination of many around the world and there have been several reported sightings already in 2025. Many still come to the area just to see if they too can catch a glimpse.
Getting on the loch gives you a great perspective of the water and allows you to take in the surrounding nature. I hopped aboard a Jacobite Cruises vessel, who have been plying these waters for 50 years, and enjoyed the commentary about Loch Ness and watching the unfolding nature surround us, however I did not spot any famous residents!
Culloden Battlefield
I was fortunate to spend the day with Grant Driving Tours whose local knowledge helped to create a great day in the region. We started at Culloden Battlefield a sombre and historic location which marks the site of the final pitched battle fought on British soil, on 16 April 1746. It was the brutal end of the Jacobite Rising, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces, largely Highland Scots, were crushed by the government army led by the Duke of Cumberland. The defeat not only dashed hopes of restoring the exiled Stuart monarchy but triggered sweeping changes across Scotland. In its aftermath, the British government imposed harsh laws to dismantle clan culture: banning tartan, Gaelic, and Highland dress, and disarming the clans.
Culloden is an active war grave and anyone who visits will be moved by the experience which is so well told by the team at the National Trust for Scotland who manage the site. It was slightly odd to see the clan stone for Clan Fraser now has to be roped off for protection due to the popularity of the main character in Outlander. Culloden today stands as a solemn reminder of Scotland’s struggle for identity, faith, and sovereignty. The battlefield’s haunting silence and preserved landscape offer a powerful space for reflection on the cost of rebellion and the resilience of Scottish heritage.
Clava Cairns
Just outside of Inverness are the Clava Cairns which is an interesting Bronze Age burial site near Inverness, dating back over 4,000 years. The complex includes passage graves, a ring cairn, and standing stones, all carefully aligned with the midwinter sunset.
These cairns were likely built for elite individuals, reflecting deep ritual significance and astronomical awareness. The site’s layout and solar alignment hint at a sophisticated understanding of time and cosmology. Clava Cairns remain a powerful testament and link to ancient Scottish people’s and beliefs, and the fact you can freely walk amongst them is something special.
It has been a few years since I have walked the streets of Inverness and I was so glad to have returned. Inverness is such a walkable city and a stroll along the river is a must. I was fortunate to also be able to spend some time in MacGregor’s Bar where traditional music blends with friendly locals and where some may already check in with their live-streaming traditional music sessions which take place each week and have a large international following of Celtic music lovers.
Inverness and Loch Ness have much to offer the visitor with natural beauty, incredible history and Highland culture. The surrounding country side is beautiful and if like me you are lucky you may just get up close and personal with Highland Coo, or two…
I visited in late July and the area was busy with people from all over the world, the heather was just coming out and the nights were long. However, the area can be enjoyed year-round and a visit here is a must, or as it was for me a must come back…
VisitScotland can help you plan your trip to Inverness and Loch Ness at: www.visitscotland.com
Plan your Inverness trip:
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa offers a relaxing break in Inverness city centre on the banks of the River Ness, opposite the Castle, with a lovely selection of rooms. www.invernesspalacehotel.co.uk
Grant Driving Tours offers great tours from Inverness filled with detailed knowledge and passion for the area. www.grantdrivingtours.scot
Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises is celebrating 50 years of taking passengers out onto the world’s most famous loch. They offer a range of cruises at: www.jacobite.co.uk
The Inverness Castle Experience will be a new visitor attraction in the centre of Inverness, celebrating the ‘Spirit of the Highlands’ through its stories of past, present and future and is due to open this year. www.invernesscastle.scot
Culloden Visitor Centre and Battlefield is open year-round. www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culloden
Urquhart Castle sits dramatically on the banks of Loch Ness and is open year-round. www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/urquhart-castle
The Caledonian Sleeper – A unique way to travel
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. If you are combining your next visit to Scotland with a stop in London, the Caledonian Sleeper is a unique travel experience. The Caledonian Sleeper is a luxurious overnight train connecting London with destinations across Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Fort William.
The Scottish Banner recommends the private en-suite rooms, which includes comfortable handcrafted mattresses, private en-suite with shower and Club Car access which allows you to meet fellow travellers and serves Scottish cuisine. Guests enjoy priority boarding, exclusive lounges and a very warm welcome from staff. Whether travelling for business or leisure, the service transforms travel and lets passengers sleep through the journey and wake in the heart of the Highlands or London. With sustainability at its core, it’s a romantic, efficient, and distinctly Scottish way to explore the country.
For details, or to plan your next Scottish adventure, visit: www.caledoniansleeper.scot
Main photo: The city of Inverness. Photo: VisitScotland.
Support the Scottish Banner! To donate to assist with production of our publication and website visit: The Scottish Banner