Cruises to Inverness

Inverness, meaning "Mouth of the River Ness") is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area, and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland. It is amodern town with signs of antiquity. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery displays the heritage of the area, from archaeology to natural history. Inverness Castle, dating from the1830s, is a prominent gothic-style building in red sandstone, now the setting of the Castle Garrison Encounter, a costume re-enactment of life for an 18th-century soldier.Today Inverness is modern and go-ahead, streets in summer are a busy mix of residents and visitors. The new extension to the Eastgate Centre, with its many High Street names, reflects the city's important commercial role, while the refurbished Victorian Arcade nearby provides a variety of Inverness shopping. The city also has an excellent selection of pubs, restaurants and late-night venues, as well as Scottish Showtime, traditional music and dance performed in costume, said to be Scotland's longest running show. Another important cultural centre is the Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, with an entertainment programme to suit all tastes. The city environment is very attractive, with Inverness a Britain in Bloom award winner. Among its parks and gardens, the tropical gardens under glass in the Bught Floral Hall are notable. Nearby are the attractive walks by the Ness islands on the river.