 For
many Inverness and the
Black Isle are really where the true Scottish Highlands begin. A half-hour ride
from the glacial peaks and ski resorts at Cairngorm and Aviemore and sitting comfortably
on the border of bleak and wild western highlands near Sky. Quite rightly, this
region is described as one of the most scenic regions of Europe.
The area
it self is sparsely populated, with many breathtaking mountain ranges governing
its great wild plains. Waterfalls, tumbling, winding rivers, sweeping pine forests,
leafy glens, lofty peaks, and a ground rich in all manner of Arctic-Alpine plant
life. This central area of this Scottish Highlands is arguably the most vital
and rich of the lot, not only for its deep historical context but for the sheer
breadth of rare and endangered wildlife that inhabit its tumbling purple moorlands.
Overhead at Cromarty lurks
the feisty Red Kite, whilst over the waters at Strathspey, the Osprey takes it’s
chances sweeping into the waters to pluck out salmon. Castles like Brodie and
Cawdor near the lovely little beaches and fishing vessels at Nairn
and the fairytale palace at Golspie offer a tantalising glimpse of the area’s
proud, baronial past, the Glenlivet Distillery near Tain
provides a worthwhile extension to the Whisky Trail, and the picture postcard
village of Strathpeffer
tenders a charming curiosity shop of old and bygone children’s toys in its impressive
Museum of Childhood. The self-proclaimed ‘capital of the highlands’ (and
with good reason) Inverness
itself is a thriving and easygoing town supported by an excellent range of shops,
restaurants and historical sites (Culloden is only ten minutes east of the city).
Lying at the mouth of the River Ness as it flows into the Moray Firth in
north-east Scotland, Inverness provides the ‘confluence’ for the Caledonian Canal
which connects Loch Ness,
Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy. For those who like a holiday that provides as many
amenities and recreational options as sightseeing opportunities, Inverness – just
a 20 minutes away from that mighty stretch of loch at Loch Ness and the marvellous
Urquhart Castle – is likely to be the perfect choice. |
The
peninsula of the Black Isle - not an island, despite its name is surrounded on
three sides by water — the Cromarty Firth to the north, the Beauly Firth to the
south, and the Moray Firth to the east. The Black Isle was one of the earliest
parts of the northern Highlands to experience "agricultural improvements", and
was settled with many Lowland shepherds and farmers, especially from the north
east. The Black Isle Show, arguably the second most important agricultural show
in Scotland, takes place at Muir of Ord on the first Thursday in August every
year. To the east of the peninusula is Cromarty House, occupying the site
of the old castle of the earls of Ross. It was the birthplace of Sir Thomas Urquhart,
the translator of Rabelais. |
