Inverness (Scotland)

Inverness (Inbhir Nis) is a major port city in the Scottish Highlands. It has population around 50,000. Port Inverness is located at the mouth of River Ness (Scotland's eastern coast. The port is among Scotland's most sheltered and deep natural harbours. The port is owned and operated by Inverness Harbour Trust (port authority) founded in 1847.

Inverness port trades with the rest of the UK, but also serves Baltic Sea shipping traffic (to Scandinavia and the EU). Goods handled include turbines for wind energy converters, oil and fuel, coal, round logs, timber, board, wood chips, salt, fish oil, frozen fish, animal feed, and other goods. Because of the recent expansion the Port of Inverness can handle cargoes of turbine blades up to 50 m in length. There are covered storage facilities, as well as extensive lay down areas. The port features easy access to A9 road and hinterland of Inverness. There is also access to the railway system out of Inverness station. During the last years there have been cargo around 800,000 tonnes per annum and more than 300 ships visiting the port.

Port Inverness has 4 main quays: North Citadel 100 m; South Citadel (tanker berth) 150 m; North Longman 150 m, and Longman 340 m in length. Bunkering via road tanker is provided by prior arrangement. The seaport handles smaller cruise ships, but larger cruise liners go to Invergordon, a deepwater port approx 39 km (24 mi) from Inverness on Cromarty Firth which allows docking and disembarkation of travellers without the need of ship's tender. Inverness Marina lies next to Port of Inverness and offers yachts' berthing.

The city is located near 2 important battlegrounds: the battle of Blar Nam Feinne (11th century, Battlefield of the Fingalians against Norway) and the Battle of Culloden (18th century). Inverness is a prime travel destination for bagpipe lovers and players, since every September it hosts The Gathering festival (in Northern Meeting Park). Another major event is Inverness Highland Games (in Bught Park, held annually since 1822). Among the city's important landmarks are various churches and the Inverness Castle (1835-built, currently serves as sheriff court).

On small-ship and river cruises in Scotland, while the boat is docked in Inverness, the cruise tour company/ship operator often offers as "shore excursion" options land tours (via bus) to Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Urquhart Castle, Cawdor Castle, the Glenfiddich Distillery (Dufftown), also to Edinburgh.