Discovering Inverness: Quiet Charms and Unexpected Beauty
1. Arrival in Inverness: Lowered Expectations, Pleasant Surprises
When we arrived in Inverness, I honestly didn’t have high expectations. The famous Inverness Castle was under renovation, so it wasn’t even on our itinerary, and the sun was already dipping low. I figured we’d just take a casual evening stroll and enjoy some fresh air.
Walking along the River Ness, I was pleasantly surprised by how quietly charming the town felt. It’s small, peaceful, and understated — not packed with tourist traps — which made me appreciate every detail even more.
2. Evening Walk: Exploring the Town Centre
After dinner near our hotel, we decided to stretch our legs and explore the city centre. And of course, as a typical Korean, I got startled every time a police car passed by — even though we hadn’t done anything wrong!
Inverness Town House
One of the first stops that caught my eye was Inverness Town House on High Street. From the outside, it’s stunning — three grand archways, pointed spires, and ornate details. Learning that it was built in the 1880s by Matthews & Lawrie for £20,000 (millions in today’s money!) made me admire it even more. Originally designed for council meetings and official receptions, the Town House now hosts concerts, exhibitions, and occasional council events.
Inside, the Grand Hall offers space for piano recitals, small orchestras, and classical performances. Imagining a wedding under the chandeliers and stained glass felt almost cinematic — a truly romantic setting. Even outside the formal halls, every corner of this building radiates history and elegance.
Visiting Tip: The Town House occasionally opens for tours via Ticket Tailor or during Heritage/Open Doors Day , so plan ahead if you want to explore the interior.
3. Quirky Inverness: Wobbly Bridge and Highlander Monument
Nearby, the Greig Street Bridge, affectionately called the “Wobbly Bridge” by locals, provided a playful little adventure. The slight sway of the suspension bridge over the River Ness was surprisingly fun, and it felt like one of those quirky small-town moments that stick with you.
By the riverside stands the Queen’s Own Highlanders Monument, a solemn tribute to the 14 soldiers who lost their lives serving in conflicts across Indonesia, Northern Ireland, and the Gulf. Reading their names made me pause and reflect — even in this cheerful town evening, Scotland’s history is never far away.
4. Riverside Dining: The Mustard Seed
Though we didn’t dine there this trip, I want to mention The Mustard Seed, a local favourite. Housed in a former church, it has high ceilings, an open-fire kitchen, and a terrace overlooking the river — perfect for a sunset wine with a calm Ness River view.
The menu highlights Scottish ingredients, from creamy gnocchi to seafood stew and perfectly grilled steaks. Vegan options are available too, and their cheesecake comes highly recommended. Prices are reasonable by Scottish standards, and locals often visit for celebrations or romantic dinners.
Pro Tip: For dinner, always make a reservation — the place can get busy, especially at sunset.
5. Practical Notes: Travelodge Stop and Essentials
On the way back to our Travelodge, we stopped at a local supermarket to grab a 6-litre bottle of water. Carrying it back was heavy — and yes, my husband grumbled, “Seriously, 6 litres for one night?” But I never like to take chances, especially with a busy day ahead.
6. Reflections: Simple Pleasures in Inverness
Arriving in Inverness without high expectations, I left charmed. The quiet river, historic Town House, wobbly little bridge, and small surprises tucked around every corner reminded me that the true magic of Scotland often lies in these simple, understated moments.
7. Next Stop: Isle of Skye
Next stop: Isle of Skye. I’m bracing myself for even wilder Highland scenery — dramatic cliffs, rugged landscapes, and the kind of scenery that makes you feel tiny in the best way possible. I can’t wait to share it with you.