Inverness, Scotland

Back to Library

Introduction

Inverness is the regional capital of the Highlands and Islands, situated on the River Ness; at one end of the Caledonian Canal; adjacent to Loch Ness and on the Moray Firth. It is the administrative capital of the Highlands and Islands, which covers a largely rural area around the size of Belgium. The population of greater Inverness is around 64000 and that of the region is 275000.

Its economy is based on being the retail capital of the region, the tourism industry and high-tech manufacturing. The biggest industrial employer manufactures diabetes testing equipment. It has the main campus of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) which specialises in health and rural industry skills, such as veterinary studies and has a School of Rural Economy. 

The city centre is attractive with distinctive Scottish architecture and building types and makes very good use of its location on the River Ness, with riverside housing, commercial properties and parks.

Everyone that we met showed a real commitment to and enthusiasm for Inverness and its future development.

Read full assessment report