Flying into Inverness will take you about nine miles east of the city proper. It is the largest of 10 airports that serve this area, the Highlands and the islands in Scotland. Even if you don't fly into this airport on your visit to Scotland, you might want to take the drive to the airport and look at the collection of works by contemporary artists housed in the Elain Gallery at the airport. However, should you choose to fly into the airport, then you should make use of Car Hire Scotland, and get a car hire Inverness Airport so you can start your trip through Scotland.



In AD 565, Inverness was in the hands of the Picts, an alliance of tribes considered to be of Roman descent. Rich in history, the Old High Church, the Castle, and many other relics of times past will delight the tourist looking for confirmation of all they learned in their history class.

If you've ever wanted to learn to play the bagpipe, Inverness is the place you want to be. It is host to the Northern Meeting, which is a solo piping competition. If you are looking for prestigious competition, this one is the one to attend.

Tossing a large wooden pole, known as the caber toss, is one of the highlights of the Highland Games hosted by Inverness each year. They have entries for the amateur all the way to the professional ? so if you fancy yourself able to toss a pole the size of a telephone pole, you might want to plan your visit to Inverness at the time of this competition.

After your car hire Inverness, you might want to make your way around the city and then follow the roads leading outward of the city itself. The A9 links Inverness to Edinburgh to the south while the A96 to the east will take you to Narin, the coastal holiday resort. Looking for the Loch Ness Monster is best done by car so that you have plenty of time to explore the gorgeous Loch Ness just to the southwest of Inverness on A82.

After you are done exploring the surrounding countryside, make your way back to Inverness for some great dining and shopping. Whether you want to eat riverside or inside one of the castles, the salmon and venison, renowned Highland dishes, are available in various recipes to tempt your taste buds. Follow the meal with some shopping in the Old Town. Specialist retailers will help you find those products that will indicate to your friends and neighbors that you have been to Scotland. Traditional retailers are also available where you can purchase everyday necessities for the traveler.