The city of Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and is Scotland's most northerly city. It was granted city status in December 2000.

Inverness is one of the cleanest and most scenic places to live in Europe, with the picturesque River Ness flowing through the centre of the city. In fact, it was ranked fifth out of 189 British towns and cities by the Quality of Life Research Group at the University of Strathclyde.

Located at the head of the Great Glen on the shores of the Moray Firth, Inverness is an ideal place from which to explore the rest of the Highlands. And although it's in the far north of the country, it's easy to get to and has excellent rail, road and air connections with the rest of the UK.

The growth of the local economy over the last 30 years has lead to a substantial increase in the local population, mostly around Inverness and Nairn. Around 55,000 people now live in the city.

Inverness is developing as a centre for high-tech manufacturing with a number of world-class companies locating here. Other significant sectors are timber processing, tourism and the service sector.

As you'd expect from a modern city, there's plenty to do in Inverness – great shops, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities. And of course, just outside the city you're in the beautiful Highlands where you can visit the legendary Loch Ness, watch the dolphins in the Moray Firth or visit the areas many historic battlefields and castles.

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