Posted by Maris on 19th Feb 2024
10 Interesting Inverness Facts and Things To Know
Scotland offers a vibrant metropolitan life, stunning scenery, and a wealth of historical sites. It follows that it should come as no surprise that this magnificent place is frequently named the world's most beautiful nation. Additionally, here are some fascinating facts about Inverness and Loch Ness that you might find interesting if you're considering making travel plans to the Highlands.
EVERYTHING IS OLD HISTORY.
This area has been inhabited since at least the sixth century. Originally, the Picts, an ancient tribe, held power.
CALLED AFTER AN ANCIENT DEITY
"Mouth of the River Ness," or "Inbhir Nis," is the Scottish Gaelic origin of the name Inverness. The river goddess "Nessa" is the source of the Pictish word "Ness," which also names Loch Ness. Nessa was changed into the River Ness by Dark Beira, the mother of the gods, according to legend. She was made to run in the water indefinitely as a punishment for evading her responsibilities. But she broke away from the river, creating Loch Ness's waters. It's supposed that Nessa emerges from the lake each year on the anniversary of her metamorphosis, singing a melancholic ballad.
MONSTER LEGENDS AND MYTHS
The beginnings of the River Ness and Loch Ness, as well as the river goddess Nessa, are just the beginning. You have undoubtedly heard the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, the monstrous creature thought to be hiding in the loch's depths. However, the Inverness region is home to a plethora of other legendary stories. For more tales like the Ghosts of Culloden, the Fiddlers of Tomnahurich, and the Mermaid of Kessock, check out our site dedicated to myths and legends.
FAULT ON THE GREAT GLEN
The northernmost city in the United Kingdom is Inverness. It is situated on the Great Glen Fault, a fault line that runs from Fort William to Inverness in Scotland. When the rocks move in opposing directions on either side of the line, it is referred to be a strike-slip fault. It is therefore a location of significant geological importance.
By volume, Loch Ness is the largest lake in Britain.
The Scottish word for "lake" is "loch." Furthermore, this lake is not the most well-known. It's among the biggest as well. With nearly twice as much water as all the lakes in England and Wales combined, Loch Ness is the largest lake in terms of volume! This is because of its enormous depth—up to 230 meters.
INCLUDED IN MACBETH by Shakespeare
Macbeth killed King Duncan in Inverness Castle in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. The play mentions the castle a few times, and it is there that Macbeth's spiral into insanity starts. Fascinating! You can now visit the castle and ascend the viewing platform to get breathtaking views of the city. Additionally, the pipe band rehearses in the evenings on the castle lawns during the summer.
CHEESE CAUSED A WAR ONE TIME.
Did you know that in Inverness there used to be a whole fight fought over cheese? According to legend, a man by the name of Finlay Dhu dropped some cheese into the River Ness in 1668 and refused to pay for it. This led to a fierce conflict that spread throughout the entire village and resulted in several grisly killings. Therefore, you might want to reconsider in Inverness before snatching that last piece of cheddar.
INDVERSITY HATES THREE SIBLINGS
La Baule and Saint-Valery-en-Caux in France, as well as Augsburg in Germany, are twin cities with Inverness. In 1956, the first twinning with Ausberg took place with the aim of fostering goodwill between the United Kingdom and Germany following World War II. Then, in 1981, because of ties between the two municipal councils, Inverness was paired with La Baule. In 1987, Saint-Valery-en-Caux officially joined the Twin Town program, a result of the towns' mutual support during World War II. Even a committee called Inverness Town Twinning Committee coordinates visits between the residents of Inverness and the communities it is twinned with in an effort to foster mutual understanding and friendship.
THE CITY IS MILLENNIUM
The monarchy is required to bestow official city status in the United Kingdom. It is insufficient to merely have a university or a cathedral. Therefore, until 2000, Inverness was not formally recognized as a city. when, as part of the UK's millennium celebrations, it was given city status by the Queen, joining Brighton & Hove and Wolverhampton in England.
ENTRY POINT OF THE HIGHLANDS
Inverness is a well-liked travel destination. Situated at the brink of the breathtaking and untamed Scottish Highlands, this city offers all the conveniences of a big city. Inverness and Loch Ness are surrounded by a plethora of amazing attractions, which make them ideal vacation spots. Why not travel over and take a look for yourself? We are delighted to have you stay at the Kingsmills Hotel! Check out our current promotions and reserve your trip to Scotland in Inverness right now.