In the historic county of Inverness-shire, United Kingdom

 “There's no place on earth with more of the old superstitions and magic mixed into its daily life than the Scottish Highlands.”

― Diana Gabaldon, Outlander
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(in the northernmost city in the United Kingdom) The city of Inverness, in the historic county of Inverness-shire, is the long-established center of the Scottish Highlands. It lies at the best crossing place of the River Ness, which flows from Loch Ness at the east end of Glen Mor along the river and the Caledonian Canal at the juncture of route system of northern Scotland. Inverness was the capital of the Picts under King Brude, who was visited and converted by St. Columba around 565. By the 12th century Inverness had become a burgh nestling under the castle attributed to King Malcolm III (Malcolm Canmore), which remained a royal residence and fortress for centuries. The present 19th-century castle, on the site of a fortress destroyed in 1746 by the Jacobites, overlooks the river and houses law courts. The few old surviving buildings include the old Town Cross, the Town Steeple (formerly a prison), the old High Church, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

+ Inverness lies near two important battle sites: the 11th-century battle of Blàr nam Fèinne against Norway (which took place on the Aird), and the 18th century Battle of Culloden (which took place on Culloden Moor). The city is located within the Great Glen (Gleann Mòr) at its northeastern extremity where the River Ness enters the Beauly Firth. A settlement had been originally established here by the 6th century (at the latest) with the first royal charter being granted by Dabíd mac Maíl Choluim (King David I) in the 12th century. (Inverness and Inverness-shire are closely linked to various influential clans, including Clan Mackintosh, Clan Fraser and Clan MacKenzie.)

+ Although Inverness was founded in the 12th century, due to its violent history few buildings of historical significance have survived. Much of the older part of the city dates from the period following the completion of the Caledonian Canal in 1822. The broad and shallow River Ness, famed for its salmon fishing, runs through the heart of the city, which is great for exploration by foot. Its visitors can easily make their way from the lovely river to historic Inverness Castle and St. Andrews Cathedral -- and beyond to the events at Eden Court and the busy Victorian Market. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the Highlands, with the mysterious Loch Ness (and famed local resident Nessie) Culloden Battlefield, and the Bronze Age Clava Cairns just a short drive away.

+ With its great location on the river at the northern end of Great Glen, Inverness can seem a bit crowded with visitors in summer, most of them intent on monster hunting at nearby Loch Ness. However, the city itself is worth a visit in its own right, to stroll along the River Ness, take a cruise on Loch Ness -- and enjoy the local cuisine in one of the city's excellent restaurants.