| Location | 57° 29’ N 004° 14’ W | Anchorage Position | 57˚ 53'N 005˚ 09'W |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Berths | 2 | Distance to Landing Stage | 1.5 & 5.5 NM |
| Berth details | Berth 1, Max L.O.A. 100m. Max Draft: 5.3m Berth 2, Max L.O.A. 100m. Max Draft: 5.3m | Tidal range/movement | 2.0m – 5.0m |
| Airdraught | 29.0m max | Town centre | 0.5 km |
| Width of Ship | 17.2m max | Anchorage | Yes |
| Nearest airport | Inverness |
Overview
Inverness is one of the most sheltered harbours in the UK. Serving the Capital of the Highlands, the port’s historic links with the city can be traced as far back as the 12th century.
With Loch Ness literally on the port’s doorstep and Speyside Whisky Trail, the home of the Whisky Industry within easy reach these alone would make a compelling case in the port’s favour but add to those Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield and Fort George Military Museum means the port is essential for any itinerary.
The city centre offers a vibrant, diverse experience for visitors with top quality award winning restaurants and retail facilities, including the covered Victorian Market, on offer.
Port Control
The Harbour Master should be contacted by all visiting vessels to confirm any tidal restrictions on proposed berthing dates.
The Port can accommodate ships either alongside or at anchor where the adjoining Inverness Marina can offer a secure point of entry for a tendered visit. On arrival there is the chance that passengers will be accompanied ashore by bottlenose dolphins from the resident school in the Moray Firth.
Pilotage
A compulsory pilotage service is operated for vessels in excess of 50m in length.
Contact
Sinclair Browne, Chief Executive
Inverness Harbour Trust, Longman Drive, Inverness, Scotland, IV1 1SU
T: +44 (0)1463 715715 F: +44 (0)1463 715705
E: sinclair@portofinverness.co.uk
W: www.portofinverness.co.uk
Image credit: Paul Tomkins
Popular excursions
The following is a list of popular excursions that are available.
It should be noted that these details are not definitive but are intended to demonstrate the range of excursions and activities available to cruise passengers visiting Inverness as part of a cruise. Please note that, in many cases and with prior arrangement, half day tours can be combined to create full day itineraries
Shore excursions are normally pre-booked onboard via the cruise line concerned. Cruise Scotland cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of this information and all details and tour descriptions should be checked with the cruise line concerned.
Loch Ness
Within 15 minutes of the port lies Loch Ness, the second deepest loch in Scotland in whose depths is rumoured to be Nessie – the Loch Ness Monster! Loch Ness lies at the northern end of The Great Glen which follows a large geological fault that bisects the Scottish Highlands into the Grampian Mountains to the southeast and the Northwest Highlands to the northwest. Take a boat trip leaving from Inverness to explore the loch and search for Nessie. The trip can include visits to the ruins of Urquhart Castle that overlooks the loch as well as The Loch Ness Monster Exhibition where you can learn more about the monster and the various sightings throughout the years.
Cairngorm National Park
Created in 2003 The Cairngorm Mountain National Park is a spectacular landscape, similar in appearance to the Hardangervidda National Park of Norway in having a large upland plateau. The Cairngorms provide unique alpine semi tundra moorland that is home to a variety of rare plants and wildlife. You will be able to take a trip on the mountain funicular railway that was completed in 2001 to high up on the mountain side where you will be able to enjoy refreshments as well as taking in the stunning scenery. There is also the possibility of taking a trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway that runs from Aviemore at the foot of the mountains.
Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail, Speyside
Enjoy a visit to the world’s only Malt Whisky Trail on a journey through Speyside for the opportunity to see a number of working distilleries, a cooperage and historic distillery. The trail is home to over half of the malt whisky distilleries in Scotland and all offer visitors a warm welcome and an insight into the unique tradition of blending whisky and malt. World-famous distilleries including Benromach, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Strathisla and Carndhu are all well worth a visit as is the Speyside Cooperage. The surrounding countryside is some of the most scenic in Scotland with woods, glens and rivers all in abundance.
Cawdor Castle - Macbeth Country
A castle steeped in history, mystery and intrigue is well worth a visit. It lies less than 15 miles from the port and offers an ideal half day excursion. Made famous by being home to Macbeth when he was Thane of Cawdor, the castle is still owned by the Cawdor family today. Internally the castle has an excellent collection of furniture and artefacts and has three gardens as well as a nine hole golf course. The castle is recognised as a 5 star visitor attraction by Visit Scotland and is sure to leave a lasting memory with visitors.
Culloden Battlefield & Fort George - Jacobite Defeat
Lying less than 9 miles from the port, both these attractions form a key part of Scotland’s history. Culloden was the last military battle on the UK mainland and put an end to the Jacobite dream of restoring a Stuart monarch to the throne. The government then built a series of forts throughout the Highlands to ensure there was no further insurrection. Fort George took three years to build and is the most impressive fortification in Britiain. Culloden has an excellent visitor centre and Fort George is still a functioning military base. Both make an interesting half day tour from Inverness.
Inverness - The Highland Capital
The Highland capital has an abundance of high quality shops, restaurants and visitor attractions. The city centre is less than a mile from the port and well worth visiting is the Victorian covered shopping market and The Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre is also in the city centre. There are splendid riverside walks that encompass the Ness Islands whilst dominating the city skyline is Inverness Castle and together with the cathedral is a must for any tour. If not already seen from your ship a sea safari to visit the resident bottlenose dolphins in the firth is essential. For the more sporty, Castle Stuart Golf Course is on the outskirts of the city and is internationally famous as a championship golf course.
Contact details
- Sinclaire Browne MRICS - Chief Executive
- Port of Inverness
Longman Drive
Inverness
IV1 1SU
Contact Port
Inverness
Contact person Sinclaire Browne MRICS - Chief Executive Address Port of InvernessLongman Drive
Inverness
IV1 1SU