Ness Islands

Welcome to the Ness Islands, a verdant sanctuary situated in the middle of the River Ness, just a short walk from the bustling city center of Inverness. This series of small, interconnected islands offers one of the most peaceful…

The transformation of the Ness Islands into a public park began in the early 19th century, a period when the concept of public green space was becoming increasingly important in British urban planning. In 1828, the Inverness…

The defining architectural features of the Ness Islands are undoubtedly the suspension bridges that link them to each other and to the banks of the river. The first bridges were constructed in 1828, shortly after the islands were…

In 2021, a significant new addition was made to the banks of the River Ness near the islands: a public artwork known as 'The Gathering Place.' This structure, which cost approximately £750,000, was commissioned by the Highland…

As we walk through the deeper woods of the islands, keep a sharp eye out for some of the more playful residents of the park. Scattered along the paths are several wood carvings created by local artists using fallen trees or…

In the heart of the central island lies a feature that combines the natural beauty of the park with the cultural life of the city: an outdoor amphitheater. This earthwork structure, designed to blend seamlessly with the…

The River Ness is legendary among anglers, particularly for its Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout. As you walk along the banks, you will often see fishermen in waders, standing waist-deep in the cold, fast-moving water, casting their…

As we complete our loop of the Ness Islands and return toward the center of Inverness, I hope you carry with you a sense of the peace and the profound history that defines this space. We have walked through nearly two centuries…