Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum

Unspoiled and uncrowded, Scotland’s 790+ islands are steeped in tradition, with many containing remnants of ancient cultures and civilizations. Thanks to the country’s compact size, it’s possible to reach more than one archipelago from Inverness. Here are the top Scottish islands tour options.

Inverness is a small town on the edge of the Scottish Highlands and the gateway to Loch Ness and the Great Glen. If you plan ahead, you should have no problem ticking off the city sights and also venturing to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Whether you’re making a pit stop in the Highlands’ capital before heading out on a hiking expedition or spending a leisurely weekend in the UK’s northernmost city, Inverness is the perfect gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Here are a few ideas for spending 3 days in the city.