Wild About Inverness

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

Uplifting walk through the Ness Islands this morning. Such a dazzling array of colour on display, I wanted to say to everyone hurrying on their way, slow down, take the time to look around, Nature is gently serenading you. As I left the islands heading for the city centre, a mallard transformed into a pale streak darting through the waters of the River Ness, only to surface triumphantly with a small fish in its beak. Don't forget you can purchase a fun activity book for children based on our unique Wild About Inverness trail through the islands from Ablekids Press and also pick up a free guide for adults.

26/02/2026

Big shout out to the creator of our Wild About Inverness project who is in the spotlight today.

We're delighted to welcome Pauline Mackay to our .

Pauline is the founder of Ablekids Press, a small publisher and only independent bookshop selling new books in Inverness. Pauline’s passion is for children, books and languages. She loves creating projects which have a positive impact on her local community and offer fun, educational resources to visitors from all over the world.

Her bookshop provides an opportunity to support local writers, promote indigenous languages and advise visitors on everything from the difference between Scots and Gaelic to Scotland’s lesser-known monster, Morag of Loch Morar, who features in her Wee MacNessie picture book series about the Loch Ness Monster.

Image description: Pauline stands in a bookshop beside a display for The Colourful Moo, holding a copy of the children’s book with a rainbow heart and cow illustration on the cover.

30/08/2025

Walked through the Ness Islands this morning and discovered that Nessie's makeover hasn't lasted but it was fun while it did. Seeing Aultnaskiach dry was shocking. Suggests Hawthorn Burn which joins the Ness has completely dried up. Never seen that happen before.

23/08/2025

Fragile beauty, seasonal vivacity, spent grandeur and full-blown solitude; transient neighbours of the passing Ness. Always glorious wandering close to the River Ness.

18/08/2025

We feel protective of the elements which make up our city centre trail but we also want the east side of the city centre to be a draw to locals and tourists. Instead of removing existing points of interest, build new experiences. Why not create an all-year market at the top of Market Brae Steps, where everyone expects one to be, supporting local micro businesses? Run a dinky wee 'Jacobite Express' carriage along High Street, up Stephen's Brae, past the Creative Academy and along Ardconnel Terrace to that Market with a running commentary about the history of the area, culminating with info about the Government Army camping on Barnhill before the Battle of Culloden. Such wonderful opportunities, much more interesting than a car park, which would appeal to locals and tourists.

12/08/2025

The Town House is one of the main stops on our Wild About Inverness city centre trail as it has so many animals carved on and around it.

11/08/2025

Definitely eye-catching!

25/06/2025

Look at our new poster! This is a great opportunity for local hospitality providers to offer something unique to their guests. The trail can be done at any time of day and is a fun, family-friendly activity. Get in touch if you'd like a poster to display in your premises.

We have a fabulous new glossy A4 poster for our updated Wild About Inverness City Centre Trail with a QR code which links to our website where you can view/download the free guide/map. We would love local hospitality providers to display our poster for their customers so please get in touch if you are interested or pop into our bookshop on Market Brae Steps to pick it up and find out more about our Wild About Inverness project. Our trail is a fun way for families to explore the city centre and as it is all outdoors, can be done at any time of day. Our author-owned bookshop is a great destination for visitors looking for Scottish-themed books for adults and children and an opportunity to get a signed book. Inverness City Centre BID Visit Inverness Loch Ness Inverness & District B&B Association What’s on Inverness - Kids and Family Activities What's Happening Inverness Inverness Businesses Tourism and Industry News by Visit Inverness Loch Ness

03/06/2025

Wandered round the Ness Islands again yesterday. Never tire of this magical place, always seeing something new. The bark of old Douglas Firs is amazing. Had to laugh at this close-up photo - and the craggy face looking out! Wonderful to hear the birds chirping and the water rushing by with the yellow laburnum and purple rhododendron in the background. Don't forget we have a great Ness Islands activity book for children and free adult trail guide available from our bookshop on Market Brae. And of course, our city centre trail begins at the foot of the steps, so hours of fun for children and adults.