Seen in a shop window in Inverness - Getting the Scots ready for the invasion???!!

our second day in Inverness and we have decided to follow a local path around the Ness Islands. This is a collection of small islands in the river Ness only a short stroll from our hotel. They are well known locally and have been popular since Victorian times. We didn't expect much, but were very pleasantly surprised. Lots of lovely footpaths with old victorian bridges linking little islets. Also there were lots of carved seats made by local artists from trees felled from the area. Gave me lots of ideas for the Cherry tree in our back garden that I have been keen to cut down for some years...just now to convince Jayne of my idea....

After lunch in the Theatre situated on the river bank we visited the local museum which we had noticed opposite the pound shop in the main shopping area (seems to be a lot of pound stretcher type shops about?). Very interesting for both adults and children, girls followed a treasure trail which cleverly taught them as they followed the clues.Lots of info on the local area and scottish history. Both Jayne and I commented on how proud the Scots are of their history, something we English almost seem embarrassed to do.

We splashed out with dinner at Cafe1 5 minutes from the hotel. This was rated highly in all the guide books. Wedidn't book as we were eating early. Nearly a big mistake as we had the last table available, they can seat a 100 people and this is a Wednesday night in April...we thought it must be good and it was. Turns out it is the place to eat and be seen in Inverness. Think we shocked them a little with our travellers gear!! Lovely meal and good service from their multi cultured waiting staff, our main waitress was French from only a few miles away from our old house in France, small world! Very civilised place, as well as wine menu had a whisky list which I thought would be rude not to try. Can't remember what I had, so I guess it must have been good. I tried hard to get Jayne to try a Whisky but no go, although she did promise to try one in Edinburgh, so will hold her to her word.