Hello there,

I was born in Raigmore, moved around the local area and then moved down south for a few years. I'm no sassenach.

This said, after living in a few cities down south and returning back to the Highlands I am really appalled at how bad Inverness really is.

The curfew for getting into pubs

What complete, utter nonesence this is! I don't understand how this helps anything or anyone. So basically people are now encouraged to go to cheaper bars, tank up on as much cheap alcohol as possible and then make their way to their final destination before midnight.

Why does that make sense? They say it is to stop people who are too drunk entering establishments and it prevents fights. It does neither.

Do Bouncers suddenly fall asleep at midnight in Inverness and are so incapable of assessing whether someone is inebriated and shouldn't responsibly be allowed to drink any more?

You know when the vast majority of violence happens? At closing time when loads and loads of rowdy drunk suddenly flood the streets. Not usually because someone got in the door after midnight. I'd say tighten security at doors rather than closing them completely. I've been in very small towns down south that don't have this draconian system in place!

Social venues and pursuits

Another thing. Unless you're wanting to trudge up a mountain or drink yourself silly... what else is there to do socially in Inverness? Precious little as far as I can see.

Inverness College... oh, I mean the Inverness campus of the university of the Highlands and islands... is another beauty. Half the courses don't run when advertised and often the useful professional courses aren't run at times that would make sense for consumers and worst of all... several important courses aren't run in Inverness at all! Rather they are run up in Alness or further a field.

I remember how impressed I was at Paisley uni with the breadth of courses, flexibility of times these courses could be taken, the professionalism of their staff (Mostly). There was also the very appealing social side of student life which was really integrated into the uni. Not so in Inverness... I think the best they've managed in a pool table!

People often complain about people moving to Inverness and starting a business or taking over a failing local one but I don't! I welcome it! Anything that can bring this picturesque but backwards town into a city would be MOST welcomed in my book.

And for the good

I adore Stories chocolates in the Market place owned and ran by the wonderful Belgian couple. Not only do their wares bring a smile to your face but their friendly and open nature makes shopping there a thoroughly enjoyable experience... not been? GO!

The Israeli Candle-maker on the road to Beauly is another little gem. I can't find an advert anywhere to link you but the man and his shop are just fantastic. His shop is a shed in his back garden. He makes everything by and and while you are browsing he's quite often making more candles and you can watch him work which in itself is an experience. You need to watch out for it heading on that road, it's on the left hand side and there is a small yellow and red sign pointing to the left (Assuming you're heading from Inverness on the Beauly road.)

The Kitchen - I am so glad to finally see a good, contemporary restaurant in central Inverness. After eating in several places in Edinburgh and Glasgow which were really outstanding, I was still impressed by the Kitchen. Certainly a place to organise a visit with your loved ones or with friends on a special occasion.

The Iron works - what a f*cking godsend! Finally, a place that attracts international music talent to Inverness. Inverness had previously had a really sh*t set of venues for gigging - with the exception of the Market bar of course - but the ironworks has changed that. They've not nailed everything just yet - They really need to work on their acoustics and volume control as my ears were rining for a week after going to one gig and that's never happened to me before, not seeing Slayer or Metallica or even ACDC. Other than that though, it's a good venue and it's just what the doctor ordered!

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