Inverness-shire or Inverness, former county, NW Scotland. Under the Local Government Act of 1973, Inverness-shire was divided in 1975 between the new Highland region and Western Isles island authority (now both council areas).

Inverness, former county, Scotland: see Inverness-shire.

Inverness, town (1991 pop. 39,736), Highland, N Scotland, on the Moray Firth at the mouth of the Ness River. "Capital of the Highlands," it is a seaport and transportation center due to its proximity to the river and the Caledonian Canal, completed in 1812. The town has diverse light industries, including printing, food processing, distilling, wool weaving, and shipbuilding, in addition to a herring fishery. Electrical and mechanical products and automobile parts are also manufactured. Inverness holds an annual cattle and wool market.

An ancient town, it is thought to have been a Pict stronghold. The castle, reputedly built under Malcolm III (late 11th cent.), was involved in many wars and was blown up by the Jacobites in 1746. A new castle was built in 1835. Frequent invasions have destroyed most of the town's old buildings. Cromwell's Fort was demolished at the Restoration by Charles II. Inverness, a thriving tourist center, has a museum of Highland relics and hosts an annual Highland Gathering.

Royal burgh (pop., 2001: 44,084), Highland council area, in the historic county of Inverness-shire, northwestern Scotland. Located on the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal, it has long been the centre of the Scottish Highlands. In the 6th century it was the capital of the Pictish king Brude. By the 12th century it had become a burgh near the castle of Malcolm III Canmore. Inverness is now an educational and tourist centre. Its manufacturing has expanded in conjunction with the growth of offshore oil production.

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