Experience the best of Invergordon

Invergordon stands on the northern shore of the Cromarty Firth, a large sheltered natural harbour, in the Highland area of Easter Ross. It was a Royal Navy base in both world wars, and its deep-water port still receives large ships. The town's walls are covered with murals showing local history, and a museum recalls the naval years, including the 1931 mutiny of sailors over pay.

Across the firth, the Black Isle has the town of Cromarty and Chanonry Point, where bottlenose dolphins often feed close to the shore. Whisky distilleries line the firth at Alness, Tain and Edderton, the Fyrish Monument stands on a hill above Evanton, and Dunrobin Castle, a French-style château of the Dukes of Sutherland, lies to the north at Golspie. Inverness, the gateway to Loch Ness and the Highlands, lies to the south.

Seafood from the firth, venison, smoked salmon, Highland beef and a dram of malt whisky are the local flavours, with oatcakes and Scottish cheese on the side. Cullen skink, a smoky fish soup, and shortbread are Scottish staples. The best light falls from May to September, when evenings are long, and the hills turn purple with heather in late summer.