The largest town in the county of Ross-Shire near the Cromarty Firth, renowned for its floral displays the town has won Britain in Bloom in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 & 2007 and Scotland in Bloom in 1997, 1998, 2000 & 2004, the town Centre Gardens have been created by local volunteers with the aid of various funding agencies, they are meticulously maintained and are a favourite attraction for many visitors.
Alness is just 20 miles north of Inverness, Invergordon is 3 miles to the east, and the village of Evanton 4 miles to the south west.
- Alness Postcode IV17
- Alness Geolocation Latitude 57.6960 Longitude -4.2551
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Alness is a thriving, bustling town, take a short detour off the A9, for a break on the long road north, or to stay a while to explore this region, full of history, visit the small free museum offering the history of the town, the port, and the navy, funded by donations, packed with interesting facts and social history, it's just off the High Street, well worth the visit, see how the rise and fall and rise again of a small port town.
The town is home to the Dalmore Malt Whisky Distillery and a good range of shops, accommodation and places to eat and drink to suit all pockets.
Here you will find good Hill Walking with the challenge of "Fyrish" a beautifully sculpted monument at the summit that was erected by Sir Hector Munro upon his return from India in 1785, he provided work for destitute local people following the Highland Clearances in this region with payment for the building of this structure, the monument on Fyrish is said to be a replica of the gates of Negapatam, an Indian stronghold he had captured from the Dutch on November 12th 1781.
At the bottom the car park leads to a walk, This is a 2 mile all uphill hike, very steep in places but mostly wooded trail although the pebble rocks in places are loose which makes walking up a little harder, despite that, the views are so worth it, stunning especially if you go on a sunny day, looking down over Alness and the Cromarty Firth to the east and over Ben Wyvis to the west.
Take water and wear good shoes as it’s just as tricky coming down as up.
During the second world war, land nearby and the waters of the firth were used as a base for RAF sea planes and a large pier extending into the Cromarty Firth locally known as the Yankee Peer.