Plan a CruiseInvergordon is a small port town of approximately 5,000 residents, serving as a gateway to Inverness and the wider Scottish Highlands. The cruise terminal features a long and a short pier, capable of hosting large ships; however, if all berths are occupied, your ship may anchor and tender passengers ashore. You'll often be greeted by pipe bands and traditional dancers upon arrival, offering a glimpse into Highland culture. A small shop selling whisky, crafts, jewelry, and Scottish food gifts is located at the foot of the pier, and the town center is just a few minutes' walk away. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins when sailing in or out of the port. Invergordon itself can be explored in about an hour, with its notable murals depicting local history and the Invergordon Naval Museum and Heritage Centre, which is open from 10 am to 1 pm every day a cruise ship is in port. A well-stocked information booth is available at the pier for brochures and local advice.
Getting Around from the Port
The Invergordon town center is only a few minutes' walk from the cruise terminal. For travel to Inverness (23 miles south), the main hub for the Highlands, several options are available:
- Train: The train station is a 10-minute walk from the pier. Trains to Inverness take approximately 50 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs £11.
- Public Bus 25X: This bus departs from Camerons Garden Center on Invergordon High Street, which is less than a 5-minute walk from the terminal. Buses run from 7:45 am and every 30 minutes, with a journey time of about 45 minutes to Inverness. A return day ticket costs £12.60 per person. Even when two large cruise ships are in port, the local bus line expands with extra buses to accommodate all passengers efficiently.
- Cruise Line Shuttles: Your cruise ship may offer transportation to Inverness, typically a 45-minute bus ride, costing around 45 Euro.
- Local Volunteers: Friendly local volunteers set up a booth at the pier exit on cruise days to provide free advice and answer questions about independent sightseeing in the area.
Attractions and Activities
While Invergordon is small, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Scottish Highlands:
- Inverness: The "Capital of the Scottish Highlands," Inverness (population 50,000) is located 23 miles south. This city, situated on the Ness River, has a rich history as a focal point for Highland clans and the Crown. Today, it's a popular tourist destination, hosting traditional Scottish events like the Highland Games and Sheep Dog Trials in summer. You can explore Inverness aboard a hop-on, hop-off open-top double-decker bus, which covers twelve stops throughout the city.
- Battlefield of Culloden: A short distance from Inverness, this historic battlefield offers a poignant insight into Scottish history.
- Loch Ness: Famous for its mythical monster, Loch Ness is a picturesque destination offering stunning scenery.
- Historic Castles & Whisky Distilleries: The region is home to numerous historic castles and offers opportunities to visit traditional whisky distilleries for tours and tastings.
- Villages of Tain and Cromarty: Explore these charming local villages, each with its own unique character and history.
Dining & Shopping
At the foot of the pier, there is a small shop where local vendors sell Scottish gifts including whisky, crafts, jewelry, and specialty food items. In Invergordon itself, the main thoroughfare is High Street, where you'll find a selection of local shops and restaurants. General shopping hours for small stores are typically 10 am to 6 pm, six or seven days a week, with larger stores often staying open until 9 pm.
Safety
No specific safety concerns are noted for Invergordon. The local emergency telephone number is 999 (the EU-wide 112 can also be used).
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Pound Sterling (£), commonly referred to as "quid." While Scottish banknotes are legal tender throughout the UK, it is advisable to exchange them for Bank of England notes before leaving Scotland, as they may sometimes be less readily accepted in other parts of the United Kingdom. Cash machines (ATMs) are widely available and typically dispense £10 and £20 notes. Most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. English is widely spoken, and many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.