scenic viewpoint
Chanonry Point
One of the best places in Europe to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore, a spit on the Black Isle near Inverness.
17 km · about 20 min drive
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
Alness works well as a base: 10 minutes from Invergordon, 43km from Loch Ness.
Alness is a town located in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a population of 5,700, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Alness sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Alness to your route.
Alness (, AWL-nis; Scottish Gaelic: Alanais) is a town and civil parish in Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. It lies near the mouth of the River Averon, near the Cromarty Firth, with the town of Invergordon three miles (five kilometres) to the east, and the village of Evanton four miles (six kilometres) to the southwest.Read more
The parish has a population of 5,310, although the census locality, which includes part of the parish of Rosskeen, has a population of 5,186.
According to the Highland Council, the population of Alness has increased by around 20% since the last census in 2011. The population as of 2016 was 6,101.
For most of the 1990s and early 2000s, Alness regularly entered and won flower competitions such as Scotland in Bloom, Britain in Bloom and others, winning many awards. This helped regenerate many areas of the town, with housing estates winning separate awards.
They have not entered in recent years due to the financial costs. The town is still adorned by flowers maintained by volunteers.
In 2018, the town was crowned the Scottish Champion at the 2018 Great British High Street Awards. The judges visited the shortlisted high streets across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, meeting local businesses, shoppers and community organisations, with Alness impressing with its reinvention over the years to become a place to find everything from florists and bridal wear to delis and bakeries.
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Alness offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Alness is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 57.6960 latitude, -4.2551 longitude.
Alness has a population of approximately 5,700 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
One of the best places in Europe to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore, a spit on the Black Isle near Inverness.
17 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
A famed Highland single malt distillery on the Dornoch Firth near Tain, offering tours and tastings on the NC500.
19 km · about 20 min drive
waterfall
A series of waterfalls crossed by a bouncy suspension bridge where salmon leap, an easy forest stop near Contin.
25 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
The moor where the 1746 Jacobite rising was crushed, now a moving memorial and visitor centre near Inverness.
26 km · about 30 min drive
ancient ruins
A serene cluster of 4,000-year-old burial cairns and standing stones near Inverness, beloved by Outlander fans.
27 km · about 30 min drive
waterfall
A waterfall where wild Atlantic salmon leap upstream in summer, with a visitor centre in Sutherland's heart.
31 km · about 35 min drive
castle
A fairytale French-château-style castle with formal gardens and falconry displays on the NC500's east coast.
37 km · about 40 min drive
natural wonder
Scotland's most legendary loch, containing more fresh water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined and home to the fabled monster Nessie.
43 km · about 50 min drive
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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