Straddling a nexus of major road and rail routes, INVERNESS is the busy and prosperous hub of the Highlands, and an inevitable port of call if you're exploring the region by public transport. Buses and trains leave for communities right across the far north of Scotland, and it isn't uncommon for people from as far afield as Thurso, Durness and Kyle of Lochalsh to travel down for a day's shopping here - Britain's most northerly chain-store centre. Though boasting few conventional sights, the city's setting on the banks of the River Ness is appealing.