In this week’s On My Doorstep Stewart Nicol — Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive — picks the Dores Inn for a first date and Farm and Household for a little shopping...
How long have you lived/did you live in the Inverness area?
I visited Dornoch for many memorable holidays as a child, then worked for spells in Inverness in the early ’80s and finally moved here in 1993 with my family.
What’s the best thing about living here?
The ease of access to much of the most stunning scenery in Scotland.
And the worst thing ...?
The fact that most of our transport infrastructure has hardly changed over the last thirty years.
What one thing you would change about Inverness?
I’d remove certain ’60s built structures that ‘adorn’ the bottom of Bridge Street.
What’s your favourite walk or cycle ride.
Rosemarkie Beach.
Describe your ideal Inverness weekend...
Friday night in with the family; a trip somewhere nice for a walk on the Saturday, followed by dinner out and a show at Eden Court. Sunday morning with friends at Culloden Baptist Church; a walk through Ness Islands and along the riverside in the afternoon and some space to plan the week ahead in the evening.
Where would you take a first time visitor to the area?
Dores Beach, Nairn Beach and Urquhart Castle.
Where’s the best place for a first date?
A meal at Dores Inn, followed by a walk along the beach as the sun sets behind the hills on the west of Loch Ness.
What’s your favourite local restaurant?
A really hard call this one as there are so many great restaurants across the city. For me, it’s Riva.
Favourite shop?
Farm and Household.
What’s your favourite local building?
The Town House due to its setting, architecture and history.
What is the area’s best kept secret?
The view west across the Beauly Firth, from the top of Craig Phadrig, especially as sun sets.
How do you think Inverness is perceived by the rest of Britain?
As a quaint Highland holiday destination.
How would you describe Inverness in a sentence?
A vibrant, growing city which a fantastic in which to live and work.
