Finding Creative Inspiration in Inverness

While most travelers use the city as a jumping off point for the Highlands, creatives can find a rich artistic community and fertile ground for dreaming in this small Scottish city.

The view from the stairs of Wasps Creative Academy in Inverness is elusive, grey clouds often blocking anything more distant than the Beauly Firth. But one cold winter morning, the sky cleared, uncovering distant Highlands mountains.

Wasps has long been one of my favorite places to write while in the city and my repeated visits had been rewarded that day, pushing me inside with new inspiration to fuel my creative session.

After a number of shorter visits to the city over the years, I spent one January in Inverness in an effort to focus on my writing.

Known as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, the city is often just a pause for many tourists before they board buses to Skye or down Loch Ness. I had made this same mistake, thinking Inverness a sleepy town that would be even sleepier in the darkest part of winter. 

What I found was a city full of artists and musicians, with a rich creative ecosystem that has drawn me back for months at a time since that January visit.

BEST PLACES TO CREATE

Wasps is one part of that ecosystem that makes Inverness the cultural capital of the Highlands. Situated inside a renovated school, the Inverness branch of this 50-year-old national organization provides spaces and supports artists and makers. There are studios throughout the building where many artists hold classes and a stunning cafe and exhibition space, featuring two-story-high ceilings with a balcony encircling the room and my favorite scones in the city served by Cafè de Paulo (M - Sa, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm). Guests might happen upon traditional music gatherings, work by local artists, or events like the monthly Drink and Draw, hosted by Isle of Riso (second Friday of the month).

The visual arts space complements another institution, Eden Court (times vary, check “Whats On”).  This eclectic performing arts space spreads across three connected buildings with multiple venues that host independent film screenings, touring theatrical productions, local community performances, and much more. Its cafe, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the rolling lawn and River Ness, is the perfect place for a book club or writing group. In the summer, it really shines with their “Under Canvas” series, where musicians perform under a large tent strung with lights and guests can enjoy food from local vendors while they listen.

FINDING INSPIRATION

Even in the dead of winter, when I would wake up in darkness to snow covering Ness Bridge, Inverness and its surrounds provided ample options to be in nature and get inspired.  While the grander Highland hikes are what draw most visitors, within walking distance of the city is plenty to fuel a creative project. 

An easy beginner’s route from the center up to Carnac Point, then following the locks down to Canal Park rewards the walker with views of Moray Firth, Beauly Firth, Craig Phadrig, and Craig Dunain. The walker can take a stroll around the free Botanic Gardens and Cafe (M - Su, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm) before following the trail down to Ness Island and back to the center. If you’re up for something a bit more strenuous, both Craig Phadrig and Craig Dunain routes take you through rich forests up to viewpoints that will inspire. 

Heading east of the city, a short bus ride will get you to the famed Culloden Battlefield, where the 1745 Jacobite Uprising came to its tragic end. If you’re feeling more adventurous, a stroll down the country road crosses over the River Nairn to the Clava Cairns. Both sites feel ancient, with winds winding through the grasses and trees, reminding visitors of the history imprinted in the soil and stone. Bring a journal, as you’re sure to be moved to jot down your thoughts or sketch the moment before returning to the city.

MAKING YOURSELF A LOCAL

Beyond the grand institutions and impressive countryside, Inverness is host to a community steeped in creative traditions with a culture of sharing and collaboration.

Rebel Row, home to ethical textile brand Prickly Thistle, is the center of fashion in the community and also hosts local artists in their space. The Comedy Bothy hosts open mic nights featuring local comedians. Impact Hub is a welcoming coworking space in the center of town that holds various events and is great for working and connecting. Moniack Mhor, located not far from the city, is Scotland’s Creative Writing Center, hosting retreats and workshops year-round in their converted steading. My week at this beautiful facility is one of my favorite memories in my own creative journey.  

And that’s all without getting into the local trad music scene, which is large enough to fuel many articles of its own!

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE WHISKY?

While this is an impressive collection of culture for such a small community, it doesn’t come close to being exhausting. A local university, diverse culinary scene, and whisky artistry mean that there is never a shortage of avenues for creative adventuring in Inverness. While many will look to larger cities to center their creative journey, Inverness’s welcoming community and unexpected wealth of cultural opportunities make it a perfect place to spend some time and find your inspiration.