Inverness

Inverness (pop. 40,000), town in the Highland Region of northern Scotland which serves as the region's administrative and commercial center. Archeologists have shown evidence that people lived on the site of Inverness as early as 4000 B.C. It was the site of battle between British and Scottish forces before 1750. Lying on the River Ness in a lowland near Loch Ness and the Moray Firth, Inverness is overlooked by a castle built in the 19th century that now houses law courts and other offices. After World War II light industry was established; today the town's products include Scotch whisky and woolen textiles.

See also: Scotland.