Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness

The Eastgate Shopping Center, located in the heart of Inverness, serves the largest shopping catchment area in the United Kingdom. Managed by the UK-based real estate company Savills plc, the center is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It blends modern retail offerings with unique attractions, creating a vibrant shopping and leisure hub.

The center houses a variety of stores, including well-known names like Boots, Superdry, Fat Face, H&M, HMV, New Look, Next, and Waterstones. Dining options cater to diverse tastes, with outlets such as Subway, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Pizza Express. Plans are underway to modernize and expand the food court, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The Eastgate Center's standout feature is its Noah's Ark automation clock, one of only six in the UK. Located in the older building, it charms visitors with hourly performances where a monkey chimes the time, accompanied by animal-themed songs and illustrations. The midday extended display, activating all diorama elements, draws enthusiastic crowds.

In Falcon Mall, part of the center's expansion, the Falcon's Return statue celebrates Inverness's history. Created by local artist Leonie Gibbs, the sculpture depicts James IV of Scotland, one of the nation’s celebrated falconers, holding a falcon. The statue also commemorates the Falcon Ironworks, once located on the site and its influence on the naming of Falcon Square. The unveiling ceremony featured the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, who shares familial ties with the artist.

With its combination of extensive retail options, unique attractions, and historical nods, the Eastgate Shopping Center is more than just a place to shop—it's a vibrant cultural and social hub in Inverness, offering something for everyone.