Ness Islands, Inverness

The Ness Islands are situated on the River Ness, opposite the Bught Park, in the city of Inverness. The first bridges to the islands were built in 1828, prior to their construction the only access to the islands was by boat. The original bridges were washed away in the flood of 1849 and were replaced in 1853-1854 by two suspension bridges designed by William Dredge. The Islands are a natural beauty spot and a popular walk with tourists and locals alike, as the islands are home to a number of imported species of trees and home to wildlife such as bats and otters and occasionally deer. The area includes play facilities for children, and the Ness Islands miniature railway.