Ness Islands

Ness Islands on River Ness Inverness Scotland, originally uploaded by conner395.

The South Main Island. The West main channel is behind the islet, and natural weirs race down either side of the islet.

The River Ness is a relatively short river extending from Loch Dochfour (Loch Ness) to the Beauly Firth (North Sea) at Inverness, a distance of some 7 miles. Much of its flow is through the centre of the city of Inverness, and it is comparatively shallow but with deep pools. Midway down its course is a series of islets which at one time were probably one piece of land, but nowadays the Ness Islands comprise a large number of close islets. In Victorian days "the Islands" were a popular promade, out from Inverness along one river bank path, crossing through the islands via the network of small footbridges, and then back into the Town Centre via the other bank of the river. The Islands are owned by the people of Inverness and are maintained by Highland Council. They remain a popular walk and also a short cut on foot, from one side of the city to the other, the nearest road access being in the City Centre itself a good mile downstream.

At this time of the year (arrival of autumn) the area is in all its glory as the leaves on the deciduous trees begin to turn. Even on a dull evening the many colours of green and the clear (peat-tinged) water look so pure and fresh and clean.

Read more about the Islands and the River Ness itself in
Steve Spencer's excellent website.

This photo was taken on September 17, 2010