Invergordon

Most Northern Estuarine Complex

Invergordon is the major Highland Port for Cruise and Cargo ships thanks to its sheltered deep water and excellent on shore facilities. It also serves as a central point for visitors who go on to visit places to the north and south. It is a well laid out town with a double width high street and has many shops, places to visit and things to do. There is an art centre, leisure centre, go-karting, and golf. You can also visit the naval museum and the heritage centre.

Whether you plan to arrive in opulence on a cruise ship, drive by car or take a bus, it is well worth exploring an area where nature has carved a special natural landscape which has allowed people to participate in the world economy whilst enjoying the privilege of life in the North, for information on the local Tourism help, link onto 

http://www.spanglefish.com/ITA/links.asp

Invergordon is nestled at the edge of an estuary which is visited by one of two known populations of bottlenose dolphins in the British Isles. The panoramic views across the water often reveal glimpses of fascinating bird life. The estuary is, in fact recognised internationally for its importance as the most northerly, extensive ‘estuarine’ complex in Europe. It provides sanctuary for large numbers of wild fowl, waders and other water birds. Some of these stop off during migration, others stay for the winter whilst a good number live here permanently.

Just to the north of Invergordon, on the Fearn Peninsula, are the seaboard villages of Portmahomack and Balintore. You can also visit Tarbat Ness lighthouse as part of a day trip. You will get close up views of oil rigs because the area is now used as a storage and maintenance base for structures used in off-shore industries.

In the 13th century Invergordon was known as Inverbreakie; meaning mouth of the River Breakie. At this time the castle which originally was a stone tower, was occupied by a Fleming who was reputedly placed there by William the Lion. The name Invergordon came from Sir William Gordon who was a major local landowner in the 18th century but it was probably Sir Gordon’s son who was the town’s true founder. The area developed economically when it when it was passed from Lord Macleod to the Macleods of Cadboll and Invergordon who helped establish Invergordon’s position as the main port in the north.

The castle was destroyed by a fire in the early 18th century and was replaced by a Mansion House much later in the 19th century. This was demolished in 1928 when one major estate was broken up. Invergordon first became a full scale naval base in the early 20th century. Then it became notorious for the Invergordon Mutiny in 1931. This happened when seamen rebelled in response to proposed Government cuts during the great depression. No ships were taken over and no officers captured but the mutiny below decks made the Government rethink its strategy and reduce the impact of cost saving measures on seamen.

During the Second World War Invergordon became a base for flying boats. In the 1970s it saw a boom period related to the aluminium smelter plant. Sadly this factory closed in the formidable economic climate of 1981. At this point Invergordon entered the oil boom and Nigg Bay became a centre for the construction of oil rigs. Although no new rigs are being built the maintenance work carried out is a valued source of employment for locals.