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Town guide

Inverness food & drink

The Highland capital — gateway to Speyside and the northern distilleries

Inverness sits at the gateway to Speyside in one direction and the northern Highland coast in the other. Its monthly farmers market on the first Saturday is one of the best in northern Scotland, with strong representation from local growers, Black Isle cheesemakers, and Moray Firth fishmongers. The town itself is a Highland whisky pilgrimage base — Glen Ord, Tomatin, and several Speyside distilleries are within an hour. Cromarty and Black Isle breweries operate from the surrounding area. A small but growing craft scene includes Cromarty Brewing. For an extended weekend, Inverness pairs naturally with Aviemore or Speyside for a Highland whisky-and-food trip.

Region guide
Plan a Highlands trip

Full Highlands food & drink guide — distilleries, restaurants, where to stay, when to go.

Continue your Inverness planning
Markets
5
Distilleries nearby
8
Breweries nearby
2
Festivals
1
What Inverness is known for
  • Closest city to Speyside — 30+ distilleries within 90 minutes
  • Inverness Farmers' Market (first Saturday) — best in the Highlands
  • Black Isle and Cromarty Brewing Co. on the doorstep
  • Moray Firth seafood arrives fresh at the local fishmongers

Farmers markets in & near Inverness

Whisky distilleries near Inverness

Breweries near Inverness

Scottish gin makers near Inverness

Food & drink festivals in Inverness & nearby

Inverness food & drink FAQ

+What's the best farmers market in Inverness?

Inverness Farmers’ Market on Inverness (typically saturday). Next confirmed date: Saturday, 6 June 2026. We list every market within 80 km of Inverness on this page.

+Where can I taste whisky near Inverness?

4 distilleries within 80 km of Inverness are open to visitors. Glen Ord, Tomatin, The Dalmore are the closest. Each has a full tour and tasting guide on its TasteSCOT page.

+When is the next food or drink festival in Inverness?

No festivals scheduled in Inverness or nearby in the near future. See our full 2026 festivals calendar for what's coming up across Scotland.

+Where should I stay in Inverness for a food and drink trip?

Use the accommodation map below to find hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering within easy reach of central Inverness. For multi-day Scottish food and drink trips, Inverness is a sensible base if you want access to 8 distilleries and 2 breweries we cover in the surrounding 80 km.

+What is Inverness known for in Scottish food and drink?

Closest city to Speyside — 30+ distilleries within 90 minutes. Inverness Farmers' Market (first Saturday) — best in the Highlands. Black Isle and Cromarty Brewing Co. on the doorstep. Moray Firth seafood arrives fresh at the local fishmongers.

Where to stay near Inverness

Hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering within easy reach of central Inverness.

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