Ross County is close to Joey County and Chandler Bing County, and is way up in the Highlands. They…read morewere inducted into the Pro League at the same time as their eternal rival Caledonian Thistle and amazingly both are currently in the Scottish Prem. First-Hand Experience: I've seen Ross County play just once, live, and that was away from home down in Kilmarnock. However, I've also been to their home stadium once (just as a tourist) and I loved it. The club is a true example of what a small club can achieve if they really go for it. Watching them play was a pleasure and I will always have a soft spot for them. They were formed in 1929 during the Wall Street Crash. They are based in Dingwall, because when they shoot waywardly, the ball dings off a nearby wall. They climbed from tier 4 to tier 1 very quickly, and knocked Celtic out of the Scottish Cup in the Semi Finals along the way, but lost in the final. April 10th has been declared Ross County Day since it was the date they ascended to the Prem. That runners up spot in 2010 is their only achievement thus far but due to their amazing ascent I'll give them a 4.

Scotland's highland Capital pitch lies along the northern coast of Inverness. When matches are not…read morebeing held here the stadium is used as a concert venue among other things. The pitch is pristine and with the backdrop of the Norwegian Sea, it is easy to see how picturesque this spot is.

You can't touch my gf, but it's ok Tulloch. In fact she wants you to, she gets off on it…read more Especially if you're cute, I think. First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - one of my fave locations for a stadium in Scotland. I've been here 3 times... to watch a match in the early 00s... then to visit the stadium as a tourist by myself in 2011 during my tour and with my gf in 2014. She loved it more than I did, because of the perfect crystal blue waters and lush grass. It's a lovely setting right by the water. Personally I look at a stadium for other factors - does it contain the crowd noise, is it overly windy, are the facilities good, is there a long tradition. This stadium only scores 1 of 4 on those counts. Great facilities, but it's new, and it's open to wind and loses crowd noise. I still have to give it a 4 for the fantastic location though, and a little town like Inverness can't ask for much more than this place honestly. So when I was doing my first tour of Scotland in 2011, I also hit up every single stadium in the country. My obsession with footy (soccer to Americans) is the reason. Every stadium review - like all my reviews - are based on first-hand personal experience, usually from multiple visits. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was "stuck" in UK for 3 months, I went to most of them yet again while travelling. I have pictures of me at many of them, which I will post later. Also, when back in Scotland I plan to take more pix, and add more stadia! So watch this space! *** return to regular review *** So anyway. This stadium is right by the water up in Inverness, it's one of the prettiest settings for a stadium that I've ever seen. Right under the shadow of the Kessock Bridge, next to the Moray Firth. The stadium opened in 2006 and cost 5 mil. Rod Stewart and Elton John have both played concerts here, the former was actually a player for Scotland once in a friendly game. And scored. It's not a very impressive stadium, but it's nice enough and its amazing location earns it a 4.

I said to Ian: OK so you didn't specifically say that Loch Ness is the Loch that has a monster in…read moreit, but you did *infer* Ness. If you need replacement organs then Call a Donor, Ian. He didn't take it well. But then I when I said it, I didn't exactly think "Thistle Go Down Well." Caley Thistle, ICT, The Caley Jags or Inverness CT are the various names of this club that seriously punches above their weight by being way up in the Scottish Prem. Their rivals are Ross County, as well as Joey county and Chandler Bing County. First-Hand Experience: I've been to see Cally play twice live in person, once in their home stadium, and it was fantastic. What a lovely little provincial team way up in the highlands. Insane views from inside and outside the stadium, it's just so stunning. They lose 1 star because they don't have the intense atmosphere that a lot of the lowland clubs do, partly due to small attendances, and partly due to the open nature of the stadium which allows wind in, and sound out. Still a fantastic team that I always like to see do well. They were formed in 1994 as a merger of 2 clubs and they play right next to a beautiful waterway known as the Moray Firth, right next to the huge Kessock Bridge. They rose rapidly through the leagues and are known as giant killers for beating a lot of good teams. They beat Celtic in the league in 2007 after coming back from 0-2 down to win 3-2. In 2013 they finished 4th in the Prem which is their best ever finish. They have won the second tier twice but have never managed to win anything major or reach any major finals - yet. Caledonian and Inverness Thistle were both formed in 1885, so this team is actually very very old.

If you have a boyfriend named Briggs and he's super hot and studly, then I might want to borrow…read moreBriggs. For my girlfriend's use, of course. Not for me. Maybe. First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - I sadly haven't seen Elgin play live here (yet), but I've been here on two occasions. One time I took pictures outside the stadium. The second time I actually went inside (in 2011), and when I got back out to my rental car, the police were waiting for me! They questioned me about what I was doing, I admitted it, they seemed okay with it, but escorted me "out of the city of Elgin" until I was on the open road. I found that pretty hilarious. Like the old cowboy movies. "Escort you out of town." The stadium itself was fine. Pretty tiny... I liked it though and will give it a solid 3. It could use a little work and having the edges filled in for atmosphere. So when I was doing my first tour of Scotland in 2011, I also hit up every single stadium in the country. My obsession with footy (soccer to Americans) is the reason. Every stadium review - like all my reviews - are based on first-hand personal experience, usually from multiple visits. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was "stuck" in UK for 3 months, I went to most of them yet again while travelling. I have pictures of me at many of them, which I will post later. Also, when back in Scotland I plan to take more pix, and add more stadia! So watch this space! *** return to regular review *** So anyway, Borough Briggs looks more like a park than a stadium even though it can hold 5k. The seats in the stand were taken from Newcastle United's stadium (not sure if they were stolen or bought or donated, probably stolen. Don't tell Mike Ashley). It opened in 1921 and can hold 4.5 k people.

Gin is popular enough in English speaking countries, but in Spanish speaking countries it's…read moreliterally like the juice of the gods. It's known as "el Gin" and this city is named after it. First-Hand Experience: I've seen Elgin play live, in person, away from home, but never at home. I appreciate this team because they're up in the middle of nowhere and their fans are good people. I think they make a great addition to the league. So I'll give them a 4 instead of a 3. Plus they have been around since... forever. They play in Black and White like Juventus (or Notts Co, lol), and were founded in 1893, but never played in the Scottish League until 2000, amazingly. They won the Highland League many times, but lost 14-1 to Hearts once. Oopsies. Their stadium is the most northerly in the entire UK, and for some reason, I sort of root for them, and will give them a 4.

After attending a football match I entered the social club and found a very friendly atmosphere…read more Prices at the bar were reasonable and the selection was good. There is a large television which showed live football pool tables and a dart board for those who prefer to participate in sport rather than spectate. The decor was very interesting with old photos, football shirts, pendents, etc adorning the walls, showing the history of Elgin City football club. There is also a function room available for parties and corporate events which is quite large and tastfully decorated. I look forward to visiting again.

This has to be one of the most beuatiful locations ever for a festival. On the shores of the…read moremagical Loch Ness in Scotland the stage is set for a three day music extravaganza. This year Rockness takes place between 12 and 14 June 2009. With major acts headlining over the weekend such as Basement Jaxx, Dizzee Rascal, the Prodigy, Biffy Clyro, the Falming Lips, Placebo, Soulwax and other brillant bands such as the Alambama3, the wombats, the cuban brothersthe list goes on. Camping is available over the three days and there is a very chilled out relaxed atmosphere to the whole festival. You can also buy individual tickets for each day if you fancy just going for the day. The food stalls are excellent and gormet burgers, sausages, stovies and a multitude of other scrumptious delights to fill your belly are available. The toilet facilities here are better than some festivals and the whole thing generally is a bit more spread out. This is a great festival with the breathtaking backdrop of Loch ness to add to the experience.

What can I say about Rockness..As an avid festival goer, Rockness is undoubtably the prettiest…read morefestival in Britain. The scenery is amazing with the main stage backdrop being the loch itself. This years line up will cater for all tastes, the food is amazing and the drink selection on offer is far better than the standard beer/cider/wine offered at other festivals (The Pimms bus being a favourite). The campsite is only a short walk from the arena, buses run regularly from Inverness, Taxi to the site from Inverness is an affordable option at around £17 (for 4, that is a steal compared to other festivals) The food is amazing, by far the best selection in Scotland (Stovies should be tried by all). The toilets in the arena are the best i have ever seen. The stages are a short distance from each other, minimising what you can miss :D All in Rockness is so well organised and laid out you'd be silly not to go and its the best chance you'll have to get a tan in Scotland in June.

The IronWorks is located at the end of Academy Street in Inverness. Inverness was certainly in need…read moreof a music venue such as the IronWorks. It is very easy to access the venue and parking is available nearby. I have been to various events at the IronWorks since it opened. The venue attracts a variety of different bands/singers, some of which are very well known. Tickets are reasonably priced. The size of the venue makes it feel intimate without feeling too crowded. There was only once occasion that I have been to the venue where I felt there were too many people in the main concert hall. There is a good bar with a great selection of drinks and prices are not too bad, which they sometimes can be in music venues. I have always found the staff to be friendly and helpful.

For inverness, this was a much needed and valued venue for live popular music. The range of music…read moreis eclectic and it does appear that word is getting round to bands that this is well worth the extra miles. In saying that depending on the gig it does feel like a youth club at times (maybe i am just getting older!!). I have never had any bother with the bouncers who are proffessional and get the job done. There does tend to be a bit of a jam at the entrance of the hall and at the bar (the bar does feel fairly poorly designed and I think limit the amount that crosses the bar) In all a great addition to the inverness scene

Such a nice castle and we never even went inside! Our friends said the inside was a mix of modern…read moreand old and not worth it but to just see it from the outside. I was debating to go in or not but ended up spending way too much seeing it from different vantage points. It's at the intersection where 3 lochs meet and there is a heavy smell of salt water in the air. When I think of castles I don't think of the ocean and it's an amazing stop to get a little of both. It's on a small island with a nice stone bridge going to it and feels both romantic and surreal. Very picturesque from all angles. Even though it's a 20th century reconstruction it was still accurately done and the bridge connecting it to the mainland makes it much easier to access. There are some other vantage points that are further away that let you see the castle from really high and really low. I still recommend the main spot on maps if you plan on coming here. You can do the other spots coming back from Isle of Skye.

This is a can't-miss. The location is spectacular and offers incredible views. The castle itself is…read morestunning with a lot of interesting history and exhibits inside. Highly recommend it! It's a longish drive from Inverness but well worth it. Combine this with a day in Loch Ness for a full fun day.