For hundreds of years the Ness Islands have been a popular recreational spot for Inverness residents and visitors to the city. But there are many facts about the islands that even some locals won’t know. The trees were nearly sold off Inverness Local History Forum says the islands have long been regarded as the jewel of the city.
The three unequally sized islets are located about a mile upstream from the centre of Inverness connected by foot bridges installed in the 19th century. In 1842 there were plans to cut down the trees and sell the timber to pay off the town’s debts. The idea was scrapped after it provoked an outcry among locals and a group of exiles in London.
Writer and historian Norman Newton is co-author with Pauline Mackay of the book and kids’ activity trail published this year. Mr Newton said the young men, known as the Clachnacuddin Boys, petitioned the provost and magistrates against the move. Saved by an early eco-warrior Another campaigner, William Smith, aged about 20 at the time, also took up the cause.
In a strongly-worded letter he said the town council should not be tempted to “sacrifice a universally acknowledged public ornament” for the sake of raising money. Mr Newton said Smith was an early eco-warrior and the “Greta Thunberg of his day”. The islands once had a tea room The 1842 campaign assured the future of the islands and efforts to preserve, enhance and value them.
As they were used more for leisure and community events, a warden w.