Welcome to Alness

Alness is located on the Cromarty Firth. The River Averon runs through the town dividing the town in two. The town has won acclaim with its Scotland In Bloom awards and is known for its summer floral displays, which are well worth viewing.

There is a way marked circular walk above the bridge across the River Averon, it takes you past the golf course on the east bank. You will find many tracks through the peaceful Coulhill Woods.

South of the bridge the estuary can be reached by both banks with many options for a longer or shorter walk by the east bank, the Crawl Park, the route of the Dalmore Distillery railway, the Distillery Visitor Centre, the Yankee Pier and the Distillery Weir with leaping salmon.

Leaflets on the town centre garden trail are in many shops and there is a comprehensive walk booklet in the Heritage Centre along with the story of the Fyrish Monument.

Alness Civic & Heritage Centre is located on the High Street and was opened in January 2001. The Heritage Centre has produced several local books for sale: Averon Tales & Legends, The Perrins Connection, Alness Heritage Recipe Book, The Fyrish Story. The family History Scoiety Books on the censors of Alness, Kiltearn and Rosskeen and the Alness churchyard book are also available. Regular changing exhibitions are on display in two rooms. Free entry to the exhibitions.

There is a large photo archive in the Centre of all aspects of the local life of Alness and Ardross. A genealogy unit has recently begun in the Heritage Centre with old parish records, censors and some valuation roles for Alness, Rosskeen and Kiltearn Parishes from the 1750s to 1901. The Centre is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 2.30pm.
 

Alness in Bloom. In 1997 & 1998 they were the overall winners for the Beautiful Scotland In Bloom competition. Since then the town has taken part in World in Bloom, Entente Florale and Nations in Bloom.

Throughout Alness the floral displays, flower beds and planters are all cared for by volunteers. Much thought is given to the colour schemes and planting plans in an effort to maximise the overall effect. All the displays are paid for by local businesses, shops and contributions from local councillors' discretionary budgets along with public donations.
After 10 years of commitment and dedication there has been a transformation of the town and all its 'Grot Spots'. Visitors and tourists can now follow the town centre garden walks. In July 2004 Alness in Bloom was awarded the Queen's Award for voluntary service, a fitting way to commemorate 10 years of dedication.

Alness Vintage and Classic Car Rally the first event was held in 1988 with a modest entry of approximately 150. Today regular the entry lists exceed 500 with spectator attendances in favourable weather conditions reaching 10,000. This year's rally will be held on Sunday 19th June 2005 (the rally is usually held on the 3rd Sunday in June). Includes one of the best displays of vehicles and machinery in the country covering all classes of cars, commercials, military vehicles, motor cycles, pedal cycles, agricultural engines and tractors, including steam engines of all sizes. Craft stalls and collectibles, fun fair and ring entertainment, including a pipe band and fair ground organ, offers a great day out for the whole family. For further details contact Sandy Macrae. Tel: 01349 882887

Alness Golf Club has an 18 hole golf course established in 1904. Tel: 01349 883877

Dalmore Distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson. The Mackenzie family took over ownership in 1891 until 1960 when it became part of the Whyte & Mackay group. The distillery itself can produce some 3.8 million litres of alcohol per year using 8 traditional wooden fermenters and 8 beautifully crafted and distinctly shaped copper stills. Open 10.00am to 4pm. Free admission.

Alness Angling Club offers 3 fishing beats on the Averon River. Tel: 01349 882423

Alness Swimming Pool provides open swimming sessions and play sessions in the 25metre by 9metre pool there also inflatable sessions where children can attempt to cross pontoon island. For more information Tel: 01347 882 456

Alness / Cromarty / Dingwall