Alness
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 Society 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 their are floral displays.
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 Golf Club has an 18 hole golf course established in 1904. Tel: 01349 883877
Dalmore Distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson.
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