At the latest, a settlement was established by the 6th century with the first royal charter being granted by Dabíd mac Maíl Choluim ( King David I) in the 12th century. It is the northernmost city in the United Kingdom and lies within the Great Glen (Gleann Mòr) at its northeastern extremity where the River Ness enters the Beauly Firth.
Inverness lies near two important battle sites: the 11th-century battle of Blàr nam Fèinne against Norway which took place on the Aird, and the 18th century Battle of Culloden which took place on Culloden Moor. Historically it served as the county town of the county of Inverness-shire. It is the administrative centre for The Highland Council and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands. Inverness ( / ˌ ɪ n v ər ˈ n ɛ s/ ⓘ Scots: Innerness from the Scottish Gaelic: Inbhir Nis, meaning 'Mouth of the River Ness') is one of the eight cities of Scotland and is located in the Scottish Highlands, having been granted city status in 2000.
