Where To See Live Entertainment In Inverness Scotland

For a small city, Inverness packs a large punch when it comes to live entertainment. Perhaps this is not surprising, as music, dance and festivities have always been very close to the hearts of those who call the Highlands and Islands home. With a wide-ranging breadth of styles and options, there should be something for everyone.

1. Eden Court Theatre

Theatre

With a wide range of entertainment, Eden Court attracts world-class performers on a regular basis. These include plays, ballet, opera, talks, musicals, live music, comedy and more. Situated on the banks of the River Ness, with a great view of Inverness Castle, this venue is now over 40 years old, yet continues to go from strength to strength. Eden Court also offers a wealth of classes and chances for local people to get involved.

2. The Gellions

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

The oldest pub in Inverness, this bar also offers live music and entertainment every night. On Saturdays, they host a traditional ceilidh, with local popular folk band, Schiehallion, providing the tunes to whirl and stomp your way through. A ceilidh, with traditional Scottish dances, is often a highlight of many a visitor’s stay in Scotland — great fun, friendly, and without any kind of pretension, everyone should get up and dance.

Festivals

Inverness and the surrounding area plays host to a number of festivals every year. These range in size, the biggest — Belladrum, or Tartan Heart — is now in its 13th year and shows no signs of stopping, having gone from 2000 attendees to 18,500. Other festivals include the Black Isle Brewery run Jocktoberfest, and The Highlands and Islands-wide Blas festival, featuring traditional music. Some festivals have yet to be announced, or are on hiatus; keep an eye on Inverness Festivals for a comprehensive list.

Scottish Showtime

This traditional variety form of entertainment includes traditional Highland dancing, bagpipe playing, ceilidh dances and singing. There a number of options to experience Scottish Showtime shows in and around Inverness, including the long-running Scottish Showtime Xperience or Scottish Showtime at Bogbain Farm.