The Loch mural

You'll spot it before you properly take it in - a sprawling mural that's transformed a rather ordinary stretch of Invergordon's waterfront into something that actually makes you stop and look twice. The artwork covers a substantial wall facing the Cromarty Firth, depicting local scenes and the area's maritime heritage with the kind of detail that rewards a proper stare.

It's the sort of thing that works best as part of a longer wander rather than a destination in itself. Give it ten minutes, take some photos if you're into that, and it'll do nicely as a talking point. The mural's gained a bit of local affection since it went up, and there's something refreshing about communities investing in public art that actually reflects where they are.

Historically minded visitors will get more from it than others - there's real local narrative woven through the design. Kids won't be bored if they're already in Invergordon, though they won't ask to spend hours here either.

If you're basing yourself at Newmore Highland Pods or Delny Glamping, both within a couple of miles, this slots in as a pleasant diversion during a Highland break. Pop into Invergordon's town centre while you're at it - it's not fancy, but it's genuine. The real draw of staying in this part of the Highlands is the Cromarty Firth views and the walking; the mural's just a decent bonus on the waterfront.