INVERGORDON

Does this scenario sound familiar? The Government of the day, in an attempt to deal with harsh economic conditions, imposes swingeing cuts in public spending. Public sector workers find themselves hit particularly hard, and even the military are not spared, with the Navy facing a 10% cut. But hold on a minute: this is not 2012 we are talking about, but 1931, during the Great Depression. When the news of the cuts reached the crew of the Atlantic Fleet as they arrived at Invergordon the result was the infamous "Invergordon mutiny", with the crew members going on strike for two days, one of few such events in British history. Twenty-four of the men were dismissed as a result of the disturbances.

Although there is no longer a naval base in Invergordon, the port still welcomes larger vessels such as cruise ships, whose passengers are taken off on tours of the region's castles, or down to Loch Ness. The town itself has a mural trail, with 17 paintings depicting past and present life in the Highlands. As well as cruise ships, the port services oilfield support vessels. The town's past as a naval port is recalled in the Naval Museum and Heritage Centre. Culture vultures can find displays by local artists at the Arts Centre, which also has a theatre. There are also a range of sporting activities, including an 18-hole golf course with views over the Cromarty Firth.

Map of the area.

Invergordon from the air. Photo by W. L. Tarbert, via Wikimedia Commons.