Inverness, Florida and Inverness, Scotland share more than just a name—they share a historical connection rooted in mutual respect, art, and cultural exchange. Through the Sister Cities International program, the two cities were formally paired, symbolizing a transatlantic friendship. Although Inverness, Florida ended the official relationship in 2006, efforts in recent years—including a student-designed sculpture gifted in 2024—have rekindled the spirit of partnership. This collaboration, led by artist Paul Saviskas and students from Citrus High School, reflects a deep desire to promote tourism and global understanding through shared creativity and storytelling.
In 2018 and 2019, I had the pleasure of organizing Sister City tours as a liaison for the City of Inverness, Florida. These included visits to the Depot District along Lake Henderson, tours of Citrus High School with a special stop in the gym and weight room—home of the Inverness Wildcats, our American-style football team. Our Scottish guests were especially fascinated by the size and scope of the equipment. We capped off our tour with a visit to Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters, where many of the Scottish visitors tried coffee for the first time—a humorous twist given how popular coffee is with Florida teens.
While I haven’t yet visited Scotland, I learned about Cath’s Inverness Tours after reaching out to the Inverness, Scotland Visitor Centre. Cath responded warmly and shared details of her offerings, including a guided food and drink walking tour through historic Inverness. Her tours visit places like the Victorian Market and offer guests tastes of traditional Scottish fare—Cullen Skink, haggis with neeps and tatties, Highland cheeses, and artisanal gelato. The tour even includes visits to local breweries and distilleries, capped with whisky tastings and stories of local legends. Her insight into Inverness’s cultural fabric is a testament to how history and hospitality blend in both of our communities.
Back in Florida, my own company, Tastes & Tales Food Tours, focuses on celebrating the rich culture, flavors, and history of Inverness, Florida. Our walking food tours highlight historic sites such as the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, the Valerie Theatre, the Centcom Memorial, and train stations near Lake Henderson and the Withlacoochee State Trail. Guests sample curated dishes from local chefs, enjoy regional beer and spirits, and experience Southern hospitality while learning about our town’s unique past.
So how did these two towns, thousands of miles apart, come to share a name? Inverness, Scotland takes its name from the Gaelic “Inbhir Nis,” meaning “Mouth of the River Ness.” It has a rich history dating back to the 6th century and is considered the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Inverness, Florida was originally named Tompkinsville in the 1800s. The story goes that the name was changed to Inverness when a Scotsman noted the local lake’s resemblance to the lochs of his homeland. Other origin theories include the involvement of early residents like Mattie Baker or Alexander Bronson Campbell of the Florida Orange Canal & Transit Company, who had ancestral ties to the Scottish Highlands. The Alexander Bronson Campbell seems to be the most likely origins story.
Despite the distance, both Invernesses continue to build bridges through culture, food, and community spirit. Whether walking the historic streets of downtown Inverness, Florida or tracing Highland legends in Inverness, Scotland, you’ll find that shared values—pride in heritage, hospitality, and the joy of storytelling—run deep in both towns.
Quick facts comparing both Invernesses:
Inverness, Florida
Country: United States
State: Florida
Incorporated: 1919
Known for: Lake Henderson, Depot District, Courthouse Museum
Most popular food: Southern-style barbecue and seafood
Coffee or tea: Coffee is dominant (Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters)
Average temperature: 72–92°F (summer)
Average rainfall: ~52 inches/year
Size: ~7.5 square miles
Inverness, Scotland
Country: United Kingdom
Region: Scottish Highlands
Incorporated: 12th century (royal charter)
Known for: River Ness, Loch Ness, Battle of Culloden
Most popular food: Haggis, meat pies, Cullen Skink
Coffee or tea: Tea with scones, but also a strong whisky culture
Average temperature: 36–64°F
Average rainfall: ~45 inches/year
Size: ~10.8 square miles
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