Inverness nostalgia: 5 things people of Inverness miss about the 80s and 90s
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While the 80s and 90s may only seem like yesterday for many city locals, it's hard to believe that it was over four decades ago, so we have taken a look back through memory lane to see what the people of Inverness miss about that bodacious time in history.
From quirky fashion to flip phones, Pac-Man, Nintendo and roller-skates, these two decades were an exciting era for many people. And closer to home, some parts of Inverness high street have changed beyond recognition since then, with many shops, bars and restaurants no longer in business.
We have trawled through the picture achieves and listened to our readers to bring you back to a few things the people of Inverness have said that they miss about Inverness in the 80s.
1. La Scala
This beloved city treasure was situated on the corner of Academy Street, and is now well known as the city's bus station. The profound picture house opened in 1913 and lasted almost 100 years, closing in January 2001.
Many Invernessians fondly remember passing time away on a rainy day in this once loved cinema. From cringy first dates, to blockbuster classics, such as the Top Gun, this building saw it all and.
One person said: "I remember waiting for my mum to finish her shopping in town, so my friend and I ran into the cinema to watch two movies in a row. We didn't care what was on, we just loved it there!
"Bring La Scala back to the town centre please!"
2. Woolworths
Woolworths was known for its buzzing atmospheric nature and fantastic parties that kept customers flowing through the door constantly. Woolies entered administration in late 2008 and closed the last of its stores in January 2009. It had been a permanent fixture on Inverness High Street since opening in 1926.
One person who used to work at the shop said: "We always had fab parties. Some in store. Always trying to keep an eye on the young ones… they were always smarter than us.
"Many couples got together there, and lots of life-long friends made and still going strong. I have fabulous, happy memories of a non-related family."
3. Pentangle
Another beloved business that is no longer a part of Inverness is Pentangle that was in Baron Taylor's St. This shop was around for years and soon became known as 'the only place you needed to complete all your Christmas shopping'.
Pentangle was a versatile shop, packed full of fun knick-knacks, playful and original gifts, in addition a fantastic place to occupy the children.
Claire Ann Ross said: "I used to run from the bus station between buses from Edinburgh heading to Caithness when I was at college in the 90s, would get half an hour or an hour to browse there or Pandora’s box before legging it back for the next bus."
4. Train in the Victorian Market
Many people reminisced about the old train set that used to sit at the back of the Victorian Market. The old fashioned train was a great attraction for kids and tourists, but has since been replaced with the food hall and is home to Bad Girl Bakery.
5. Record Rendezvous
Record Rendezvous was a favourite for all the Inverness music fanatics in the 80s and was along Church Street. This place was a musical heaven for many locals, with an entire library of records stacked from the ceiling to the floor. From original classics to breaking singles, this place had it all.
Vivienne Rodgers fondly remembers the record shop as she said: "I used to pop in there to look at chart LPs and Singles, then pop into the Wimpy for a treat with my friends."
