Rafting venture offers new way to enjoy city sights

A NEW business is set to make a splash in the Highlands by offering raft trips through Inverness.

The River Ness Rafting Co will operate four trips a day over the course of an initial trial period, with a view to launching fully in time for next summer.

Both one-hour and two-hour trips are available, with customers being collected by minibus from Huntly Street slipway in the city centre before returning down the river on an eight-person inflatable raft.

The project’s founder Andy Menzies, who is also a keen scuba diver, revealed the launch has come after positive talks with Highland Council and local fishing groups.

"This is a new family-friendly activity which aims to give tourists and locals a unique perspective of the river and city," he said.

"There is a choice of one or two-hour experiences on offer.

"Guests are collected by minibus in the city centre and taken to the launching sites. We provide all the clothing and equipment required.

"They then experience a gentle journey down the River Ness into the heart of the city while enjoying beautiful scenery and hopefully seeing wildlife such as grey herons, kingfishers and perhaps the occasional osprey or otter.

"The fully qualified raft guide will also offer a commentary relating to the city’s history."

Mr Menzies said feedback from other tourism-related businesses has been "very positive" and added: "River Ness Rafting aims to operate in harmony with all other river users, especially anglers, and to enable visitors to the city to share in the river’s beauty and tranquility."

A scenic video of the rafting experience shared a few days ago on the company’s social media pages has already been viewed more than 800 times and shared by dozens.

Inverness South councillor Duncan Macpherson, who visited the team this week, spoke of his excitement at the initiative.

"I think it’s a great new venture," he said.

"It’s very exciting.

"You get the chance to see all sorts of wildlife at a nice gentle pace.

"It’s a lovely way for families and visitors to the city to see the river."

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