Though it is the capital of the Highlands, the first impression of Inverness is that of a modern town with few signs of antiquity - because, in ancient days, as a meeting point of Highland and Lowland, it was a place of conflict. Clan Donald is said to have burned the town at least seven times, while Bonnie Prince Charlie's forces destroyed the fort here in 1745. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery displays the heritage of the area, from archaeology to natural history. Inverness Castle, dating from the1830s, is a castellated prominent gothic-style building in red sandstone, now the setting of the Castle Garrison Encounter, a costume re-enactment of life for an 18th-century soldier. Inverness today is modern and go-ahead - a small, fresh northern city with its streets in summer a busy mix of residents and visitors. The new extension to the Eastgate Centre, with its many High Street names, reflects the city's important commercial role, while the refurbished Victorian Arcade nearby, with its smaller businesses, is a reminder of the continuity as well as the variety of Inverness shopping. The city also has an excellent selection of pubs, restaurants and late-night venues, as well as Scottish Showtime, traditional music and dance performed in costume, said to be Scotland's longest running show. Another important cultural centre is the Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, with an entertainment programme to suit all tastes, though this is just one venue for a very varied events programme which also includes the music and martial spectacle of the Inverness Tattoo. The city environment is very attractive, with Inverness a Britain in Bloom award winner. Among its parks and gardens, the tropical gardens under glass in the Bught Floral Hall are notable. Nearby are the attractive walks by the Ness islands on the river. Minutes from Inverness, the National Trust for Scotland's visitor centre at Culloden vividly tells the story of the defeat of the Jacobite forces led by Bonnie Prince Charlie and the government troops (including many Scottish soldiers) under the Duke of Cumberland in 1746. The impressive Clava Cairns date from around 3000BC and make another interesting excursion from Inverness. Inverness is truly "the city in the Highlands" - a well-resourced small city and an ideal touring centre with plenty to see and do all around by way of sport and leisure activities.