Northern star

THE Highland capital knew its time had come when it was awarded millennium city status on the same day Madonna's celebrity-studded wedding party flew into its airport.

With one of the fastest- growing economies in the UK, Inverness is attracting high-tech home workers, third-age settlers and downshifting families from the south.

Inverness estate agents Macleod and MacCallum say there is not enough property to satisfy the demand for certain house types, particularly the three-bedroom detached. "We have never had so many closing dates as we have at the moment, and good prices are being paid," says property manager Stephanie Macrae. "But the next few months will see several developments coming on line."

Morrison Homes has long been associated with the city. Castle Heather at the Inches, next to Raigmore Hospital, is the first in a number of exclusive residential sites which it hopes to develop over the coming year. Eight new styles are being designed especially for the development, and all will include circuit-breakers, smoke alarms, safety windows, childproof front doors and energy-saving double- glazing. Prices range from #65,000 for a two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow to #105,000 for a three-bedroom detached chalet bungalow. For details, call 01463 250563.

The oil boom of the 1970s opened Inverness up to a wider market. The A9 was upgraded, off-shore workers paid cash for new detached homes and the opening of the Kessock Bridge established the Black Isle as desirable commuter country. Ten minutes' drive from the city, Badgerwood is an architect-designed detached house set in 1.4 acres of land just outside the Black Isle village of Munlochy. It is the ideal home for a family in pursuit of rural peace. Built in 1994, it has three public rooms and four bedrooms, a kitchen with chocolate- coloured Aga and Amtico flooring, and a double garage. Seven miles from Fortrose Academy, the property comes with its own natural birch wooded garden - and, at offers over #190,000, is about the same price as a three-bedroom conversion in Glasgow's west end. Contact CKD Finlayson Hughes on 01463 224343.

People moving from city apartments or smaller houses in other areas are amazed at the low prices being asked for properties such Badgerwood. John Bound, rural property consultant at CKD Finlayson Hughes, says this year has seen increased demand for property from buyers from southern Scotland and England, which in turn is fuelling local demand. "With good schooling, a safe environment to raise children and excellent NHS services, we see the trend continuing," he says.

Inverness Royal Academy is just one of the many excellent schools in the area. Five minutes' walk away on Old Slackbuie Road is Monachyle, a five-bedroom detached home with conservatory. Monachyle boasts a reception hall that leads to a glazed turret with cast-iron spiral staircase rising to a galleried landing. The reception rooms offer views of the city and Ben Wyvis, and there are all the facilities you would expect from a millennium city home including gas central heating, double glazing, shower rooms and a garage. Contact Macleod and MacCallum on 01463 239393.

In terms of amenities, the days of taking the Aberdeen train for a glimpse of Marks and Spencer are as much a part of the city's history as Culloden. Inverness is superstore city - and the only reason you will want to leave town is to remind yourself that it is just minutes away from scenery that people cross the world to see.

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