Home Report Culloden

Culloden is a small town located in the Scottish Highlands with roughly 3,850 residents, around 5 miles east of Inverness, the largest settlement in the region with approximately 47,000 residents. Culloden forms part of a larger commuter settlement with the towns of Smithton and Westhill to its south, with Culloden sharing a contiguous border with Smithton, and likewise Smithton with Westhill. The area is bigger than people often realise; altogether, the combined population of these towns is roughly 11,400, and if you add in Balloch to northeast, that adds another 1,400 people into the local population.

In recent decades, Culloden has transitioned from a small village into a more developed suburban area, with new housing developments catering to Inverness commuters and growing families. Culloden’s location makes it a desirable place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to Inverness for employment opportunities and cultural attractions. It’s also not too far from too far from the likes of Nairn, Elgin, and even Aviemore in the Cairngorms. Though, for many the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Culloden is its rich history, particularly the nearby site of the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

In terms of transport links, Culloden is well connected by road to Inverness and other nearby towns, with easy access to the A96 (linking Inverness and Aberdeen) and the A9, which leads south to Perth and Glasgow. Public transport options include regular bus services to Inverness and Nairn, operated by Stagecoach. Inverness Railway Station provides further connections across Scotland, including to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. The Caledonian Sleeper overnight train to London makes a stop here too. Inverness Airport, just 6 miles away, offers domestic flights to major UK cities and some European destinations, making it convenient for both business and leisure travel.

While Culloden itself is largely residential, many of its residents commute to Inverness, which serves as a key employment hub for the region. Inverness itself has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from tourism, healthcare (Raigmore Hospital is one of the major employers), retail, and public services to more specialised sectors such as IT and renewable energy. Tourism plays a large role in the local economy, thanks to Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre and other nearby attractions. The local hospitality sector from hotels to B&Bs and restaurants also benefit from a steady influx of visitors throughout the year.

In terms of amenities, Culloden has the usual array of local shops and services you would expect with more accommodation and food-focused businesses bolstered by its status as a tourist destination. Residents benefit from easy access to Inverness and the wider choice therein. Being in the heart of the Highlands is particularly advantageous for those interested in outdoor pursuits such as hiking and walking with the nearby Culloden Woods and paths around the battlefield offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are also well-maintained cycle routes connecting Culloden to Inverness. Golfers are in for a treat too with several golf courses in the area, including Inverness Golf Club and Nairn Golf Club, which is renowned for its championship links course.

As for local education, the local primary schools are Culloden Primary and Balloch Primary. Culloden Academy is the local secondary school, which also serves the surrounding area. It has a good reputation for both academic performance and extracurricular activities, including sports and the arts.