Independent
Ardersier Pharmacy
10 High Street, Ardersier, Inverness IV2 7QB
Ardersier — Scotland
- Mon–Fri: 9am-5:30pm
- Sat: 9am-1pm
- Sun: Closed
Find local pharmacies and chemists across Inverness, with opening hours, contact details and NHS services.
Inverness, the Highland capital with around 50,000 residents serving as the main hub for NHS Highland's vast 32,000 square kilometre catchment, has 19 community pharmacies listed in our directory across the city centre, Crown, Dalneigh, Inshes, Culloden, Balloch, Lochardil, and the Inverness retail parks. Scotland's northernmost city (and one of Europe's fastest-growing), Inverness acts as the essential healthcare gateway for the entire Scottish Highlands and Islands - a region where the nearest alternative hospital or specialist pharmacy can be over 100 miles away. Community pharmacies play an absolutely critical role in Highland healthcare: for residents of Thurso, Ullapool, Portree, Fort William, and dozens of remote communities, Inverness pharmacies may be the nearest source of specialist medication and healthcare advice. Pharmacies provide comprehensive NHS Scotland services including free prescriptions (all Scottish NHS prescriptions are free), Pharmacy First Scotland (covering 50+ conditions), flu vaccinations, travel health (crucial given Highland tourism and remote community needs), and key services for the tourism industry (5 million+ visitors to the Highlands annually including Loch Ness, Inverness Castle, whisky distilleries, and the North Coast 500 route).
Inverness's healthcare is managed by NHS Highland, the largest NHS board in the UK by area (32,000 sq km) yet serving only around 320,000 people - giving it unique challenges of scale and remoteness. Raigmore Hospital (Old Perth Road, IV2) is the Highland's main acute hospital providing emergency, maternity, cancer care, and specialist services for the entire Highlands and Islands. Community pharmacies in Inverness are critical not just for city residents but as a referral and collection point for patients who have travelled to Raigmore from remote communities. NHS Scotland's Pharmacy First Scotland covers 50+ conditions free (broader than England's scheme). All prescriptions in Scotland are free regardless of age or condition (since 2011). Highland-specific health challenges include remote community access, elderly population health management, mental health support in isolated areas, and substance misuse services particularly relevant in some rural communities. Gaelic language services are relevant: NHS Highland operates across Gaelic-speaking communities in Skye, the Western Isles, and parts of the mainland.
For urgent healthcare needs outside GP hours, Inverness residents and Highland visitors should call NHS 24 on 111 (Scotland's equivalent of NHS 111) for advice and pharmacy locations. Raigmore Hospital A&E (Old Perth Road, IV2 3UJ) provides 24/7 emergency services - the only major A&E in the Highlands covering an area the size of Belgium. This means response times for rural emergencies can be significant. Inverness Botanic Gardens area has the hospital clearly signposted from the A9. For Highland tourists and visitors who fall ill, NHS 24 is the first call; Raigmore's A&E is the definitive emergency resource. Several Inverness pharmacies participate in extended hours rotas. For emergency prescriptions in remote Highland communities, NHS 24 can arrange emergency supply through local GP dispensaries or Inverness pharmacies. In genuine emergencies in remote areas, call 999 - helicopter air ambulance (GNAAS/Scotstar) serves remote Highland communities. The A9 south to Perth/Edinburgh carries heavy traffic but provides the main access route. Inverness Airport (Dalcross) has international connections and medical evacuation capability.
Inverness is a major transport hub for the Highlands. ScotRail services connect Inverness to Edinburgh (3.5 hours), Glasgow Queen Street (3.5 hours, via Perth), Aberdeen (2.5 hours), and the iconic Far North Line to Thurso/Wick and Kyle of Lochalsh line to Skye. Inverness bus station (Farraline Park) connects Citylink and Stagecoach services across the Highlands to Ullapool, Fort William, Portree, Dingwall, Nairn, Aviemore, and beyond. The A9 runs south to Perth and north to Thurso; the A82 goes southwest to Fort William and Loch Lomond. Inverness Airport (7 miles from city centre) has flights to London, Edinburgh, and European destinations - important for Highland business and connecting patients to specialist treatment. City centre pharmacies are accessible on foot from the bus/rail interchange, and most retail park pharmacies (Inshes, Eastfield Retail Park) have ample free parking. Remote Highland residents travelling specifically for pharmacy services typically drive to Inverness. Home delivery from Inverness pharmacies is vital for some remote communities inaccessible by public transport. City centre parking is available at various multi-storey and surface car parks near the Victorian Market and Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Yes - all NHS prescriptions in Scotland are completely free at the point of dispensing, including at Inverness pharmacies. Scotland abolished prescription charges in 2011. This applies whether you're a Highland resident or visiting from elsewhere in the UK. Visitors from England with English NHS prescriptions can still have them dispensed in Scotland, and the Scottish pharmacist cannot charge a prescription fee as Scotland has a no-charge policy.
Many remote Highland communities are served by GP dispensing practices (where the GP also dispenses medication), which is unique to very rural areas. For specialist medications not available locally, patients travel to Inverness or arrangements can be made for postal/courier delivery of medications from Inverness pharmacies. NHS Highland has developed innovative solutions including pharmacy by video consultation and community pharmacy delivery routes. NHS 24 can advise on options for specific remote locations.
The North Coast 500 route passes through many remote communities with very limited pharmacy provision. Plan ahead by ensuring you have adequate medication supplies before starting the route. Inverness has the best pharmacy provision in the Highlands for stocking up. If you need emergency pharmacy services en route, call NHS 24 (111 in Scotland) for advice. Pharmacies exist in Dingwall, Tain, Golspie, Wick, and Thurso along or near the route, but hours may be limited. Ullapool pharmacy serves the Wester Ross area.
Pharmacy First Scotland covers over 50 common conditions - significantly more than England's 7 conditions. Scottish pharmacists can treat ear infections, sore throat, chest infections (uncomplicated), UTIs, skin conditions, eye infections, and many more, all free without a GP appointment. This is particularly valuable in the Highlands where GP appointments may be limited in rural areas. Any Inverness pharmacy can provide Pharmacy First Scotland consultations.
Yes, pharmacies near Raigmore Hospital on Old Perth Road serve hospital visitors, outpatients, and patients who have travelled from across the Highlands for treatment. The hospital has its own pharmacy for inpatients. Community pharmacies nearby are essential for Highland patients collecting prescriptions after specialist outpatient appointments - often the last stop before a long drive home to a remote community. Inshes Retail Park (10 minutes from the hospital) has extended-hours pharmacy provision.
Some Highland pharmacies, including in Inverness, can provide services through Gaelic-speaking staff or arrange Gaelic interpretation, reflecting NHS Highland's commitment to serving Gaelic-speaking communities across Skye, Lewis, the Uists, and mainland Highland areas. Ask at the pharmacy about Gaelic services. NHS Highland's Gaelic Language Plan commits to improving Gaelic provision across health services. For Gaelic-speaking patients from the islands travelling to Inverness for treatment, this is an important service.
Showing 19 pharmacies in Inverness
10 High Street, Ardersier, Inverness IV2 7QB
Ardersier — Scotland
11/1 Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness IV2 3PP
11/1 Eastgate Shopping Centre — Scotland
No website listed
2 Southside Road, Inverness IV2 3AU
2 Southside Road — Scotland
Unit 2, Eastfield Way, Inverness Business & Retail Park, Inverness IV2 7GD
Inverness Business & Retail Park — Scotland
7 Cradlehall Court, Cradlehall, (Unit 4 Cradlehall Shopping Centre) IV2 5WD
Cradlehall — Scotland
30 Laurel Avenue, Inverness IV3 5RP
30 Laurel Avenue — Scotland
Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6UL
Drumnadrochit — Scotland
1 Charleston Court, Kinmylies, Inverness IV3 8YB
Kinmylies — Scotland
18 Greig Street, Inverness IV3 5PX
18 Greig Street — Scotland
Morven Road, Inverness IV2 4BU
Morven Road — Scotland
Leys Square, Milton Of Leys, Inverness IV2 6HF
Milton Of Leys — Scotland
Riverside Medical Practice, Ballifeary Lane, Inverness IV3 5PW
Ballifeary Lane — Scotland
Unit 2, Balloan Park, Inverness IV2 4PF
Balloan Park — Scotland
Culloden Pharmacy, Keppoch Road, Culloden IV2 7LL
Keppoch Road — Scotland
54 Grant Street, Inverness IV3 6BS
54 Grant Street — Scotland
Suite B6, Second Floor, Etive House, Beechwood Business Park, Inverness IV2 3BW
Beechwood Business Park — Scotland
No website listed
12-22 High Street, Inverness IV1 1HY
12-22 High Street — Scotland
Milton Of Inshes, Inverness IV2 3TW
Milton Of Inshes — Scotland
1 Hillhead Road, Tornagrain IV2 8AB
1 Hillhead Road — Scotland
The 19 pharmacies we list in Inverness, Scotland span 4 postcode districts.
Services commonly offered by UK pharmacies — check with the pharmacy before visiting.
Free NHS prescription collection and dispensing service. Many pharmacies offer same-day dispensing for repeat prescriptions and urgent medications.
Morning after pill available without prescription at many pharmacies. Private consultation with qualified pharmacist included.
Free blood pressure checks and cardiovascular health monitoring. Many pharmacies offer regular health checks and advice.
Annual flu jabs available at many pharmacies. NHS-funded for eligible patients, private service also available.
Travel vaccines, malaria prevention, and travel health advice for trips abroad. Offered by some pharmacies with travel clinics.
Free NHS service reviewing your medications to ensure they're working effectively and safely. Offered by many NHS pharmacies.
Use the Open Now and 24 Hours filters above to find pharmacies in Inverness whose listed hours say they are open. Hours can change, especially on bank holidays, so call ahead before travelling. For urgent medical advice call NHS 111, and in an emergency call 999.
Common questions about pharmacies in Inverness
Our directory lists 19 pharmacies in Inverness, Scotland, including both independent chemists and pharmacy chains.
Use the "Open Now" filter at the top of this page. It checks each pharmacy's listed opening hours against the current UK time. Hours can change, especially on bank holidays, so call the pharmacy before travelling if you need it urgently.
Yes, all NHS-contracted pharmacies in Inverness can dispense NHS prescriptions. This includes repeat prescriptions, acute prescriptions, and emergency supplies. Most pharmacies in our directory are NHS-contracted and offer free prescription dispensing for eligible patients.
For emergency pharmacy services in Inverness, look for chemists open late evenings, weekends, or bank holidays. Some pharmacies offer emergency contraception, urgent medicine supplies, and out-of-hours consultations. Call NHS 111 for urgent pharmacy needs outside normal hours.
Every pharmacy we list dispenses NHS prescriptions and sells over-the-counter medicines. Other services commonly offered by UK pharmacies include blood pressure checks, flu vaccinations, travel vaccines, emergency contraception, stop smoking support and Pharmacy First consultations for minor ailments, but these vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, so check with the pharmacy before visiting.
Use our postcode search tool to find the nearest pharmacy to your location in Inverness. Enter your full postcode to see nearby chemists with opening hours, contact details, and walking directions. You can also browse by postcode area on this page.
Many UK pharmacies offer vaccinations such as flu jabs, travel vaccines and COVID-19 vaccinations, some by appointment and some walk-in. Our listings don't record which pharmacies offer them, so check with the pharmacy for availability and booking.
Most pharmacies in Inverness open Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some supermarket pharmacies have extended hours until 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Always check specific opening times before visiting.
Yes, you can collect prescriptions for family members or friends at any pharmacy in Inverness. You'll need to know their name, address, and date of birth. For controlled drugs, you may need written authorization from the patient.
Many UK pharmacies offer prescription delivery, which is especially useful for elderly or housebound patients; some deliver free locally while others charge a small fee. Our listings don't record which pharmacies deliver, so contact the pharmacy to ask about delivery options and coverage.
Explore chemists and pharmacies in other cities throughout Scotland. Find the best locations and compare services across the entire region.