Before the Second World War, Merkinch became home to Inverness' shipbuilding industry; across the railway lines to the area's north, the Kessock Ferry would cross the Moray Firth from a pier in South Kessock. Distilling was another important industry, with several distilleries in the area. Today, industrial activity still takes place on the Carse Industrial Estate and Telford Retail Park. References Areas of Inverness