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Travel in the Highlands was severely restricted during WW1 and anyone wishing to do so had to apply for a special pass.The Highlands were seen as strategically important during the First World War. In 1916 the North of Scotland was declared a Special Military Area (SPA) under the Defence of the Realm Act. The boundary of the SPA ran east and south of Inverness, along Loch Ness and down to Lochalsh. Travel therefore in the Highlands was severely restricted. The railway station in Inverness was a major focus of security and was policed by armed soldiers. Anyone wishing to travel had to have a special permit and even relatives wishing to say goodbye to passengers had to apply beforehand for permission to enter the station. Local pass books had to be carried by all British subjects resident in Inverness since August 1914. Visitor permit books for travel were more detailed. The authorities even needed to know whether your male family members were 'for or against His Majesty's allies in the present war'.

Travel in the Highlands was severely restricted during WW1 and anyone wishing to do so had to apply for a special pass.