Inverness isn't that bad, but you need to be prepared to fly Easyjet. Its then usually cheaper than (say) BA into ABZ.

Different parts of the Highlands have different character, and there are bits I like all over the place.

For me, some of the most scenic areas are the places around Gairloch and Torridon. There is a different character to the light over there, and time flows differently. It's not quite so closed in as the eastern Highlands, with a very low population density - your biggest towns are smaller than most on the east coast. Given a choice of anywhere, that's where I'd go.

The far north - Bettyhill/Tongue/Thurso - is flatter and less to recommend. The east coast between Wick and Inverness has (by comparison) a higher population density, but there are some breathtaking bits as well - Dornoch is lovely, the views coming off Struie Hill are gorgeous on a clear day.

Around the Great Glen - I've been up around Glen Affric (Cannich, Tomich) recently. Fairly well wooded, remote, lovely. But great if you are into fishing/walking/wildlife, but not a lot else. The hotel at Tommich is good though.

The Cairngorms tend to be more treeless than other areas - (mainly due to over-grazing and grouse moors, but that's another story), but with big mountains. In some ways the bleakest of the Highlands - I love/hate the Drumochter Pass on the A9 for example. When it's sunny it's gorgeous, when it's raining it's bleak. But then go a bit further towards Aviemore, the vistas open out, the views across the Mondhliath (yes, I'll have spelled it wrong) are amazing.

Grantown upon Spey has some great B&Bs and makes a good base which lets you avoid Aviemore (Aviemore has improved a lot but is still a really odd place).

And then there's the Fort William/Glen Coe/Loch Lomond areas.. but I don't know them so well, so i'll leave them to others.