Crossword Genius

Where in Scotland Indiana author stays for vacation? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inverness

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'where in scotland' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'indiana author stays for vacation?' is the wordplay.
'indiana' becomes 'IN' (abbreviation).
'author' becomes 'verne' (I've seen this before).
'for vacation?' suggests removing the centre (middle letters vacate the word).
'stays' with its middle taken out is 'ss'.
'in'+'verne'+'ss'='INVERNESS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for inverness that I've seen before include "Scottish Highlands city" , "Highland city" , "Scots Highlands city" , "Highland region town" , "Scottish highland town" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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