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Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands cover a mountainous terrain northwest of the Highland Boundaries in Scotland. This region is marked by a relatively low number of inhabitants, making it the perfect destination for a quiet, relaxing stay in the midst of nature. The area is divided into eight municipalities, the biggest one being the Highland Council.

In terms of culture, this region is very different from the Lowlands of Scotland. The language in the Highlands was Gaelic over the past century, and the variety of English here was affected by Roman Catholicism. Gaelic traditions have largely been retained. The Highlands encompass the territories of Inner and Outer Hebrides, Perthshire, Bute, and stretch to the northwest of the Stonehaven - Dumbarton line. The capital city of the Highlands is generally considered Inverness.

As a region, the Highlands were established in 1975. They are self-governed, and the territory also covers some islands, including the Western Isles. The "Highlands and Islands" is also a separate electoral district.

The highland territory was formed by watercourses and glaciers. As a result, it is now a rugged, disproportionate area which is beautiful in its own way. Some of the main attractions include Castle Tioram, Glencoe Ski Centre, Glen Orchy, Glen Spean, Inverewe Gardens, Tor Castle, Glen Coe, Loch Rannoch, West Highland Way, Eilean Donan, and Loch Ness.

The last of these is likely to sound the most familiar. Loch Ness is a freshwater lake (Scottish: loch) in the Highlands. It is located south of the capital, and is a full 35 km long. It was formed by a glacier in past ice epochs. It has an impressive surface area of 56 km2 and the amount of fresh water it holds exceeds that found in all of England and Wales put together. The lake is 226 m at the deepest point. Last but not least, it is known as the mythical home of the Loch Ness monster.

Castle Tioram is an ancient ruin located on an island in Loch Moidart. In the distant past, it was the stronghold of a powerful Scottish clan, but it was expropriated by the government in the late 17th Century following political strife. The castle itself dates back to Medieval times. Although it has fallen into disuse today, it remains an important historical monument of the Highlands.

Glen Coe is located south of the Lochaber, Argyll district. It was the site of horrific bloodshed in the late 1600s, known as the Massacre of Glencoe. That may be, but it is still among the most beautiful natural settings in the Highlands and worldwide. The remarkable stone constructions in Sutherland and Caithness are the earliest indicators of civilization here. Other historical landmarks are the Picts, a stronghold of Medieval culture.

You can see some magnificent stone castles in the Highlands, the best being Urquhart Castle. As for natural landmarks, the spectacular Torridon ridges and Inverpolly mountain range will spread before your eyes as you drive through the mountainous terrain. If you're not afraid of heights, you can gaze into the craggy, heart-stopping Corrieshalloch Gorge. Wildlife attractions include the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, the first reserve in Britain, where you will encounter deer, eagles and many other species. The seabird colonies on Handa include skua and red-throated divers. You can see aquatic species such as seals, dolphins and whales if you take a boat tour out on the open sea.

A variety of outdoor activities and extreme sports are offered, such as mountain climbing, skiing, golf, fishing, off-road, and even lesser-known ones for the braver tourists, like gorge walking and white-water rafting. Skiers are welcome to visit the three prime Highland ski resorts in the winter - Cairngorm, Glencoe and Nevis Range. The Highlands are among the most appropriate destinations for mountaineering in the world, and enthusiasts flock here every year to experience the large, airy forest trails and conquer the craggy mountain ridges. A popular yet dangerous hiking spot is the Cuillin of Skye, with its narrow, slippery mountain paths. Other spots include Glencoe, Kintail, and Mamores. If you can't decide what sport you want to try, comprehensive tourist packages are available. Famous events in this fascinating region include traditional music performances throughout the year, the annual Highland music festival featuring native songs and dances, the Highland Games, including piping and caber tossing, galas and agricultural shows.