Scotland: Highlands & Islands

The Highlands And Islands

An Area of Scotland

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The Highlands and Islands of Scotland are broadly the Scottish Highlands, plus Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles. This is the most remote area of the British Isles but arguably its most beautiful.

Outdoors is the place to be, whatever the weather! The landscape lends itself to activity, from woodland strolls to thrilling mountain-bike descents not to mention sea-kayaking, beach-combing and bird-watching.

The local people are big-hearted and straight-talking; they are worth getting to know especially if you want to get the best out of your time in this wonderful area.

Although remote, we have picked two easily accessible examples of wonderful places to go in this region, Loch Lomond and Isle of Arran, plus the wonderful Isle of Skye:

loch-lomond-1Loch Lomond

Idyllic Loch Lomond, just a short drive northwest of Glasgow, is Britain’s largest lake and, according to author Walter Scott, is “The Queen of Scottish Lakes”. With plentiful trout, salmon and whitefish as a lure for anglers, this beautiful corner of Scotland is also hugely popular amongst day-trippers, watersports enthusiasts, hikers and those simply drawn by the wonderful scenery.

Boat trips are always popular, as are longer treks up majestic Ben Lomond (3,192 ft) with its spectacular views. Loch Lomond is a great first stop when touring along the Western Highland Way from Glasgow through the beautiful Argyll countryside to Fort William.

Cameron House at the south end of the loch is an excellent place to savour the romance of a Scottish castle, breathe in the lakeside air and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.

isle-of-arran-1Isle of Arran

It’s for good reason that the lovely Isle of Arran is known as “Scotland in Miniature”. Only 166 square miles in size, Arran is a mirror image of the landscape found on the mainland.

Like mainland Scotland, it boasts majestic mountains, moorland, sandy beaches, wildlife, castles, fishing harbors, great golf, and plenty of friendly people. It’s also easy to get to from Glasgow, less than an hour’s ferry ride away. Also buses run regularly around the island.

Although its highlights – including Brodick Castle and Goat Fell Mountain (2,866 ft) – can be visited in a day (including the ferry ride), try to allow at least a few days to explore this wonderful wee corner of Scotland.

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Harbour at Portree on the Isle of Skye

The largest of Scotland’s inner isles, Skye – known to the Vikings as “Sküyo”, or “Cloud Island” due to its heavy mists – is hugely popular amongst nature lovers. Its wild, romantic mountain scenery and green valleys, caves and attractive glens, magnificent waterfalls and sandy beaches – all crammed into an island just 50 miles long and between four and 15 miles in width – make it extremely appealing.

In addition to its deep inlets and quaint villages, the island is home to the remains of primeval oak forests, as well as an abundance of wildlife including otters, seals, and some 200 species of birds. Getting to Skye is easy, as it’s connected to the mainland via a bridge, although ferries are still a fun alternative to driving.


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