2. Scotland – Highlands

In the later middle ages, the Scottish Highlands became culturally distinguishable from the Lowlands. Scottish Gaelic was spoken north of the Highland Boundary Fault. The Highlands is sparsely populated, but considered one of the most important tourist destinations.

During the Jacobite Rising of 1745, the traditional Highland way of life was outlawed. In the years of the Industrial Revolution, thousands of people have migrated en masse to the urban centers. Average population density falls below Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Norway and Sweden.

Inverness is the administrative center for the Highland Council, which is the governing body for the Scottish Highlands. Other council areas participate in the happenings within this vast area of Scotland to ensure that the voices of citizens in surrounding areas are considered in decision making.

The Scottish Highlands cover an enormous portion of north Scotland, including the Isle of Skye, Isle of Rum, the Orkney Islands and the Western Isles. National Scenic Areas are scattered throughout the Highlands. Wildlife roams free throughout this enormous, untouched area.

North West Highlands Geopark is located in the northwest portion of the Highlands. This designated Geopark contains some of the oldest known rocks on the earth with an estimated age of 3 billion years according to Luxe Travel.
Scenic views are accented with lochs and mountain ranges that cause visitors to pause and capture as many angles and lighting variations as possible with a camera.

Glen Coe, Liathach, Ben Nevis, Torridon Hills are just some of the famous mountains that stand tall over the Highlands. Loch Ness, Loch Etive, Glen Etive and Loch Torridon are some of the most beautiful lakes in the United Kingdom.

Scotland’s rich history is evident in Eilean, Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, Cawdor Castle and the Glenfinnan Memorial. In addition, the Culloden Battlefield and Fort George reveal the rich military history of the region.