Scottish Highlands, Historical region in northern Scotland.
The Scottish Highlands stretch from Inverness northward across a wide expanse of mountains, lochs and deeply cut valleys. The terrain shifts between moorland, forested slopes and rocky peaks, while narrow roads link small settlements and remote glens throughout the area.
Landowners forced thousands of residents to leave their homes during the 18th and 19th centuries to make room for sheep farming. These forced removals changed the population permanently and left many valleys empty of their former inhabitants.
Gaelic language, bagpipe performances and tartan patterns remain visible in local festivals and community gatherings throughout the area. Many villages hold events celebrating clan heritage, offering travelers a chance to witness traditional dances and hear folk music played on familiar instruments.
Inverness serves as the main transport hub with road and rail connections reaching different parts of the region. Mountain roads can be narrow and winding, and weather shifts quickly, so bringing warm clothing even in summer helps prepare for changing conditions.
The Cairngorms range holds the only sub-arctic plateau in the British Isles at elevations above 1200 m (3937 ft). This high ground supports plants and conditions otherwise found much farther north in Scandinavia.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
