Visit the Stunning Scottish Highlands and Islands
Isle of Skye, Pastel Pine
Scotland is not so far away (just over the border if you live in Cumbria or Northumberland). However this is a large country, and the Highlands are as far away from Glasgow or Edinburgh, as Brighton is from Yorkshire!
Known for its high mountains, pine forests and beautiful coastlines, this is a county of contrasts. From the crisp Highland air to the beautiful city of Edinburgh. But wherever you go – it’s cold!
The Majestic Highlands
The Scottish Highlands cover a vast area of Scotland, with some places (like the Shetlands) being nearer geographically to Norway, than London.
Don’t think it’s all cold and icy! Although areas like The Cairngorms National Park are frequently covered in snow, towns like Nairn (which sits on the east coast) resembles a Caribbean paradise, with its white sand, and midge-free summer sunshine.
The west of Scotland features many beautiful islands (there are midges in summer). The Highlands also houses Britain’s highest mountain (Ben Nevis).
This is also the area of Lochs (lakes) that are far deeper than say Lake Windermere (which is surprisingly shallow in comparison).
The main Scottish Highland Islands are:
- Isle of Skye is the largest, home to puffins, clans and castles.
- Isle of Lewis is another stunning beautiful island.
- Shetland Isles has Viking heritage, on the north east coast.
- Orkney Islands are stunning, with ancient standing stones.
- Isle of Seil has a ‘tiny bridge’ over the Atlantic.
- Isle of Harris is part of the Western Isles (or Outer Hebrides) that stretch for over 100 miles in northwest Scotland. The others are Uist and Barra (rugged hills with dune-backed beaches).
Watch BBC Alba, the Scottish highlands TV channel. It’s all in Gaelic, but strangely relaxing to listen to, even if you don’t understand it. And often features programs on local wildlife.
Windswept is the story of a woman who traded a busy academic life for a small croft on Scotland’s west coast. Walk with her, as she watches otters play tag, and is awoken by the bellowing of stags.
Does the Loch Ness Monster Really Exist?
Scotland has many legends, and likely the best-known worldwide is that of the Loch Ness Monster, or ‘Nessie’ as he or she is affectionately known. There are sightings each year, with those who believe, saying it could be a giant eel (hence a lot of fish go missing).
Others say it may be an old elephant (allowed to bathe in these waters, back in the days of travelling circuses).
Zoologist Jeremy Clark believes that it is a Greenland shark, which can reach up to 20 feet and has a dorsal fin that protrudes from the water. And could survive in fresh water, with a lot of salmon.
Those who don’t believe it is a living creature suggest a protruding strange-shaped tree trunk, wave patterns from passing ships, reflections of light on water, or even seismic gas.
What is known, as that ‘Nessie’ is very good for Scottish tourism!
