Scottish Highlands – 12 Reasons Why You Must Visit at Least Once

The Scottish Highlands feel very different from the rest of the UK. The natural beauty of this place can’t be denied, and the few people who live here make visitors feel very welcome. In fact, it is an important part of a Highlander’s character to welcome a stranger. There’s so much to see and do that one trip isn’t nearly enough. If you only go once, though, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t change your mind.

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The Scottish Highlands’ Scenery

There is no question about how beautiful the Scottish Highlands are. You don’t have to go far to see why, from the heather-covered hills to the rocky peaks and crashing waves of the North Sea. No matter what time of year it is or how hot or cold it is, the Scottish Highlands always have epic scenery.

Scottish Highlands - 12 Reasons Why You Must Visit at Least Once — The remote Lagangarbh Hut on the River Coupall in Scotland’s Glen Coe, in front of Buachaille Etive Mor | Arterra Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo

The people who live in the Scotland Highlands

People who live in the Highlands keep up old traditions of hospitality, making guests feel like they’ve known them for years. Sharing is a natural part of life in the Highlands, whether it’s the beautiful scenery, traditional food, laughter, dance, song, or whisky. All of these things bring visitors back, eager to feel welcome again.

The Clouds in the Scotland Highlands

The Highlands can be covered in fog and low clouds one minute and startlingly clear the next. Later in the day, sharp showers can come out of nowhere. People who live in Scotland will often tell you that all four seasons can happen in one day, and it’s really interesting to watch the sky to see how the weather changes. Here, the clouds have their own language, and if you watch them for a while, you’ll soon be able to tell what’s coming next: rain, wind, snow, or sunshine.

The whisky in the Scottish Highlands, where it comes from naturally

In the Highlands, whisky, the spirit of the country, is a big part of the culture. The water is pure and makes the smoothest drinks, and the people who make single malts are known for their care, attention to detail, and skill. A dram by the fire on a cool autumn night or with new friends at a ceilidh is an experience you’ll never forget.

The Sea and Coast in the Scotland Highlands

Even though they are called the Highlands, they could have been called the coastlands instead. Because of old glaciers, strong rivers, and rough seas, the coasts here are broken, long, and always changing. In some places, the beaches are calm, but in other places, the cliffs drop off into a rough ocean. With thousands of miles of coastline, it’s easy to find your own private spot, which you might share with otters, seals, orcas, or dolphins in the water.

The capital city of the Scottish Highlands is Inverness.

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, has had something of a renaissance in the past few years. Gone are the old and boring places to eat. In their place are restaurants and cafes where chefs use local and sustainable ingredients to make delicious meals. The same goes for the tourist spots. Inverness is a great place to stay, no matter how much money you have, and is the perfect place to start exploring the Highlands of Scotland.

The Scottish Highlands have a lot of mountains.

The Highlands could not be called anything else. You can’t get away from the looming hills and crags, whether you’re driving on a single-track road that winds between rugged peaks or spending the night in a glen. No matter how big or small, the mountains are always close. The Munros are over 3,000 feet (914 meters) high, but because the land rises quickly from sea level, they often look much bigger.

The most well-known lake in the Scottish Highlands is Loch Ness.

The most famous Loch in the world, Loch Ness, is not far from Inverness. It is said to be home to the most famous monster. There are many great ways to see the loch. You can walk or ride a bike along the Great Glen Way, or you can take a boat ride out to the ruins of Urquhart castle, which is also worth a visit. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition will answer any questions you might have, and who knows, maybe you’ll be the one to catch Nessie on camera.

Highland dancing and music in Scotland

A ceilidh is probably the most fun kind of dancing you’ll ever do, but it will also tire you out. In this folk tradition, a lot of people dance together, often in set patterns that can be hard to learn if you’re not used to them. But whether you like to dance or not, the fiddle or drum will pull you to the dance floor sooner or later to do a reel, waltz, or jig. You might meet some new people, and you’ll have to keep an eye on the experts, but this is a great way to learn about Scottish culture.

The history of the Scotland Highlands

The history of the Highlands is deep and interesting on many levels. It was often violent and bloody, as George R.R. Martin learned when he used parts of Scottish history in his Song of Ice and Fire series. Sometimes it was sad and haunting. This was the end of the Roman Empire. The legions tried to go north, but they couldn’t. The Vikings learned that it was better to settle down than to keep raiding, which is why many Highlanders today say they are of Viking descent. In more recent times, the Highland Clearances forced many people to leave large areas of land. Most of them were sent to Canada, the United States, and other places against their will.

Highland Games are held in the Scotland Highlands

After the failed Jacobite uprising in 1745, traditional ways of life, like getting together for games, were outlawed in Scotland for a long time in an effort to break down the Highland way of life. The Victorians updated and changed the games, but they saved them in the end. These days, it’s a must to go to the games. Even though the Highland Games are now played all over the world, they are best seen in their home glens, where cabers are thrown and big, strong men in kilts (called “heavies”) show off their raw strength to the sound of bagpipes.

The animals of the Scottish Highlands

With all that natural beauty that hasn’t been changed, it’s no wonder that the Highlands of Scotland are home to a wide range of animals. Sign up for a guided tour to see golden eagles, pine martens, otters, seals, dolphins, whales, wildcats, and the red deer stag, which is sometimes called the “monarch of the glen.” Many of these birds and animals are hard to find, so it’s best to let a local show you the way.

Topic: Scottish Highlands – 12 Reasons Why You Must Visit at Least Once

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