Highlands and Islands

More information on the Highlands and Islands is available at www.highlandconference.com

Northern Highlands

Caithness is the most northerly area geographically, with its own airport at Wick, and is known as the Land of the Long Horizons. Here you will find pre-historic sites; traditional occupations of farming and fishing; and industries for the third millennium. The main towns are Thurso and Wick while John o'Groats, with the last house on the UK mainland, stares across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. With fabulous cliff scenery and sea stacks with whirling fulmars and the cry of the kittiwake. There is an abundance of wildlife in this area from both the land and sea.

Sutherland is the land of mountain and river, of castle and croft, of eagle and deer. Spectacular masses from Foinaven to Stac Pollaidh challenge the climbers in the west, while in the east golfers relish seaside courses at Golspie, Brora and the incomparable links of Royal Dornoch. Salmon rivers such as the Shin, Helmsdale and Laxford give anglers some of the best fishing in Scotland.

The west offers completely different interests such as Ullapool, the gateway to the Western Isles, Lochinver, Torridon and Gairloch. This is a coastline washed by the warm ocean currents that originate in the Caribbean, making possible havens of delight such as the sub-tropical Inverewe Garden. There is the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities such as walking, cycling, golfing and climbing. At a slower pace enjoy wildlife cruises, ornithology and fishing. The choices are too numerous to mention.

Ross & Cromarty's fertile farmland is predominantly in the east. Visit the unspoiled eighteenth-century village of Cromarty, from which can be spotted bottlenose dolphins, the Victorian spa village of Strathpeffer and captivating glens such as Strathconon.

Isle of Skye & Lochalsh

The Isle of Skye and the mainland of Lochalsh offer historic castles and standing stones, craft shops and old crofting museums, with strong traditions and a thriving Gaelic culture. You will also find outdoor centres and a variety of activities from pony trekking to golf. The land itself has some of the most awe-inspiring mountain and coastal scenery anywhere in the world - the phrase far from the madding crowd gains a new meaning here.

On the mainland, mountains called the Five Sisters of Kintail guard the east entrance to Lochalsh, through Glen Shiel. Where Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh meet, near Dornie, stands the most photographed castle in Scotland - Eilean Donan Castle, which has been the location for many films. The gentle shores of Balmacara lead to Kyle of Lochalsh, from where the toll bridge crosses to the Isle of Skye.

The north-west of Skye is the land of the clan MacLeod; the stronghold of Dunvegan Castle has been the home of the Clan Chief since the thirteenth century and houses many relics of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Cuillins, arguably the most challenging mountain climb in the UK, includes some of Scotland's most dramatic Munros (peaks over 3,000 feet). In the north-east is Trotternish, dominated by the crags of Quiraing, and the village of Uig is the ferry terminal for the Western Isles. The area is strongly associated with Flora MacDonald - her memorial can be seen at Duntulm. Portree is the main town on the Isle of Skye and is set in a picturesque harbour. To the south lie the MacDonald lands of Sleat of the Garden of Skye, and a repository of Hebridean and Gaelic culture. Discover the world-renowned Armadale Gardens and the Museum of the Isles near Armadale, which is also the ferry terminal to Mallaig.

The Isle of Raasay car ferry runs regularly from Sconser. Raasay itself is 14 miles long and over 3 miles wide, and offers a snapshot of Highland culture and history amid a wonderfully diverse natural environment, which is rich in flora and fauna.

Fort William, Lochaber & Tiree

In Fort William and Lochaber discover a land enriched by a history filled with ancient myth and heroic endeavour, that will remain in your memory forever. Here you will find the country's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, its deepest loch, Loch Morar, and the most westerly point on the British mainland, Ardnamurchan Point. Sheltered by Ben Nevis the bustling town of Fort William nestles on the shore of Loch Linnhe.

Fort William is the hub of the area and offers a wealth of activities both indoors and out. Take a trip to Neptune's Staircase, a remarkable feat of engineering which raises the Caledonian Canal through a series of eight locks. There are many mountain and forest walks, and attractions such as Nevis Range, Ben Nevis Distillery or Treasures of the Earth.

To the south of Fort William, lies Glencoe, the first experience many people have of the Highlands. Relive the story of the infamous MacDonald massacre of 1691 in the National Trust for Scotland's Visitor Centre or discover the importance of slate quarrying to the area at the exhibition in the Ballachulish Tourist Information Centre.

To the north-east of Fort William, the Great Glen carves a route through the mountainous land. The area is steeped in history and the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and the Well of Seven Heads on Loch Oich each have their own stories to tell.

As you head north-west from Fort William on the Road to the Isles, the journey takes you through Glenfinnan - the Glenfinnan Monument was erected in tribute to the clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Prince Charles Edward Stuart - Bonnie Prince Charlie. Through Arisaig, where ferries sail to the Small Isles of Canna, Eigg, Rum and Muck - a visit to these islands is an unforgettable experience. The islands combine rich archaeology with a fine environment, and a fascinating Gaelic history with a variety of contemporary enterprises. The journey continues to the White Sands of Morar and onto Mallaig, which still has strong ties to the sea and is the port for the ferry to the Isle of Skye. This journey can also be taken by train, and in the summer months can be taken onboard the Jacobite Steam Train.

On Tiree - the Sunshine Isle - you can still see the workings of the crofts as they were in centuries gone by with tiny hand-toiled plots. Silver sand beaches and wild flower-peppered machair offer heady perfume over mile upon mile of dappled carpets covering the western shores.

Aviemore and The Cairngorms

From luxury hotels to homely B&B, from country estates to caravan sites, from award-winning restaurants to pub grub, from steam trains to ski lifts, from reindeer to wolves, from mountain-top discos to team challenges and hot air balloon festivals, this area has it all.

Only a short spectacular drive, or train trip, from the Central Belt, and scarcely more than half an hour from Inverness Airport. The area is synonymous with whisky, angling, skiing, ospreys, reindeer and spectacular scenery.

Aviemore is a modern resort which is currently being redeveloped. It nestles near the foot of the Cairngorm mountains, which include four of the five highest peaks in Scotland. It is surrounded by ancient forests and provides many diverse activities for all four seasons. Although best known for its outdoor pursuits, Aviemore also has no shortage of entertainment to be found under cover.

Grantown-on-Spey, Boat of Garten and Carrbridge offer paradise for fishermen and golfers alike. They are set amid heathered hills and native woods which are havens to osprey, grouse, deer and the elusive capercaillie.

Kingussie and Newtonmore are known as the cradle of the Gaelic sport of shinty, the national sport for the Highlands. The shinty game requires great skill and stamina, play is fast and furious, and is a very exiting sport to watch. Kingussie and Newtonmore have a charm all of their own, from which the visitor leaves refreshed and invigorated.

Inverness, Loch Ness & Nairn

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is the administrative and commercial centre for the whole region. Inverness Airport, along with major road and rail links, brings visitors to the Highlands from all over the world.

Here starts the great Caledonian Canal. Thomas Telford's masterpiece cuts across the Highlands from the Moray Firth in the north-east to Fort William in the south-west, via the picturesque village of Fort Augustus situated at the south end of Loch Ness where a flight of locks lifts boats on their voyage from coast to coast.

Loch Ness attracts millions of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the world's most elusive monster!

Beauly, with its medieval Valliscaulian Priory, is in a delightful setting and excellent specialist shops and is the gateway to the Glens of Affric, Cannich and Strathfarrar, renowned for their outstanding beauty and sporting activities.

To the east lies Nairn, the Brighton of the North, with it's long golden beaches and golf courses, including Nairn Golf Club, host to the Walker Cup in 1999. Nairn, and the Moray Firth area generally, enjoys a mild and dry climate. This thriving community is also a mecca for jazz and the performing arts, attracting visitors from far afield. Nearby is romantic Cawdor Castle, made famous by Shakespeare, set in its magnificent gardens and extensive beech woods.

Western Isles

On the edge of Europe and bordering the wide Atlantic ocean, the Western Isles, also known as the Outer Hebrides, lie on the north-west coast of Scotland. The Western Isles are renowned for their distinctive Gaelic culture and language and over 6000 years of history.

From the hills and beaches of Lewis and Harris in the north through the rolling moorland of the Uists, Berneray and Benbecula, and on to the magical islands of Eriskay and Barra in the south, each of these islands has a different story to tell.

Orkney and Shetland Islands

The Orkney Islands are situated 6 miles off the north-east coast of Scotland, where the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The 70 islands are low-lying, green and fertile. The western Atlantic-facing coastlines of the islands are renowned for their dramatic sea-cliffs and awe- inspiring views, whereas the eastern coasts are generally more gentle with long sandy beaches. Orkney's lasting impacts of Neolithic, Pictish, Celtic and Norse, Scottish and European influence provide over 5,000 years of history from Skara Brae, Maes Howe and Broch of Gurness to the spectacular St Magnus cathedral, Bishop's and Earl's Palaces and the sunken remains of the German Grand Fleet.

Magnificent seascapes and serene landscapes are uniquely lit under constantly changing skies. Cliff tops and moors are rich in bird and animal life. Tight lines reach out over wild, well-stocked waters. Golfers tee off at midnight, making the most of the long summer nights.

Shetland is special. Set at the great crossroads between Scotland and Scandinavia, these islands share something of the character of both while guarding a rich local identity that is uniquely their own. Even from before the time of the Vikings, Shetland has provided a peaceful haven for visitors. Guests today will find twentieth-century standards of comfort combined with a traditional lifestyle that has always put hospitality first.

The 100-plus Shetland Islands are ideal for a variety of attractions including magnificent examples of well-preserved Neolithic, Iron Age and Viking remains, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.