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Scotland - Geography

Located in the northern part of Great Britain, Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom (UK). Scotland’s mainland shares its southern border with England, and the country is home to nearly 800 small islands. These include the Hebrides, Arran, Skye, and the northern isles of Shetland and Orkney. Scotland is located in the western part of Europe, to the west of the North Sea and south and east of the Atlantic Ocean. The North Sea separates Scotland from other northern parts of Europe, in particular Scandinavia, and the Atlantic Ocean also borders Iceland and Greenland to the north, and Northern Ireland and Eire to the south-west.

The principal mainland geographic features of Northern Scotland, comprising Highland Region, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland, comprise the Grampian Mountains and the northern Highlands, which rise steeply from the glens and fjord-like sea lochs. These mountainous areas include the Great Glen, running from Fort William north-eastwards to Inverness and containing Loch Ness. The region therefore has extensive areas of high ground and includes the highest point in the UK - Ben Nevis (1344 meters), near Fort William. There is little urban development, the main towns being Inverness, Fort William, Wick, Kirkwall (Orkney) and Lerwick (Shetland).

The Highlands and Moray are home to ancient landscapes, highland clans, majestic mountains and haunted glens. The Highlands and Moray make up Scotland’s most fabled region. Visitors can take part in outdoor pursuits, witness amazing wildlife or set off on the famous Malt Whisky Trail; with a unique heritage and seemingly boundless supply of natural beauty, the expansive landscapes of the Highlands have a way of making visitors feel at one with nature.

Orkney and Shetland are scattered off the north coast of Scotland, an archipelago of more than 70 islands. Punctuated by its sandy white shores, traditional cottages, ancient stone structure and clear blue waters, this magical region is a hotbed of heritage, culture, wildlife and natural beauty waiting to be discovered.

The Outer Hebrides are 30 miles off the north west coast, one of Scotland’s most remote regions. This picturesque island chain is worth the effort it takes to get there; go island hopping and discover a paradise of wild Atlantic waves, white sand beaches, towering mountains and a vibrant cultural landscape. Scotland’s Perthshire heartland region offers something for everyone; vibrant culture, captivating history, stunning landscapes, renowned golf courses, first-class attractions and stunning architecture are just the beginning of what Perthshire has in store.

The history of the Scottish Borders is full of tales of literary greats, staggering castles and bloody battles. Today Scotland’s most southern region - Scottish Borders - is no less beguiling; the lush landscapes and rolling hills are dotted with wildlife while the sleepy towns offer a compact mix of culture to explore.

Western Scotland, comprises the former regions of Strathclyde, Central (except for Clackmannanshire and Falkirk) and Dumfries and Galloway. It includes the Argyll islands, such as Arran, and the southern Hebrides such as Tiree, Mull, Jura and Islay. The region covers the western half of both the Central Lowlands and the Southern Uplands.

Much of the landscape of Western Scotland consists of high ground, i.e. more than 200 meters above sea level, especially in the north, where there are many peaks that exceed 1000 meters. Fjord-like sea lochs and the islands of the Hebrides characterise the west of the region, while the south contains the Southern Uplands. The major estuary is that of the Clyde, but the southern part of the area borders the Solway Firth. The highest peaks of the two main upland regions are Merrick (843 meters) in Galloway in the Southern Uplands and Ben More (1174 meters) in the southern Highlands. Many of the islands also contain substantial peaks; the highest point on any of the islands is Ben More on Mull at 967 meters. There are several large towns in the region, but the only city is Glasgow (UK's fourth largest), which has several substantial towns surrounding it. The largest of the islands is Mull.

Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley are bursting with history, culture, art, shopping and entertainment. Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley is home to Scotland’s largest and most dynamic city. Visitors can seek pleasure in its many shops and restaurants, pursue culture in the world-class museums and galleries or experience Glasgow’s famous hospitality first hand at one of the many sporting and entertainment venues in the city. Follow the River Clyde and there’s just as much to explore, from the region’s important heritage to its stunning landscapes.

Known as the Gateway to the Highlands, Stirling and the Trossachs is steeped in Scottish history. From snow-capped Munros to serene lochs and lush forests, the landscapes around Stirling and the Trossachs have inspired visitors for centuries. With vibrant towns and villages, important landmarks, great architecture, stunning natural beauty and plenty of modern charms, Stirling and the Trossachs offers an irresistible blend of Scotland’s past and present.

Argyll and the Isles have rich coastal landscapes and Highland scenery. This dynamic region on Scotland’s west coast is home to charming seaside villages and towns, incredible seafood, world renowned whisky distilleries and rugged landscapes. Explore the dramatic coastlines of Skye, hop on a ferry in the seaside town of Oban or enjoy the history and architecture in Helensburgh – the clear waters, empty beaches and rolling hills of Argyll & The Isles offer adventure.

Ayrshire and Arran are situated on Scotland’s west coast. Ayrshire and Arran is a region characterised by its rolling hills, varied coastlines, picturesque islands and unspoilt beaches. Nature is just the beginning of Ayrshire and Arran’s charms; magnificent castles, historic buildings, cultural attractions and a close proximity to Glasgow all make this beguiling region one worth exploring.

Dumfries and Galloway include rolling hills and babbling brooks to dense forests and wild coastal stretches. Dumfries & Galloway is the perfect backdrop for adventure. The stunning natural scenery has inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries; visitors can explore its proud heritage in Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, or Kirkcudbright, the Artists’ Town. Away from the hustle and bustle, the beautiful landscapes offer the opportunity to spot rare wildlife and explore the valleys and hills of Galloway Forest Park, one of Scotland’s most famous nature reserves.

Eastern Scotland, comprising the Borders, the Lothians, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, Fife and the former regions of Tayside and Grampian, includes the cities of Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. The principal geographic features comprise the valleys and estuaries of the eastward-flowing Rivers Tweed, Forth, Tay and Dee and extensive upland areas including the Grampian Mountains in the northern part of the region and the Lammermuir Hills south of Edinburgh (rising to 500 meters above sea level). The highest point is Ben Macdui (1309 meters) near the border of Grampian with Highland.

Edinburgh and the Lothians are home to Scotland’s historic capital city. Edinburgh and the Lothians is one of the most exciting regions in the country. From world-class cultural institutions and UNESCO World Heritage sites to award-winning restaurants and standout shopping, Edinburgh offers excitement and adventure at every turn. Stunning landscapes, charming towns and the majestic peaks of the Pentland Hills in the surrounding Lothians make it the perfect destination for exploring.

From pristine beaches to crumbling castles, exciting cultural attractions and ancient maritime heritage, Aberdeen City and Shire is one of the most vibrant regions in Scotland. At its heart, the city of Aberdeen is a cosmopolitan hub and bustling commercial centre. Widely regarded as the 'Oil Capital of Europe', Aberdeen’s proud heritage in the oil and gas industries have propelled it into the spotlight as a city of excellence where people from all over the world come to explore and do business.

The Kingdom of Fife is a historic region with a rich variety of villages and towns. For a compact region, the Kingdom of Fife is incredibly diverse; there are historic universities, world-renowned links golf courses, sweeping coastlines and miles of lush, green landscapes. From outdoor adventure to cultural pursuits, Fife’s array of charms makes it a playground for explorers and adventurers alike.

Dundee and Angus are some of Scotland’s most precious gems. The stunning region is home to pristine beaches, ancient forests, world class golf courses and miles of rolling hills. Guarding the banks of the River Tay is Dundee, the fourth largest city in Scotland and home to an array of unique heritage and urban charms. Further along the coast in Arbroath visitors can sample the famous Arbroath Smokies, or see Scotland’s history come to life at Arbroath Abby, where the declaration of Independence was signed in 1320.