scottish+Highland

=** Highlands **=

The Highlands is the part of Scotland which reflects perfectly most people's romantic image of Scotland. The main towns are Inverness and Fort William, which lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. North from here stretches a dramatic shoreline of deep sea lochs and sheltered coves of pure white sand backed by towering mountains Iverness is the largest town in the region and 'capital of the Highlands'.

. Before the 19th century the Highlands was home to a much larger population, but due to a combination of factors including the outlawing of the traditional Highland way of life, and mass migration to urban areas during the Industrial Revolution, the area is now one of the most sparsely populated in Europe. The Highlands are home to a quarter of a million people living in communities spread throughout the area. From the vibrant city of Inverness to remote crofting communities and sparsely populated islands. What these communities do have in common and something that is particularly apparent to visitors is that they are all part of an area which is culturally distinct - influenced by our often violent history, a strong cultural heritage, and the Gaelic language. The natural world is also different - the varied climate leads to a wide range of habitats and the relatively sparse population makes this the premier area in Britain, if not in Europe for wildlife.

There is lot of small citys and hotels in The Highlands, and it is a wonderful holiday destination**.**

When it comes to icons of that culture, the Highlands are favoured with some instantly recognisable symbols, such as tartans, kilts and pipe bands - all coming together in Highland Games. Meanwhile, venison, salmon, haggis and other traditional foods are still very much a feature on menus. Then there the images of the Highlands themselves - the environment of lochs, mountains and glens, every bit as vivid and breathtaking as the postcards suggest, while along with these come the traditional pursuits such as angling or golf - all easily accessible and all genuinely Highland experiences .