The Mighty Northern Highlands

The massive, sparsely populated Northern Highlands of Scotland cover the whole of Scotland north of a line running northeast from the Kyle of Lochalse to Inverness.

It is a diverse region, with a geographically clear east to west division, the Mountains, moors and waters of the Western side offer a chance to pursue outdoor activities away from the busy crowds of holiday makers, contrasting with the small villages of the softer, more fertile land to the east. The rocky, boggy land, virtually uninhabited and traversed by few roads, has its own desolate beauty.

The arrival of the Vikings in the ninth century was of a very great importance. they called this area the South Land, from which the modern district of Sutherland takes its name, and established a sturdy clan system, with clansmen holding land owned by their chiefs in return for rent or service. After Culloden, the clearances emptied most of the inland glens of the far north, and left the population holding on to the coastline areas, where a massive fishing industry emerged.

Caithness area Scotland

The Wester Ross area, flanking the west coastal line up as far as the fishing town of Lochinver, is the most visited section of the region. Beyond here in the more remotest part of Sutherland, you will see much fewer visitors and get a true sense of isolation. the much flatter and more fertile east, Easter Ross does not have to depend on tourism, and the Black Isle, in particular North of Inverness is one of the richer farming areas, Further north of the Black Isle in the northeast region, away from the much busier John o’ Groats, Caithness is a deserted and unexplored region, consisting of one of the world acclaimed great wilderness areas.

The eastern half of the northern highlands is served by a decent public transport network, driving in this area is a joy with roads less busy than many other parts of Scotland, but do take care and fuel up well because service stations are much sparse in these areas. Holidays in the Northern Highlands are fantastic and you have the choice of lovely fishing villages to remote unknown areas that people rarely discover, you will certainly discover a true way of Highland life and feel like you have gone back in time when finding new roads and villages, some untouched by modern life, a great experience and a chance to have a very enjoyable and peaceful holiday.