The Highlands
Known for their magnificent beauty, the Scottish Highlands expose spectacular views of its hills, 720 square miles, stretching from the Lowlands to Highlands. Eilean Donan is an iconic castle on a small island in the Highlands. It is recognised by people all over the world and surrounded by three great sea lochs. The Trossachs is a the first National Park of Scotland. It was the first of the two national parks established by the Scottish Parliament in 2002, the second being the Cairngorms National Park.
The Highlands captured in beautiful watercolour
Eileah Donah
As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle is recognised all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands. Eilean Donan was involved in many raids and sieges, reduced to rubble and authentically reconstructed to its medieval state in the mid 1900's. Several of the rooms are open to the public, including the billeting room, with 14-foot thick walls and a barrel vaulted ceiling, and the banqueting hall, with fine Sheraton and Chippendale furniture.
North Uist
Is an island and community in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. North Uist is a landscape of fresh and salt water lochs bordered on its western side by miles of sandy beaches, and cultivated crofts. North Uist is very popular with walkers, bird watchers, motor homers and cyclists alike. On the west side of the island the road follows the machair, (the fertile coastal grassland bordering the sand dunes), whilst the eastern side is mainly water. This area is a fisherman’s and bird watchers paradise.
Barra
Is an island in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, and the second southernmost inhabited island there, after the adjacent island of Vatersay to which it is connected by a short causeway. In 2011, the population was 1,174. Gaelic is widely spoken, and at the 2011 Census, there were 761 Gaelic speakers (62% of the population).
Harris
Is the southern and more mountainous part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Although not an island itself, Harris is often referred to as the Isle of Harris. It is a beautiful island of contrasts with spectacular scenery and a unique unspoilt atmosphere. In the west are vast expanses of white sand whilst the north and east are rugged, rocky places which make you think you have reached the moon.
Glencoe
Is a village in western Scotland. It lies in steep-sided Glencoe valley, in the Scottish Highlands. The area is known for waterfalls and trails that climb peaks such as Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean nam Bian. In the village, Glencoe Folk Museum occupies 18th-century thatched cottages, with displays on local heritage and the Glencoe massacre of 1692. Wildlife in the area includes red deer and golden eagles.
The Trossachs
Generally refers to an area of wooded glens and braes with quiet lochs, lying to the east of Ben Lomond in the Stirling council area of Scotland. Sir Walter Scott later visited the area's wild little glens and was so enthralled that he wrote his epic poem The Lady of the Lake (1810) about a girl who lived here. This work was a phenomenon - it became the first international bestseller. The Trossachs became a haven for those seeking romantic beauty with Wordsworth, Coleridge and many famous artists also visiting the area.
