The thinly-populated Scottish Highlands are a delight for the eyes, with an abundance of natural surroundings and a wealth of cultural richness. The vast area sweeps across large swathes of northern Scotland and contains sandy beaches, dizzying cliffs, sky-scraping mountains, rural communities, highland glens and placid lochs. It is home to popular and well-known destinations such as Inverness which is effectively the regional capital, Fort William, the Isle of Skye, Aviemore which is part of the Cairngorms National Park, John O’Groats – the place where all the longest journeys begin – and Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom.

The Highland, home to some 250,000 people, are known as a good holiday destination thanks to their diversity and their picture postcard sights and vistas. There is such a depth of culture, history, heritage and attraction throughout, making it suitable for all sorts of visitor, whether they venture to the north for skiing, walking, sports or sight-seeing.

While there are contemporary aspects in terms of art, music, fashion and food, the area is famed for its traditions. What’s more, its wide geographical spread ensures a range of climates which allow for bounteous wildlife and delicate plants as well as palm trees. Perhaps more famously recognisable symbols are tartan, kilts, bagpipes as well as the likes of the Highland Games and the fast-flowing sport shinty. During your time in the region you may also come across some traditional festivals and events that involve ceilidhs, crofts, peat smoke and porridge.

The Gaelic language still survives in the Highlands too. It came into being during the medieval times until influences from the Saxons and the English entered the region. The language is still widely used today, with bi-lingual signs being the most obvious reminder of this part of the country’s heritage.

Amid the mountain landscapes and vast lakes you will inevitably come across historic monuments giving you a glimpse into the region’s past. There are ancient stone piles such as those at Clava and Corrimony, stone settings at Caithness and Sutherland, defensive towers known as Brochs at Glenelg and impressive stone castles such as that at Urquhart.

Other natural aspects can be found in the pinewoods of Speyside, the Clo Mor Cliffs which are the highest mainland cliffs around the British Isles, the stacks of Duncansby and the famous Old Man of Storr. There is an abundance of wildlife around the Highlands; there are seals, otters, seabirds, red squirrels, golden eagles, pine martens and bottle-nosed dolphins, for example. The Scottish Highlands are indeed a paradise for the senses and a feast for the eyes.