| King Brude ruled the Picts, the earliest people,
from a fortress on Craig Phadrig, overlooking Inverness. Chambered cairns, stone circles
and the remains of duns and crannogs pepper the Highlands, marking burials, the activities
of the mysterious Druids and community
defences. There are many historic places to see in
the Highlands The Scots arrived from Ireland in
the sixth century. They established Dalriada
(The Kingdom of the Scots) in Argyll and moved north to introduce the Gaelic language,
which gives much of today's Highlands a special flavour and plays a vital role in the
region's culture.
The Vikings, fierce
invaders of the ninth century, became farmers and fishers and left an indelible mark.
Place names including -ster, deriving from the Norse word bolstathr meaning homestead,
portray their heritage in Caithness where Scandinavian links are celebrated in the annual
Northlands Festival.
As the clan system developed,
feuds led to often bloody strife and the building of great castles from which the Clan
Chiefs controlled their lands. The Battle of
Culloden, however, signalled the end of the clan system. It was followed by the
infamous Highland Clearances, particularly in
Sutherland. Sheep became more valuable than people, who were forcibly moved from the land.
Highlanders value their land, heritage and culture, and are
keen to share them with visitors. You will discover fascinating museums and interpretative
centres presenting Highland history and enjoy
traditional ceilichs which relate romance and bygone events in story, song and music.
You will enjoy an unrivalled bounty from land and sea -
venison and grouse from the high moors, salmon and trout from the rushing rivers and
succulent shellfish which, in many places, reach your dinner table soon after being landed
in front of your hotel or guest house. The agriculture of the area also produces high
quality ingredients for a range of vegetarian dishes.
Enjoy walking the glens,
mountains, lochs, coasts and islands which are home to a range of wildlife probably unmatched in
Europe. Seals bask on rocky outcrops, stags roam the hills under the all seeing eyes of
golden eagles, ospreys take fish in front of envious anglers and skua, gannet, fulmar and
puffin wheel around cliffs accessible in some instances by foot or boat. When you visit the Isle of Skye and the land of
Lochalsh you will find historic castles and standing stones, craft shops and old croft
museums.
The Highlands of Scotland is renowned as one of the last
great unspoiled areas of Europe. It offers a holiday adventure you will want to repeat.
Take a closer look at the Highlands - you will enjoy the
adventure.
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