Scotland
The United Kingdom
Scotland is one of the four countries that together form the United Kingdom. It is the northernmost of them, sharing a border with England to the south, the Irish Sea to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and the North Sea to the east. Culturally and historically, Scotland is one of the Celtic nations, which is why, in addition to English, both Scottish Gaelic and Scots are still spoken. The country has a population of 5.5 million and covers an area of around 78 000 square kilometres. Geographically, Scotland is divided into two main regions: the Lowlands in the east and the Highlands in the north. Its many islands are grouped into distinct archipelagos as well—The Hebrides in the Atlantic (divided into Inner and Outer), the Shetland Islands to the north, and the remote Orkney Islands even farther to the north.
Beyond these geographic and cultural features, Scotland is also home to the most changeable weather - perhaps the most unpredictable across the British and Irish Isles. The landscape is rugged and dramatic, with sheep often outnumbering people in many parts of the country.
The Highlands
The Highlands of Scotland are a land of untamed beauty. Rugged mountains, deep lochs, and vast moors stretch as far as the eye can see. The region is home to both changeable weather and thousands of animals, roaming freely in this wild region of the country.
The Lowlands
The Lowlands of Scotland are a land of soft hills, open fields, and winding rivers. Stretching from the Central Belt to the Borders, this region offers a gentler landscape shaped by rolling farmland and wide skies. It’s a quieter side of Scotland, where the major part of the people live.
The Hebrides
The Hebrides are remote and wildcgroup of islands off Scotland’s western coast where powerful nature rules. Stormy seas, rocky shores, and windswept moors, this is the place during all four seasons. The waters are deep and cold - once believed to be home to selkies and mermaids. Life here is quiet, and farming is number one income source for the locals. Sheep is the most common domestic animal on the islands, especially on Levis and Harris, and the largest one in the UK - Skye.
