Scotland’s landscapes

Scotland’s location and landscape were critical elements in shaping Scotland’s history and character.

The border with England  stretches for 96 miles from the east to the west coast and across rolling moorland and hills that were fought over by raiding armies in times long ago. In the north, the Uplands give way to the populous central belt of Scotland. While in the cities the hills are never far away – they’re even visible from the walls of Edinburgh Castle.

Explore the breathtakingly beautiful Highlands  and you’ll be struck by the sheer variety of landscapes on offer. Admire an array of magnificent views from the steep, soaring slopes which hem in Glencoe to the lonely plateau of the Cairngorms which overlooks part of your journey to Inverness, capital of the Highlands. 

Some of the oldest rocks on the planet lie to the north of Scotland – an elemental and unforgettable landscape. The archipelago of Orkney, with its northern tip only 400 or so miles from the Border at Gretna, is situated at the top of the mainland, while Shetland is not far from Norway. These island groupings feel very different – long summer days with twilight instead of night, northern bird species and a Norse heritage in words and music all add to their unique flavour.

Scotland offers an astonishing variety of landscape for such a small country. Why not find out more about our cities and regions? No matter what season you choose to visit, you are sure to find a wealth of things to see and do.

VisitScotland runs a Green Tourism Business Scheme encouraging tourism businesses to be environmentally friendly so that you can rest assured that you are helping to keep the country beautiful as you travel around.