The Highlands Destination Guide

Overview of The Highlands The Highlands of contain some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. A timeless wonderland, where roads and railways cut through breath-taking mountain landscapes, past deep and mysterious lochs, through the world's finest whisky-producing regions, and up to the highest peaks in Britain. The Highlands are suffused with the romance and grit of the clans, and nowhere in the country is it clearer that the Scottish have a proud, ancient culture, independent of the rest of the . The city of is the gateway to the . It is a very attractive place, built alongside the , which has a rich history palpable in its ruins, museums and the important battle sites just outside the city. It is the northernmost city in the UK and a delightful travel base for visitors hoping to explore the north of Scotland. The deep and dramatic Loch Ness, a short journey from Inverness, is the legendary home of the mythical and attracts thousands of visitors every year, all eager to catch a glimpse of 'Nessie' or just enjoy the stunning scenery around the loch. Off the coast, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands with their rugged and dramatic scenery, reveal ancient settlements and unspoilt insights into the ancient history of Scotland. A visit to this highland wilderness, despite predictably unpredictable weather, ignites a very basic pleasure and can be a glorious and refreshing experience. The Highlands are a haven for hikers, with some superb, remote walking trails.

Key Facts

Language: English is the official language, though visitors will be astonished by the variety of regional accents. Passport/Visa: If a visa is not required, travellers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the UK; nationals of the EU require a passport valid on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. For visitors who are visa exempt up to a maximum stay of 6 months, the period of stay will be determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival. Currency: The currency is the British Pound (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in almost all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks. Electricity: The electrical current in the UK is 240 volts, 50Hz. Flat, three-pin plugs are standard.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to The Highlands Climate for The Highlands The climate in the Scottish Highlands is generally cool, damp and cloudy, but daily weather is unpredictable. The Highlands are prone to short winter days and very long summer evenings. January and February are the coldest months, averaging 37°F (3°C), and summer has average temperatures of 55°F (13°C) during its warmest months of July and August. Temperatures can be extreme in the Highlands, with a record winter low of -16°F (-27°C), and a record summer high of 87°F (31°C). There are significant variations in temperature according to altitude, with lower temperatures and more rain and snow on high ground. The Highlands have a rainy climate, with sporadic showers possible at any time of year, but autumn and winter are generally the wettest seasons. December is the gloomiest, darkest month, and May and June are the sunniest. Snow is possible between November and April. The Scottish Highlands are at their prime between May and August and the best months to visit are May and June, which are the sunniest months, enjoying long daylight hours and less rain than the colder months on average. Health Notes when travelling to United Kingdom There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the UK and food and water can be considered safe. The British National Health Service is excellent, while a number of countries have reciprocal health agreements with the UK including Australia, New Zealand and EU countries. Visitors from other countries such as Canada, South Africa and the United States are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Safety Notes when travelling to United Kingdom It is generally safe to travel throughout the UK. Customs in United Kingdom Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone new. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including pubs, restaurants and public transport. Queue barging is frowned upon and there is strict etiquette on escalators: stand on the right, walk on the left. Visitors may find Londoners more rushed and less friendly than locals in other parts of the country, particularly on London transport where tourists are often the only people who talk. Duty Free in United Kingdom When arriving from a non-EU country, travellers can bring the following goods into the UK tax or duty free: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 4 litres of still table wine, 16 litres of beer, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs or 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other alcoholic beverages of less than 22 per cent volume, £340 worth of all other goods including perfume and souvenirs. When travelling from another EU country to the UK visitors do not have to pay tax or duty on goods purchased in said EU country provided tax was included in the purchase price, the items are for personal use and have been transported to the UK by the visitor, and do not exceed 3,200 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 3kg of smoking tobacco, 110 litres of beer, 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine and 20 litres of fortified wine. Note that although Gibraltar is part of the EU, it is outside the Community Customs territory and allowances for outside the EU therefore apply. In the case of Cyprus, only goods under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus are treated as EU imports.

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Doing Business in United Kingdom The four countries of the United Kingdom, although culturally and historically different, generally keep to the same business practices. Politeness and punctuality are key to good business relations and initial meetings are often conducted formally and impersonally, becoming more open and social as things progress. Business cards are exchanged at introductions, and dress is formal with dark suits preferred. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch. The communication style can be difficult to adjust to: the British people respect politeness to a point that often obscures their ability to say exactly what they mean. As a result, travelling business people may need to learn to 'read between the lines' and to take cues from tone of voice and facial expression. Humour is also an integral part of the British system of communication, and is used to diffuse a tense situation and to cultivate relationships. Never assume that an attempt at humour undermines a person's ability to do their job, or discredits the importance they attach to a deal or negotiation. Furthermore, don't be fooled into thinking that the British propensity for irony and sarcasm equates with an informal work environment. Be tactful during meetings, avoid becoming emotional and illustrate your experience with the subject at-hand. Performance and initiative are looked upon favourably, whereas academic pretension is given far less credence. Meetings are often used as platforms for debate, rather than moments of confirmation, so don't be surprised if not much progress is made. Be sure to respect and appeal to all parties involved as the British have recently begun to take a far flatter approach to management and the responsibility of decision-making. And if things go well, purchase a pint or two for your clients or colleagues; though gifts are borderline inappropriate, a round of drinks will rarely be refused. Communication in United Kingdom The international country dialling code for the UK is +44. Mobile phone coverage is extensive and free wifi is widely available in pubs and coffee shops. Tipping in United Kingdom Tips of 10 to 15 percent are expected in restaurants and upmarket hotels in the UK if a service charge hasn't been included. Hotel service staff receive an optional amount, while taxi drivers are usually given 10 to 15 percent of the fare. Tipping bartenders isn't expected, and tipping for other services is discretionary. Passport/Visa Note If a visa is not required, travellers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the UK; nationals of the EU require a passport valid on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. For visitors who are visa exempt up to a maximum stay of 6 months, the period of stay will be determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival.

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Attractions in The Highlands The Highlands are home to Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in Britain, the mysterious Loch Ness, some fascinating historic battlefields and the hauntingly beautiful Isle of Skye. The common theme of almost all the main attractions in the north of Scotland is the breath-taking natural scenery, which is primarily what lures visitors from all over the world to this sparsely populated, wild and rugged region of the UK. Even the genuinely interesting history and culture of the Scottish clans seems to be part of the Highland landscapes; each battle, betrayal and stronghold made romantic and meaningful by the beauty that forms its backdrop. The top attractions of the Highlands are therefore the walking trails, mountain tracks, coastal paths and railway routes which traverse the lovely region, allowing travellers to fully experience the open, majestic scenery which has enchanted so many already. Inverness and Fort William both make convenient travel bases in the Highlands, and the many old fishing villages along the coast can fill a holiday by themselves. The rugged coastline of northern Scotland is worth exploring by boat, car or on foot, and the many islands scattered along the coast are alluring and mysterious, often containing ancient ruins and featuring in local folklore.

Loch Ness Loch Ness is situated in the that links Inverness on the east coast to Fort William in the west. The most famous lake is 24 miles (39km) long, half a mile (1km) wide and 700ft (213m) deep and is home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster (affectionately called Nessie), which many claim to have glimpsed from the shore, despite the ongoing scepticism of scientists. There are fine walks around the mountains and glens that surround the loch and many head for the scenic ruins of or the Nessie exhibition at . The four lochs that make up the Great Glen are linked by the , which was built in the early 1800s to enable ships to pass from the to the Atlantic without having to navigate Scotland's harsh north coast. The most traditional and comfortable way to travel along the glen is by boat, and a flotilla of canoes, yachts and cruising boats are available for hire in Inverness and Fort William. The more energetic may opt to walk or cycle along the 70-mile (113km) . The walk will take four to seven days. Whether for the enticing mystery of the monster or the stunning natural beauty of the area, travellers relish a visit to Loch Ness. Website: http://www.loch-ness.org

Northern Highlands Beyond Inverness and the Great Glen, Scotland stretches away in a spectacular fusion of wooded glens, sweeping moors, rugged coasts, towering mountains and welcoming villages. The Northern Highlands includes both the rich farmland of the Black Isle and the precipitous sea cliffs of Cape Wrath. The traditional crofting communities of North West Sutherland, the busy towns of Easter Ross, the historic fishing villages of Caithness, the wooded hills of Mid Ross, the popular beaches of East Sutherland and the majestic mountains of Wester Ross are all contained in the Northern Highlands. Due to its remoteness, this huge area is largely overlooked by tourists despite having some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Europe. The Northern Highlands are a paradise for those seeking out solitude and active outdoor pursuits in breath-taking landscapes. There are ancient archaeological sites and a number of quality heritage centres around Caithness and along the northern coast, dealing with the rich clan history and Viking heritage of the region. The Northern Highlands seem designed for walkers and hikers and the patchwork of beautiful lochs in the northwest attract fishermen. Golf, cycling and water-sports are also popular activities, with a number of great boat trips exploring the rugged coastline. Website: http://www.visithighlands.com/northern-scottish-highlands/

Ben Nevis The highest peak on the , Ben Nevis, affectionately known as 'The Ben' among locals, is an extremely popular destination for serious mountaineers and intrepid hikers alike. Located near the charming town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, the imposing igneous cliffs of Ben Nevis dominate the skyline and offer an irresistible challenge to active types looking to conquer Britain's most intimidating climb. The cliffs of the mountain are ideal for climbers and are also one of the UK's best ice climbing sites. There are two main routes up the mountain: the Mountain Track, which is geared for experienced climbers, and features a thrilling ascent up craggy 700 metre (2,300 feet) cliffs on the mountain's north face; and the gentler Glen Nevis route, which is suited to fit hikers, and follows a steep track up the mountain's south face. On the summit of Ben Nevis, the ruins of an old observatory (abandoned since 1904) can be found, and the views are immense, rugged and spectacular. At the foot of the mountain, the famous and popular Ben Nevis Distillery can be found near Victoria Bridge (a little ways north of Fort William), providing an interesting excursion for malt whisky enthusiasts. Address: Scottish Highlands, near Fort William

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Website: http://www.ben-nevis.com

Isle of Skye Linked to the mainland by the Skye Bridge in 1995, the Isle of Skye is the most scenic and easily accessible of Scotland's many islands and attracts thousands of visitors on holiday each year. The weather is unpredictable, but when the sun shines there are few more beautiful places in Europe. It is an island of rough textures, soft colours and fine light that whispers of romance and escape. It was from the Isle of Skye that Flora Macdonald helped Bonne Prince Charlie escape to France and it is said that they had a short relationship. There is a display on the escape at the Skye Museum of Island Life, and Flora Macdonald's grave lies nearby. Towards the west of the island is Dunvegan Castle, home to the chiefs of MacLeod for over 700 years, and the Isle of Skye's most famous historical landmark. It has some fascinating exhibits, lovely gardens and a restaurant. Despite a rich and cruel history, which includes Viking invasions and bitter clan feuds, the Isle of Skye has retained its strong traditions and has a thriving Gaelic culture; the majority of the population still speak Gaelic as their first language. The Isle of Skye lies on the northwest coast of Scotland, about 250 miles (402km) by car from Edinburgh.

Fort William Sitting on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is the gateway to some of the Highlands' finest natural attractions and is a natural stop-off for those heading up to the north of Scotland. Ben Nevis is just to the south of the town and at 4406ft (1,344m) is Britain's highest mountain. It is a very popular challenge for walkers, but should not be taken lightly. Although the mountain is not massive by international standards, the walk starts near sea level. Climbers should also be prepared for the unpredictable Scottish weather that can quickly turn to sub-arctic temperatures at any time of year. The striking scenery of Aviemore, Cairngorm and Glencoe is nearby; in winter, the area opens for skiing for those happy to brave the regular blizzards. Fort William is also a good starting point for the West Highland Way, a footpath that runs along the West coast down to Glasgow. Another outdoor activity popular in the region is mountain biking, and there are some renowned downhill tracks near Fort William. As the name suggests, Fort William also has a rather tumultuous military history.The town is now a peaceful summer holiday retreat that offers a selection of hotels, cafes, shops and restaurants.

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Events in The Highlands Highland Games Thursday July 01, 2021 to Thursday September 30, 2021 (July to September annually) Where: A truly Scottish experience, the Highland Games that take place between June and September each year should feature in all travel itineraries. The first Highland Games were held more than a thousand years ago, prompted by clan chiefs and kings. Events served a variety of sporting, martial and religious purposes. The Clan Chiefs used the games to recruit people; race winners made good messengers at a time when there were no proper roads, the strongest men were employed as bodyguards and the pick of the dancers and pipers were also chosen as entertainers. Men of the villages and parishes gathered annually; on what was often their only holiday, to test their strength and ability against each other using the 'tools' of their trades. Hence throwing hammers, putting rounded stones, lifting heaving weights and tossing tree trunks (tossing the caber) became the order of the day. Playing bagpipes and dancing were both incorporated into proceedings to give warriors heart for battles or to celebrate victories. Today all the same events take place, but it is all for entertainment and visitors are welcome to join in many of the competitions. Most towns in the Highlands hold their own games, some are larger than others, but all have the same friendly village fete atmosphere and are entertaining for adults and children alike. The cities of Inverness and Aberdeen both host wonderful Highland Games.

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Currency The currency is the British Pound (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in almost all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks.

Exchange rate for 1 GBP - U.K. Pound Sterling 1.44 BMD 1.29 EUR 1.44 USD 157.02 JPY 1.89 CAD 1.43 CHF Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc 1.99 AUD 36.20 UAH 486.92 KZT 2,171.18 LBP 1.03 LYD 9.89 BOB Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar Bolivian Boliviano 155.55 NPR 0.55 OMR 5.25 QAR 1.98 SGD 11.95 SEK 9.56 TTD Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona Trinidad Tobago Dollar 14.39 VEF 66.08 DOP 9.69 HRK 26.87 MXN 845.36 XOF 4.56 PGK Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc Papua New Guinean kina 1.44 BSD 3.04 FJD 32.64 HNL 159.37 DZD 1,717.68 MMK 16.13 BWP Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat Botswana Pula 4.86 PEN 999.96 CLP 689.35 AMD 34.85 CZK 28.81 MDL 179.20 ISK Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 4,237.21 UZS 5.56 ILS 1.02 JOD 0.44 KWD 45.20 UYU 51.21 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 41.11 NIO 12.03 NOK 5.65 PLN 5.41 SAR 210.53 LKR 51.35 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 5.30 AED 5.18 BRL 5.84 RON 11.20 HKD 847.28 XAF 32,404.98 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 20.11 ARS 3.89 XCD 11.29 GTQ 14.09 MAD 0.54 BHD 1.44 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 2.16 AZN 4,495.39 COP 98.48 KGS 403.37 HUF 11.35 TJS 19,728.88 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 12.80 EGP 1,717.38 KRW 8,174.41 PYG 6.00 MYR 776.79 CRC 2.11 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 151.02 PKR 96.31 RUB 22.50 ZAR 3.06 TND 2.88 BBD 2.52 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 4.25 TRY 67.22 PHP 47.03 TWD 283.32 NGN 154.49 XPF 5.64 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 180.12 JMD 2.60 ANG 1.98 BND 159.41 RSD 9.49 CNY 28,690.50 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 9.59 DKK 4.95 TMT 96.98 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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