Highland spans about 25,901 km² (10,000 sq mi) in Scotland.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Highland
The Highland area is the largest local authority region in Scotland, covering a vast and sparsely populated part of the north of the country. It is defined by its dramatic landscapes, including mountains, glens, lochs and an extensive coastline. Settlement is widely spread, with small towns, villages and remote communities shaped by geography, climate and long standing rural traditions.
The area includes towns such as Inverness, Fort William, Wick and Thurso, which act as important centres for services, transport and employment. Inverness serves as the main administrative and economic hub, while other towns developed around fishing, agriculture and local trade. Although modern industries and tourism now play a larger role, many communities remain closely tied to the land and sea.
The Highland region is particularly associated with outdoor activity and natural heritage, with walking, climbing and wildlife observation forming part of everyday life for many residents. Rivers, lochs and upland areas shape both the landscape and local culture. Overall, the Highlands offer a calm and enduring mix of remote rural living, natural beauty and strong regional identity, giving the area a distinctive and deeply rooted place within Scotland.
Highland at a Glance
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Highland?
Highland has a population of about 229,318 people, at a density of 9 per square kilometre.
Largest Towns in Highland 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Highland stretches from 0 ft at Achina up to 1,240 ft at Foregin, a span of 1,240 ft across 1,127 towns and villages. This reflects dramatic upland terrain, with a substantial climb from the lowest to the highest places.
Main Towns in Highland 60
Highland has 1,127 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Highland.
Postcode Areas in Highland 5
Highland is served by 5 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.