Northwest Highlands

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The Northwest Highlands are the northern third of Scotland that is separated from the Grampian Mountains by the Great Glen (Glen More). The Caledonian Canal runs in this boundary with the rest of the country which extends from Loch Linnhe in the west, to the Moray Firth.

The Highlands are formed on Lewisian gneiss, the oldest layers of rock in Scotland. Suilven, Cul Mor, Cul Beag and Quinag are just some of the impressive rock islands of dark red or gray Torridonian sandstone which project out of the gneiss. Some of the peaks such as Beinn Eighe and Canisp are topped with light gray or white Cambrian quartzite.

The city of Inverness is known as the "Capital of the Highlands" and is by far the largest settlement in the region. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area.