
Making
up the northernmost part of Great Britain, Scotland occupies
an area of 78,772 square
kilometres and is home to 5.2 million people. Despite its official
union with England and Wales in 1707, Scotland always maintained
an independent national identity and with the election of a Labour
government in 1997, the dream of an independent Scotland began
to seem less remote. The Labour government has already granted
limited Scottish devolution. The highlands of Scotland are home
to Britain’s highest mountains and to its most popular skiing
area. Inexpressively beautiful, the highlands are one of Europe’s
last great wildernesses. Characterized by towering mountains, mysterious
lochs, windswept moors and fragrant heather, it is a place to go
to feel the wind in your hair and to experience nature at its powerful
best. Climb Ben Nevis, visit Scotland’s most famous glen
- Glencoe - or go in search of the Loch Ness Monster.