The two main towns in this region are Aberdeen which is situated on the East coast, and Inverness which can be found on the Moray Firth.

The imposing grey stone granite buildings in Aberdeen give the city its name of "Granite City". Aberdeen has always been a prosperous city - initially because of its trading and fishing port, and more recently because of the North Sea oil centre that it has become.

There are many maritime-connected attractions to visit in Aberdeen, along with a lively nightlife.

Inverness is known as the capital of the Highlands. It is an attractive city with a castle situated high above the River Ness.

There are strong links with the Royal Family in Northern Scotland with Glamis Castle and Balmoral Castle.

The village of Ballater near Balmoral supplies the Castle with all manner of provisions, so all the tiny shops in this pretty Deeside village show "By Appointment" crests.

The Islands off Northern Scotland have a very high density of standing stones and pre-historic settlements - Skara Brae Prehistoric Village and the Maes Howe Chambered Cairn on Orkney, the Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, and Mousa Broch in the Shetland Isles are fine examples.

There is an attractive touring route around Northern Scotland encompassing the Scotch Whisky distilleries, mostly concentrated on Speyside.

Northern Scotland has many wonderful castles to be found in beautiful and often dramatic settings - Castle Fraser near Inverurie, Drum Castle, Crathes Castle and Craigievar Castle are all within easy reach of Aberdeen. There is even a castle which is also a lighthouse at the Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse!

Attractions in Northern Scotland

Towns in Northern Scotland