Physical Characteristics of Scotland: Further Information

Scotland is divided into three main regions; the Highlands, the Midland Valley and the Southern Uplands. The cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee together with numerous towns, most of the population and the majority of Scotland's industry is located within the Midland Valley. This broad valley averages 50 miles across and runs WSW to ENE across the centre of the country. It is geologically distinct from the surrounding regions, being composed of Devonian Old Red Sandstone, peppered with ancient volcanoes, as against the older sedimentary rocks forming the Southern Uplands or the ancient metamorphic melange, comprising the Highlands to the north.

Scotland includes 787 islands, of which most belong to groups known as the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. Only 62 exceed three square miles in area.

Of 26 rivers flowing directly into the sea, the most significant are listed.

The Rivers Clyde, Forth and Tay open into significant estuaries and support three of the major cities of Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee respectively).

Scotland is well known for its mountainous and beautiful scenery. Much of the upland within the UK is contained within the borders of Scotland, along with the highest peaks. The highest mountains in Scotland are listed.

Scotland is also noted for its lochs (this name is generally used for lakes in Scotland). Much of the west coast of the country is intersected by Sea Lochs, the longest of which, Loch Fyne, penetrates more than 40 miles inland. Notable fresh-water lochs include Loch Ness (the one with the Monster!). Further information is available.

The Scottish Weather

The Scottish Weather (forecasts, images, snow conditions)

Significant rivers, mountains and lochs in Scotland

Scotland's Rivers

Tay (188 Km or 117 miles long)
Spey (177 Km or 110 miles)
Clyde (170 Km or 106 miles)
Tweed (154 Km or 96 miles)
Dee (154 Km or 96 miles)
Don (132 Km or 82 miles)
Forth (106 Km or 66 miles)
(The length quoted is until the River Forth meets its headwaters, its full length is 187 Km or 116 miles, and it is tidal for 85 Km or 53 miles)

Scotland's Mountains

Ben Nevis (1343m or 4406 feet high)
Ben Macdhui (1309m or 4296 feet)
Braeriach (1296m or 4252 feet)
Cairntoul (1293m or 4241 feet)
Cairngorm (1245m or 4084 feet)
Ben Lawers (1214m or 3984 feet)

Scotland's Lochs

Loch Lomond (27 sq. miles in area)
Mean depth is 37m (121 feet) and maximum depth is 190m (623 feet).
Loch Ness (21.8 sq. miles)
Mean depth is 132m (433 feet) and maximum depth is 230m (754 feet).
Loch Awe (14.8 sq. miles)
Mean depth is 32m (105 feet) and maximum depth is 93m (307 feet).