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Flower of Scotland

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Scotland weather, climate and geography

Weather & climate

Best time to visit: 

Scotland is generally colder than the rest of the UK, especially in the more northerly regions. The west tends to be wetter and warmer than the cool, dry east. In upland areas, snow is common in winter, and fog and mist may occur at any time of year.

Springtime sees the Highlands wake from their barren winter slumber, and come alive with wild flowers and fresh green shoots; August sees a striking landscape dripping in purple Scottish heather; autumn brings a rush of gold and crimson leaves.

Required clothing: 

Similar to the rest of the UK, according to season. Waterproofing advised throughout the year and warm clothing for the Highlands.

Geography

The country consists of the southern Lowland area, a region of moorland and pastoral scenery - where most of the population is concentrated - and the northern Highlands, dominated by the Grampian Mountains and Ben Nevis (1,344m/4,140ft), the highest peak in the British Isles.

The whole of the exceedingly beautiful coastline is indented with lochs (particularly in the north and west). Off the west coast there are many islands, the largest of which are Skye and Lewis, the latter being part of the Outer Hebrides. The Orkney and Shetland Islands lie to the northeast of the Scottish mainland, across the Pentland Firth from John O'Groats.

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