Home / Inspire / Themes

Themes

From the thrill of surfing the North Coast waters to gentle strolls through mountain passes, explore our stories across 7 themes and discover the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands.

Row of brightly coloured surfboards lie on sandy beach.

The magnificent Highlands and Islands are made for adventure. From Munro-bagging to sea-kayaking, rock climbing to sailing or wild swimming, all kinds of exciting new challenges await here.

Community and Culture

Row of pastel coloured beach huts sit on a grassy verge.

Tradition rings true here, whether in language, music, or song, and it continues to play a big part in the vibrant contemporary culture that can be enjoyed right across the Highlands and Islands today.

Plate of bread, oils, salad, salmon, cheese and oatcakes.

The Highlands and Islands serve up a truly mouth-watering array of food and drink experiences. From tastings of local specialities to distillery and brewery tours, it is a land of sensory sensations.

History, Heritage and Archaeology

Four large standing stones in a row at the Ring of Brodgar. Dark clouds strewn the sky above the stones as the sun sets behind the stones.

The dramatic sweep of history merges with the landscape across the Highlands and Islands. It is easy to travel back through time here, journeying from battlefields to brochs, castles to churches.

Music and the Arts

A pottery workshop display with clay cups and plates in grey.

Extensively celebrated visually on film and TV, the Highlands and Islands are also home to a broad range of creative artists – across all genres from music and theatre to painting and photography.

Bridge above dam overlooks a rocky loch lined with pine trees and heading towards a hilly backdrop.

If there is one thing the Highlands and Islands are world famous for it’s the landscape and scenery. From mountain to coast, from loch to river, this is a wild land of beauty, nature and discovery.

Science and Innovation

Metal tubes with holes circle around the image to give an inside view of a water turning mechanism.

In the Highlands and Islands, the links between the landscape and innovation are strong. From dams to canals, and from energy hubs to fishing ports, environment and development are intertwined.