Ross, Skye and Lochaber

Ross, Skye and Lochaber is a council area in the Scottish Highlands, comprising the historic counties of Ross-shire, Inverness-shire, and parts of Argyllshire and Sutherland. The region is bounded by the Moray Firth to the east, the North Sea to the northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and northwest, and is home to the University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness College, and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. The area is also close to the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen Way, and is served by Inverness Airport and Kyle of Lochalsh railway station.

Geography

The geography of Ross, Skye and Lochaber is characterized by rugged mountains, glens, and lochs, including Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, and Loch Duich. The region is home to several National Scenic Areas, including the Kintail National Scenic Area and the Cuillin Hills National Scenic Area, and is bounded by the A87 road and the A82 road. The area is also close to the Isle of Skye, Isle of Raasay, and Isle of Eigg, and is served by CalMac Ferries and NorthLink Ferries. The region's landscape has been shaped by the actions of British Geological Survey, Scottish Natural Heritage, and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

History

The history of Ross, Skye and Lochaber is marked by the presence of Picts, Vikings, and Clans, including the Clan MacLeod, Clan MacKenzie, and Clan Cameron. The region was also home to several Jacobite risings, including the Jacobite rising of 1745 and the Battle of Culloden, and was visited by Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Flora MacDonald. The area is also close to the Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, and Cawdor Castle, and is served by the Highland Museum, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and the West Highland Museum.

Economy

The economy of Ross, Skye and Lochaber is driven by tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy, with several major employers including Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, Highland Council, and NHS Highland. The region is also home to several small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those in the food and drink sector, such as Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich, and is supported by organizations such as Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government. The area is also close to the Inverness Campus, University of the Highlands and Islands, and the Centre for Health Science.

Tourism

Tourism is a significant sector in the economy of Ross, Skye and Lochaber, with several major attractions including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Eilean Donan Castle. The region is also home to several festivals and events, including the Hebridean Celtic Festival, Blas Festival, and the Inverness Highland Games, and is served by VisitScotland and the Highland Tourism Association. The area is also close to the North Coast 500, Great Glen Way, and the West Highland Way, and is supported by organizations such as the Scottish Youth Hostels Association and the Hostelling Scotland.

Culture

The culture of Ross, Skye and Lochaber is rich and diverse, with several major festivals and events, including the Hebridean Celtic Festival and the Blas Festival. The region is also home to several Gaelic-speaking communities, including those in Skye and Lochalsh, and is supported by organizations such as Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Gaelic Development Agency. The area is also close to the Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and the Highland Archive Centre, and is served by the BBC Scotland and the STV.

Politics

The politics of Ross, Skye and Lochaber are represented by several Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), including those from the Scottish National Party (SNP), Scottish Conservative Party, and the Scottish Liberal Democrats. The region is also served by several councillors on the Highland Council, and is part of the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (UK Parliament constituency) and the Ross, Skye and Lochaber (Scottish Parliament constituency) and is close to the Scottish Parliament and the Holyrood Palace. The area is also supported by organizations such as the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and the Highland Third Sector Interface. Category:Scottish council areas