The Highlands and Islands, forming the northern half of Scotland, is a distinct geographical area of more than 400,000 people with strong cultural and historical roots. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and Islands, is a thriving modern city, home to over 55,000 people and a focus for administration, culture and transport.

Rail services go in all directions. The road network is equally comprehensive. Inverness airport, just east of the city, offers quick connections to major UK airports, regular services to Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles and handles substantial international charter traffic.