Where to live in the Scottish Highlands
If you are considering living in the Scottish Highlands, how do you decide where best to live?
The Scottish Highlands is the most northern county of the UK mainland and is the largest county in Scotland.
The region presents a remarkable setting to live in, however, its vastness can make it difficult for buyers to ascertain where best to settle, whether already living in the Highlands or relocating from another part of the world.
When considering where to live in the Scottish Highlands there are many factors to take into account. Accessibility, amenities, travel, work, schooling, further education, the cost of living, and weather conditions to name a few.
Are you looking to live in rural areas or more central to a town or village? How will all of these factors fit into your everyday lifestyle?
The Highlands is probably one of the most picturesque and dramatic areas to live in.
Rugged mountains, lochs, an abundance of wildlife, sparsely-populated villages, charming towns, as well as plenty of history accurately describe this diverse area.
Here are just a few locations worth considering if you are wondering where to live in the Scottish Highlands:
Inverness
Inverness comes from the Scottish Gaelic “Inbhir Nis” meaning “Mouth of the River” and is known to locals as “Inversneckie”. It is the only city in the Highlands area and was only given the city title in 2000.
Inverness is very much considered the commercial and business centre for the Highlands. It offers a wide range of job opportunities in the city and surrounding area. Additionally, with air and rail links to the south and air links to Europe, work further afield can also be achieved.
It has been growing as a city year after year and attracts many home buyers from all over the world. From Inverness, you are within easy reach of transport links and stunning scenery in any direction you travel. This affords residents the benefits of city living coupled with the splendour of the great outdoors.
There are primary and secondary schools covering different catchment areas. Anyone living on the outskirts may be able to get transport provided to travel to and from school. The UHI Inverness provides further education.
Inverness offers a diversity of properties and areas to live in. Property types for sale in the area range from farms to shepherd huts, stone-built to kit houses. There will be something for everyone.
For families considering where to live in the Scottish Highlands, areas that are popular due to schooling and accessibility include The Crown, Island Bank Road, Culloden, Balloch, and Dores which are on the outskirts of Inverness with easy access to the city.
Fort William
Situated on the shores of Loch Linnhe and at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, Fort Willliam is known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
Fort William is the largest town in the highlands and is a popular area with tourists. Visitors not only come to go hill climbing, mountain biking, fishing, stalking, and skiing but also to enjoy the stunning scenery and lochs within the area.
The town has a range of amenities including shops, restaurants, pubs, as well as filling stations. Inverness is approximately a 1 hour 50 minute drive and Glasgow around 2 hours 50 minutes where you have airlinks.
Schools in the town include Lundavra Primary, Inverlochy Primary, and Lochaber High School. Also, further education is catered for by UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Fort William offers a variety of properties in the form of traditional builds, secluded cottages, farmhouses, waterside, and modern luxury.
If you can live with the midges that are synonymous with a waterside location, the friendly, local community, that is still a big part of Fort William, and the beautiful surroundings are well worth consideration.
Aviemore
Aviemore is a town positioned within the Cairngorms National Park and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It provides access to beautiful mountains, forests, water activities, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking.
Aviemore has a variety of amenities and services including supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, a doctor’s surgery, a primary school, and nearby Kingussie High School, which provides secondary education. Furthermore, Aviemore has its own train station providing links to the North and London.
Jobs in Aviemore are closely related to tourism and hospitality, outdoor sports, and retail. Further work opportunities can be found in adjacent areas. The property landscape in Aviemore is a mix of holiday accommodation and residential properties both traditional and modern.
Ullapool
Ullapool is situated on the northwest coast and nestled on the eastern shore of Loch Broom. The village benefits from its stunning coastal location and proximity to the Isle of Lewis and other islands in the Outer Hebrides.
Ullapool offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a range of amenities and outdoor activities.
Part of the North Coast 500 route, Ullapool is popular with visitors who are drawn to both the stunning scenery and surrounding wilderness which is perfect for hiking, sailing, and nature enthusiasts.
Ullapool has a variety of amenities and services including shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, doctors, dentists, and supermarkets. Despite its secluded feel, connectivity is good with a ferry service to Stornoway, bus service, and Inverness approximately a 1-hour drive away.
Properties range from Victorian-style houses to affordable apartments and Scandinavian-design properties. Employment types include tourism, the fishing industry, the care and community sector, retail, and Ullapool’s quarry.
Schooling is catered for by Ullapool Primary and Secondary School with West Highland College providing further education.
Isle of Skye
The largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, the Isle of Skye is located off the northwest coast of Scotland. It is celebrated for its rugged landscapes steeped in history and mythology.
Skye is home to iconic landmarks such as Cuillin Hills mountain range, Quiraing land formation, the magical Fairy Pools, and the Old Man of Storr mountain. Its ethereal beauty has made it a favored location for filmmakers, featuring in productions like Stardust and Macbeth.
Skye offers a unique island lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities and a close-knit community. For residents, travelling to amenities and services is part of that lifestyle so having your own transportation is highly recommended.
There are several primary schools around the island. Portree High School caters to the whole of the Isle of Skye, so there is a necessity for children to travel.
The employment landscape is varied with distilling, fishing, farming, and crofting commonplace. The tourism industry provides further opportunity as does the hospital in Portree.
House prices vary in Skye, depending on where you are looking to purchase. The island offers various house styles – several architects from Skye have designed homes for many, including contemporary homes, eco, innovative, and renovations.
Dornoch
Dornoch, a seaside town located on the northeastern coast of the Scottish Highlands, offers a picturesque setting on the edge of Dornoch Firth. It is home to the magnificent Dornoch Cathedral, adding a significant cultural dimension to the town.
It also boasts the Royal Dornoch Championship Golf Course, a world-class facility that attracts golf enthusiasts from around the globe.
The town’s diverse property market includes traditional cottages, historic townhouses, elegant seaside villas, and architecturally designed properties, making it a popular destination for holidaymakers and investors alike.
Employment predominantly centres around the hospitality industry. Dornoch supports a vibrant community spirit and provides a variety of services and amenities, including shops, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. It also offers comprehensive educational opportunities with both primary and secondary schooling available within the town.
Wick
Located on the northeastern coast of the Scottish Highlands, Wick is a historic town steeped in rugged charm and scenic beauty. Positioned on the shores of Wick Bay and near the River Wick, the town serves as a gateway to the vast expanses of Caithness.
Known for its rich history in the herring fishing industry, Wick attracts visitors not only for its cultural heritage but also for outdoor activities such as coastal walks and bird watching.
The town boasts a comprehensive range of amenities including local shops, restaurants, and pubs. Wick is approximately a two-hour drive from Inverness, offering further connectivity through air links.
Employment opportunities include Hospitality, the Caithness General Hospital, and the healthcare sector. Educational needs are well-served with local schools including Wick High School and primary schools such as Newton Park and South Primary.
Properties in Wick vary from traditional Victorian homes to modern residences. Despite its remote location, Wick’s strong community spirit and stunning natural surroundings make it an appealing choice for those seeking a blend of historical richness and outdoor life.
Making the Scottish Highlands home
There are many factors to consider if you are thinking of moving to the Scottish Highlands. Property prices vary depending on the location, as does the cost of living, and the region offers a range of living experiences.
Whether you’d like the connectivity of the city, the community feel of a town or village, or a more remote dwelling, a professional property finder can help you navigate the property market and make your dream of life in the Scottish Highlands a reality.
For more information on where to live in the Scottish Highlands, contact Garrington for an initial discussion without obligation.
