Scotland's Cities, Regions & Geography — Knowledge Organiser

Key physical features

1. 1 Ben Nevis At 1,345m, the highest peak in the British Isles. In the Grampian Highlands near Fort William. A complex of igneous rocks. Climbed by approximately 125,000 people per year.
2. 2 Loch Ness Scotland's largest loch by water volume (in Loch Lomond by surface area). Part of the Great Glen fault — a major geological feature running northeast-southwest. Home of the legendary Nessie.
3. 3 The Highlands Rugged, mountainous landscape north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault. Sparsely populated — approximately 232,000 people in the Highland Council area (90,000 km²). Ancient metamorphic and igneous rocks.
4. 4 The Lowlands / Central Belt Most of Scotland's population lives in the Central Belt between Glasgow and Edinburgh. More fertile land, milder climate, historically the centre of Scottish industry and population.
5. 5 The four main cities Edinburgh (capital, 540,000); Glasgow (largest city, 635,000); Aberdeen (oil capital of Europe, 230,000); Dundee (City of Discovery, 150,000). All on the east or central belt.
6. 6 Islands Approximately 790 islands (93 inhabited). Main groups: Orkney (70+ islands), Shetland (100+ islands), Outer Hebrides (Western Isles, 100+ islands), Inner Hebrides (Skye, Islay, Jura, Mull, etc.).