| THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND
The Highlands of Scotland is the most sought after place to live
in the United Kingdom, due to the quality of life enjoyed in an
area of outstanding beauty. The area is well served by hospitals
and health centres and the traditional excellence of Scottish education
continues to be pursued within its schools. Extensive building
programmes, in both the public and private sectors, have created
a wide choice of superbly-situated, high-quality homes which offer
excellent value for money. A well-developed transport infrastructure,
modern amenities and a state-of-the-art telecommunications network
enhance enjoyment of the opportunities the area offers.
Countless visitors come to the Highlands and Islands each year
to enjoy the unparalleled range of recreational activities and
facilities. As well as being a wonderful holiday destination the
Highlands are home to a quarter of a million people living in communities
spread throughout the area. To those who are lucky enough to live
and work here, such attractions are part of everyday life. In addition
to the range of outdoor activities, there are thriving amateur
sports leagues, a wealth of music, song and dance, and a variety
of performing and visual arts events throughout the year.
LOCHABER
Lochaber is just one part of the Highlands, situated in the South
West corner and covering from Mallaig and the Small Isles down
to the awe-inspiring Glencoe. It is an area rich in diversity and
extremes. Its 4,468 square kilometres encompass Britain’s
highest peak, deepest loch and most westerly mainland point. With
a population of 19,620, its rurality is demonstrated by a population
density of 4.6 persons per square kilometre. The main town is Fort
William with a population of around 12,000 (including the villages
of Caol and Corpach). Since the elevation of Inverness to city
status, Fort William is now the largest town in the Highlands.
Without doubt the most outstanding physical asset that Fort William
enjoys is its environment. Billed as the entry to the West Highlands,
the town has Ben Nevis for a backdrop and stunning westerly views
down Loch Linnhe. The town sits at the southerly entrance to the
Caledonian Canal, and Neptune’s Staircase is a major draw
for water-borne tourists.
It is a major transport node comprising the A82 trunk road (Inverness/Glasgow),
A830 Road to the Isles, a railway terminus, port and canal.
Fort
William has undergone many transformations over the decades. Relocation
of the railway and bus stations allowed the construction
of the A82 bypass, land reclamation has extended its commercial
core and a revamp of the High Street has allowed the creation of
an extensive pedestrian priority zone.
THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL
Based in the most northerly
area of mainland Scotland, The Highland Council’s services cover an area of 10,000 square miles,
an area greater than that of Belgium. The Council spends around £412
million each year on the provision of a wide range of essential
services for the 210,000 people living in the area.
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