View source for Geography of Scotland

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{{Infobox place geography
| name                    = 
| image name              = Scotland topographic map-en.svg
| image size              = 
| image caption           = 
| image alt               = Topographic map of Scotland
| map                     = Scotland in United Kingdom.svg
| map size                = 
| map_alt                 = Locational map of Scotland in the United Kingdom
| continent               = Europe
| region                  = [[British Isles]]
| coordinates             = <!-- Use {{Coord}} -->
| km area                 = 80231
| percent land            = 97
| percent water           = 3
| km coastline            = 11796
| borders                 = England<br>{{convert|154|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| highest point           = [[Ben Nevis]]<br>{{convert|1346|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| lowest point            = [[Atlantic Ocean]], 0 m
| longest river           = [[River Tay]]<br>{{convert|188|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| largest lake            = [[Loch Lomond]]<br> {{convert|71.3|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}
| climate                 = [[Temperate]], [[Subarctic]], [[Tundra]]
| terrain                 = [[mountain]]s, [[hill]]s, [[forest]], [[bog]], [[Urban area|urban]]
| natural resources       = [[iron]], [[zinc]], [[potash]], [[silica|silica sand]], [[coal]], [[fish]], [[timber]], [[wildlife]], [[petroleum]], [[natural gas]], [[hydropower]]
| natural hazards         = [[windstorm]]s, [[flood]]s
| environmental issues    = [[climate change]], [[renewable energy]], [[waste disposal]] and [[water pollution]]
| references              = <ref name="ONS Standard Area Measurement">{{cite web |url=https://geoportal.statistics.gov.uk/datasets/ons::standard-area-measurements-for-administrative-areas-december-2023-in-the-uk/about |title=Standard Area Measurements for Administrative Areas (December 2023) in the UK |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=31 May 2024 |website=[[ONS Open Geography Portal|Open Geography Portal]] |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=7 June 2024 }}</ref><ref name="ONS Geography Guide">{{cite web |url=https://geoportal.statistics.gov.uk/datasets/d1f39e20edb940d58307a54d6e1045cd/about |title=A Beginner's Guide to UK Geography (2023) |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=4 February 2025 |website=Open Geography Portal |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=14 May 2025 }}</ref>
}}

The '''geography of Scotland''' is varied from rural lowlands to unspoilt uplands, and from large cities to sparsely inhabited islands. Located in [[Northern Europe]], [[Scotland]] comprises the northern part of the island of [[Great Britain]] as well as 790 surrounding islands encompassing the major archipelagos of the [[Shetland Islands]], [[Orkney Islands]] and the Inner and Outer [[Hebrides]].<ref name="third">{{cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9110753/Scotland |title=Scotland |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=16 August 2007}}</ref> The [[Anglo-Scottish border|only land border]] is with [[England]], which runs for {{convert|96|mi|km|abbr=off}} in a northeasterly direction from the [[Solway Firth]] in the west to the [[North Sea]] on the east coast.<ref name="Atlas">{{cite book |author=Munro, D |title=Scotland Atlas and Gazetteer |pages=1–2 |publisher=Harper Collins |year=1999}}</ref> Separated by the [[North Channel (British Isles)|North Channel]], the island of Ireland lies {{convert|13|nmi|km|abbr=off|0}} from Mull of [[Kintyre]] on the Scottish mainland.<ref>"[http://www.britannica.com/place/North-Channel-strait North Channel]", Encyclopædia Britannica.  Retrieved 2 May 2016.</ref> Norway is located {{convert|190|nmi|km|abbr=on}} northeast of Scotland across the North Sea. The [[Atlantic Ocean]], which fringes the coastline of western and northern Scotland and its islands, influences the [[temperate]], maritime climate of the country.<ref name="scotlandclimate">{{cite web | year = 2001 | url = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/location/scotland/index.html | title =  Scottish climate | publisher = [[Met Office]] | access-date = 20 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070527202029/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/location/scotland/index.html |archive-date = 27 May 2007}}</ref>

Scotland contains the majority of mountainous terrain in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. The topography of Scotland is distinguished by the [[Highland Boundary Fault]] which traverses the Scottish mainland from [[Helensburgh]] to [[Stonehaven]].<ref name="Boundary">{{cite web | url = http://www.scottish-places.info/features/featurefirst7728.html  | title = Overview of Highland Boundary Fault | publisher = Gazetteer for Scotland, University of Edinburgh | access-date = 23 August 2007}}</ref> The faultline separates two distinctively different physiographic regions; namely the [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]] to the north and west and the [[Scottish Lowlands|Lowlands]] to the south and east.<ref name="Fault">{{cite web| url =http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/geology/loch_lomond_stirling/highland_line.asp| title =Loch Lomond to Stirling – the Highland Line| publisher =Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)| access-date =23 August 2007| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130217061705/http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/geology/loch_lomond_stirling/highland_line.asp| archive-date =17 February 2013| url-status =dead}}</ref> The more rugged Highland region contains the majority of Scotland's mountainous terrain, including the highest peak, [[Ben Nevis]].

Lowland areas, in the southern part of Scotland, are less mountainous and home to most of the population, especially the narrow waist of land between the [[Firth of Clyde]] and the [[Firth of Forth]] known as the [[Central Lowlands|Central Belt]].<ref name="Fault"/> [[Glasgow]] is the largest city in Scotland, although [[Edinburgh]] is the [[Capital city|capital]] and political centre of the country.<ref name="settlements">{{cite web|year=2004 |url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files1/stats/04mid-year-estimates-localities-table4.pdf |title=Mid 2004 Localities estimates – Localities in descending order of size |publisher=General Register of Scotland (GROS) |access-date=23 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927093731/http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files1/stats/04mid-year-estimates-localities-table4.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> While the Lowlands are less elevated, upland and mountainous terrain is located across the [[Southern Uplands]].

An abundance of natural resources such as [[coal]], [[iron]] and [[zinc]] contributed significantly to the industrial growth of Scotland during the 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref>Lynch, M (2001), Industry to 1770s; pp211 ''Oxford Companion to Scottish History''</ref> Today, [[energy]] is a major component of Scotland's economy.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Shepherd|first=Mike|title=Oil Strike North Sea: A first-hand history of North Sea oil.|publisher=Luath Press|year=2015}}</ref> Whilst Scotland is a large producer of [[North Sea oil|petroleum]], the production potential of [[Renewable energy in Scotland|renewable energy]] has emerged as an important economic and environmental issue in recent years.<ref name="energy">{{cite web|date=23 May 2007|title=A vision for the future of energy in Scotland|url=http://www.scottishexecutive.gov.uk/News/News-Extras/visionenergy|access-date=24 August 2007|work=Speech by the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather|publisher=Scottish Executive}}{{dead link|date=September 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

==Geology and morphology==
{{main|Geology of Scotland}}
The land area of Scotland is {{convert|30090|sqmi}}, 32% of the area of the United Kingdom (UK). The mainland of Scotland has {{convert|6160|mi}} of coastline.

The [[geomorphology|morphology]] of Scotland was formed by the action of [[tectonic plate]]s, and subsequent erosion arising from [[glaciation]]. The major division of Scotland is the [[Highland Boundary Fault]], which separates the land into 'highland' to the north and west, and 'lowland' to the south and east. The [[Scottish highlands|Highlands of Scotland]] are largely mountainous, and form the highest ground in the UK: they are bisected by the [[Great Glen]] into the [[Grampian Mountains (Scotland)|Grampian Mountains]] to the southeast and the [[Northwest Highlands]]. The [[Scottish Lowlands]] can be further subdivided into the [[Southern Uplands]], an area of rolling farmland and high [[moorland]], and the lowland farmland of the [[Central Belt]] and eastern Scotland.

Scotland has an incomparable variety of [[geology]] for an area of its size.

The oldest rocks of Scotland are the [[Lewisian complex|Lewisian gneisses]], which were formed in the [[Precambrian]] period, up to 3 billion years ago. They are among the oldest rocks in the world. During the Precambrian, the [[Torridonian sandstone]]s and the [[Moine Supergroup|Moine]] were also laid down. Further [[sedimentary]] deposits were formed through the [[Cambrian]] period, some of which [[metamorphic rock|metamorphosed]] into the [[Dalradian]] series. The area which would become Scotland was at this time close to the south pole.

During the [[Silurian]] period (439–409 Ma), the area which became Scotland was part of the continent of [[Laurentia]]. Across the [[Iapetus Ocean]] to the south, was the continent of [[Baltica]]. The two continents gradually collided, joining Scotland to the area which would become England and Europe. This event is known as the [[Caledonian orogeny|Caledonian Orogeny]], and the [[Highland Boundary Fault]] marks this stitching together of continents. Silurian rocks form the [[Southern Uplands]] of Scotland, which was pushed up from the seabed during the collision. The highlands were also pushed up as a result of this collision, and may have been as high as the modern-day [[Alps]] at this time. The [[Old Red Sandstone]]s were laid down in low-lying areas during this period. [[Volcano|Volcanic activity]] occurred across Scotland as a result of the collision of the [[tectonic plate]]s, with volcanoes in southern Scotland, and [[magma chamber]]s in the north, which today form the [[granite]] mountains such as the [[Cairngorms]].

During the [[Carboniferous]] period (363–290 Ma), Scotland lay close to the equator. Several changes in sea level occurred during this time. The [[coal]] deposits of [[Lanarkshire]], and further sedimentary deposits, date from this time. More volcanic activity formed [[Arthur's Seat]] in [[Edinburgh]], among other hills. By the [[Triassic]], Scotland was a desert, the origin of large [[sandstone]] outcrops of the southwest. Although large deposits of [[Cretaceous]] rocks would have been laid down over Scotland, these have not survived erosion, as have the [[chalk]]s of England.

By the [[Tertiary period]], the tectonic plates were again moving, separating into modern-day [[North America]] and Europe with the creation of the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. The split occurred to the west of Scotland, leaving a chain of former volcanic sites through the [[Hebrides]], including [[Isle of Skye|Skye]] and [[St Kilda, Scotland|St. Kilda]]. This was the last period of rock formation in Scotland.

==Physical geography==
===Main points===
[[File:Scotland from space.png|thumb|right|Scotland viewed from space]]
The main points of the Scottish mainland are:

*North: Easter Head, [[Dunnet Head]], [[Caithness]]
*East: [[Keith Inch]], [[Peterhead]], [[Aberdeenshire (traditional)|Aberdeenshire]]
*South: [[Mull of Galloway]], [[Dumfries and Galloway]]
*West: [[Corrachadh Mòr]], [[Ardnamurchan]] (headland), [[Lochaber]]

It is often yet incorrectly stated that [[John o' Groats]] is the most northerly point of mainland Scotland. The pre-Union phrase "John o' Groats to [[Maidenkirk]]" was the Scottish equivalent of the British [[Land's End to John o' Groats]].

The extreme points of Scotland, including outlying islands, are:

*North: [[Out Stack]], north of [[Unst]], [[Shetland Islands]]
*East: [[Bound Skerry]], [[Outer Skerries|Out Skerries]], Shetland Islands
*South: Mull of Galloway, Dumfries and Galloway
*West: Either [[Rockall]] (annexed in 1972 to the former [[Inverness-shire]]), the international status of which is disputed, or [[Soay, St Kilda|Soay]], [[St Kilda, Scotland|St. Kilda]], [[Outer Hebrides|Western Isles]]

The geographical [[centre of Scotland]] lies a few miles from the village of [[Newtonmore]] in [[Badenoch]], far to the north of the modern population heartlands.<ref>See [http://www.highlandhostel.co.uk/wherearewe.htm "The 'Where Are We' page"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117195735/http://www.highlandhostel.co.uk/wherearewe.htm |date=17 November 2007 }} highlandhostel.co.uk. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref> The geographical centre of the mainland alone lies near the peak of [[Schiehallion]].

===Land use===
The total land area of Scotland is 8,023,947 hectares. Grasses and rough grazing account for 67% of the land area, forest and woodland 17%, urban development 8%, crops and fallow 7%, and other agricultural land accounts for 2%.<ref>{{cite book|author=National Statistics|title=UK 2005. The Official Yearbook of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.|publisher=The Stationery Office|location=London|year=2004|page=279|isbn=0-11-621738-3}}</ref>

===Topography, mountains and hills===
{{main|Mountains and hills of Scotland}}
[[File:Ben nevis.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ben Nevis]] is the highest peak in Great Britain.]]
[[File:Traigh Sheilebost.jpg|thumb|right|Large parts of the Scottish coastline are dune pasture, such as here at Traigh Seilebost on the [[Isle of Harris]].]]
[[File:Scottish eez.PNG|thumb|right|30A map of British Isles EEZs and surrounding nations. Internal UK borders are represented by thin lines.Scotland's EEZ is highlighted in blue.]]

Scotland contains the most mountainous terrain in Great Britain. Much of the highest uplands lie to the north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault in the [[Northwest Highlands]] and [[Grampian Mountains|Grampian]] ranges. The jagged [[Cuillin]], on the Isle of Skye, represents a major mountain range that is not located on the Scottish mainland. Located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains, at an elevation of {{convert|1345|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, [[Ben Nevis]] is the highest mountain in Scotland and Great Britain. [[Ben Macdui]] and [[Braeriach]] are, respectively, the second and third tallest peaks in Scotland. Both are located in the [[Cairngorms]], a mountain range in the eastern Highlands which is the highest upland area in Britain.

In the south of Scotland lie the [[Southern Uplands]], a vast, rolling mountain chain that is less rugged and more forested than the Highlands. Shorter than the Highlands, the tallest mountain in the range is [[Merrick (Galloway)|Merrick]], at {{convert|843|m|ft|abbr=on}}.

There are ranges of gentler, rolling hills even in the central lowlands of Scotland. Such ranges include the [[Ochil Hills]], near [[Stirling]], the [[Campsie Fells]] outside [[Glasgow]], and the [[Lomond Hills]] in [[Fife]].

Mountains in Scotland are [[Hill lists in the British Isles#Scotland|categorised]] by their height. Peaks over {{convert|3000|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} are known as [[Munro]]s.<ref name="Munros">{{cite web |url=http://www.smc.org.uk/Hillwalking/HillKeyFacts.php |title=Mountains – The Key Facts |publisher=Scottish Mountaineering Club |access-date=13 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822093115/http://www.smc.org.uk/Hillwalking/HillKeyFacts.php |archive-date=22 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are 282 Munros in Scotland, all within the Highlands.<ref name="Munros"/> [[Corbetts]] are peaks with an altitude of between {{convert|2500|and|3000|ft|m|1|abbr=on}}, with a [[topographic prominence|relative height]] of at least {{convert|500|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} .<ref name="Munros"/> The classification of peaks in Scotland is kept under periodic review by the [[Scottish Mountaineering Club]].<ref name="Munros"/>

===Coastline===
{{Further|List of sea stacks in Scotland}}

Mainland Scotland has {{convert|6160|mi}} of coastline. Including the numerous islands, this increases to some {{convert|11602|mi}}.<ref name="marinescotland">{{cite web |url=http://marine.gov.scot/data/facts-and-figures-about-scotlands-sea-area-coastline-length-sea-area-sq-kms |title=Facts and figures about Scotland's sea area (coastline length, sea area in sq kms)|publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=2 November 2020}}</ref> The west coast in particular is heavily indented, with long promontories separated by [[fjord]]like [[sea loch]]s. The east coast is more regular, with a series of large estuarine inlets, or [[firth]]s, and long sandy beaches, for example at [[Aberdeen]].  Parts of the Scottish coastline consist of a [[machair (geography)|machair formation]], a dune pasture land formed as sea levels subsided.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070520011539/http://www.wildlifehebrides.com/environment/machair/ Machair Profile]}}</ref>

The east coast has several significant [[estuaries]] and is home to [[nature reserve]]s including the [[Ythan Estuary]] and [[Fowlsheugh]], both of which have been designated as [[Important Bird Area]]s.

Firths around the Scottish coast include the [[Solway Firth]], [[Firth of Clyde]], and [[Firth of Lorne]] on the west coast, and the [[Cromarty Firth]], [[Moray Firth]], [[Firth of Tay]], and [[Firth of Forth]] on the east coast. The [[Pentland Firth]] is not an inlet, but the [[strait]] that separates the [[Orkney Isles]] from the mainland.

Major sea lochs include [[Loch Fyne]], [[Loch Long]], [[Loch Ryan]], [[Loch Linnhe]], [[Loch Torridon]], [[Loch Ewe]] and, on the [[Isle of Lewis]], [[Loch Seaforth]].

===Islands===
{{main|List of islands of Scotland}}
[[File:Harbour at Dunoon - geograph.org.uk - 49147.jpg|thumb|left|[[Dunoon]] in [[Argyll and Bute]]]]

Scotland has over 900 islands, over 100 of which are inhabited.<ref name="marinescotland" /> Most of the islands are located off the northern and western coast of the country.<ref name="islands">{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/923/0010669.pdf |title=Scotland in Short |publisher=Scottish Executive |access-date=16 August 2007 |archive-date=19 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119135658/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/923/0010669.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Northern Isles|northern]] and [[Western Isles|western]] islands of Scotland can be found in three main groups: [[Shetland Islands|Shetland]], [[Orkney Islands|Orkney]] and the [[Hebrides]] which can be divided into the [[Inner Hebrides]] and the [[Outer Hebrides]]. Shetland and Orkney, together with [[Fair Isle]] and [[Stroma, Scotland|Stroma]] are referred to as the [[Northern Isles]]. With a total land area of {{convert|860|sqmi}} [[Lewis and Harris]] (referred to as two islands but actually just one) is the largest Scottish island.

Many of these offshore islands are swept by strong tides, and the [[Gulf of Corryvreckan|Corryvreckan tide race]] between [[Scarba]] and [[Jura, Scotland|Jura]] is one of the largest [[whirlpool]]s in the world. Other strong tides are to be found in the [[Pentland Firth]] between mainland Scotland and [[Orkney]], and the ''Grey Dog'' between Scarba and [[Lunga, Firth of Lorn|Lunga]]. There are also numerous clusters of islands in the [[Firth of Forth]] and the [[Firth of Clyde]] and in freshwater lochs such as Loch Lomond and [[Loch Maree]]. Outlying islands include [[St Kilda, Scotland|St Kilda]] and [[Rockall]] the status of which is disputed.

Scotland's islands have a varied topography. [[Isle of Mull|Mull]], [[Isle of Skye|Skye]] and [[Isle of Arran|Arran]] are noted for their mountainous terrain, whilst [[Tiree]] and [[Coll]] are flat or low lying. Striking topographical differences can be seen within island groups themselves; in Orkney, the Island of [[Hoy, Orkney|Hoy]] is hillier and more rugged than surrounding islands and Harris is distinctive in being more mountainous than the islands of [[Isle of Lewis|Lewis]], [[North Uist]], [[South Uist]] and [[Barra]], in the Outer Hebrides. [[Islay]]'s terrain is gentle and rolling; however, its neighbour [[Jura (Scotland)|Jura]] is mountainous and rugged. [[Rùm]] and [[Eigg]] display jagged terrain; nearby [[Canna, Scotland|Canna]] and [[Muck, Scotland|Muck]] are flatter.

===Rivers===
[[File:River Nith estuary.jpg|right|thumb|The [[estuary]] of the [[River Nith]] emptying into the [[Solway Firth]] to the south of [[Dumfries]].]]
{{main|List of rivers in Scotland}}
The ten major rivers of Scotland, in order of length, are:
#[[River Tay]] {{convert|120|mi|km|abbr=on}}
#[[River Spey]] {{convert|107|mi|km|abbr=on}}
#[[River Clyde]] {{convert|106|mi|km|abbr=on}}
#[[River Tweed]] {{convert|97|mi|km|abbr=on}}
#[[River Dee, Aberdeenshire|River Dee]] {{convert|85|mi|km|abbr=on}}
#[[River Don, Aberdeenshire|River Don]] {{convert|82|mi|km|abbr=on}}
#[[River Forth]] {{convert|65|mi|km|abbr=on}}
#[[River Findhorn]] {{convert|63|mi|km|abbr=on}}
#[[River Deveron]] {{convert|61|mi|km|abbr=on}}
#[[River Annan]] {{convert|50|mi|km|abbr=on}}

The [[Drainage divide|watershed]] between river systems flowing west to the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and east into the [[North Sea]] is {{convert|745|mi|km|abbr=on}} long.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-13072554 BBC News online: Scotland's watershed route mapped out for hikers.] Includes map of the watershed. Retrieved 15 April 2011.</ref>

===Lochs===
[[File:Loch Shin.jpg|right|thumb|[[Loch Shin]] is one of many freshwater bodies in Scotland.]]
{{main|List of lochs in Scotland}}

[[Fresh water]] bodies in Scotland are known as [[loch]]s, with the exception of the [[Lake of Menteith]] and one or two-man-made "lakes". 90% of the standing fresh water volume of Great Britain lies within Scotland.<ref>[http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/education/advances5/4-land-cover.asp "Land Cover Change in Scotland"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225051541/http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/education/advances5/4-land-cover.asp |date=25 February 2012 }}. SNH. Retrieved 6 September 2009.</ref> [[Loch Lomond]] is the largest freshwater body in Britain by area, although with a capacity of {{convert|1.78|cumi}} [[Loch Ness]] is the most voluminous. The water in Loch Ness is nearly double that of all the lakes of England and Wales combined, and is by volume the largest lake in the UK and Ireland.<ref name=SNH>[http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/advisorynotes/4/4.htm "Botanical survey of Scottish freshwater lochs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211946/http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/advisorynotes/4/4.htm |date=3 March 2016 }} SNH Information and Advisory Note Number 4. Retrieved 1 January 2010.</ref><ref name=Ness>Murray and Pullar (1910) [https://archive.today/20121209100526/http://www.nls.uk/maps/bathymetric/text.cfm?seq=1224 "Lochs of the Ness Basin"] Pages 381-85, Volume II, Part II. National Library of Scotland. Retrieved 2 January 2010.</ref>
#[[Loch Lomond]] {{convert|27.5|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
#[[Loch Ness]] {{convert|22.0|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
#[[Loch Awe]] {{convert|15.0|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
#[[Loch Maree]] {{convert|11.0|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
#[[Loch Morar]] {{convert|10.3|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
#[[Loch Tay]] {{convert|10.2|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
#[[Loch Shin]] {{convert|8.7|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
#[[Loch Shiel]] {{convert|7.6|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
#[[Loch Rannoch]] {{convert|7.4|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
#[[Loch Ericht]] {{convert|7.2|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}

===Distances to other countries===
Scotland's only land border is with England, and runs for approximately {{convert|60|mi|km|-1|abbr=off}} between the basin of the [[River Tweed]] on the east coast and the [[Solway Firth]] in the west. The [[Atlantic Ocean]] borders the west coast and the [[North Sea]] is to the east. The island of Ireland lies only {{convert|12|nmi|km|abbr=off}} from the southwestern peninsula of [[Kintyre]];<ref name="Atlas"/> Norway is {{convert|190|nmi|km|abbr=on}} to the east; the [[Faroes]], {{convert|170|nmi|km|abbr=on}} to the north; and [[Iceland]], {{convert|460|nmi|km|abbr=on}} to the northwest.

==Climate==
{{main|Climate of Scotland}}
[[File:Edinburgh climate graph.png|thumb|Climate graph for [[Edinburgh]]. Mild temperatures and evenly distributed rainfall, throughout the year, are characteristic of Scotland's [[temperate]], [[maritime climate]].]]

The climate of Scotland is [[temperate]] and very changeable, but rarely extreme.<ref name="scotlandclimate"/> Scotland is warmed by the [[North Atlantic current|North Atlantic Drift]] and given the northerly location of the country, experiences much milder conditions than areas on similar latitudes, such as [[Labrador]] in Canada—where [[icebergs]] are a common feature in winter.<ref name="scotlandclimate"/>

Average temperatures are lower than in the rest of Great Britain, with the coldest ever UK temperature of {{convert|-27.2|°C}} recorded at [[Braemar]] in the [[Grampian Mountains (Scotland)|Grampian Mountains]], on 10 January 1982 and also at [[Altnaharra]], [[Highland (council area)|Highland]], on 30 December 1995.<ref name="scotlandclimate"/> Winter maxima average {{convert|5.0|to|5.7|°C|°F|1}}, with summer maxima averaging {{convert|14.9|to|16.9|°C|°F|1}}.<ref name="scotlandaverages">{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/scotland.html |title=Scotland 1971-2000 averages |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040430030137/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/scotland.html |archive-date=30 April 2004 }}</ref> Western coastal areas of Scotland are warmer than the east and inland areas, due to the influence of the Atlantic currents, and the colder surface temperatures of the [[North Sea]]; however, during rare hot spells, the west is cooler than the east.<ref name="meantemperatures">{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/17.gif |title=Mean Temperatures Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103082644/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/17.gif |archive-date=3 January 2014 }}</ref> The highest temperature recorded was {{convert|34.8|°C}} at [[Charterhall]] in the [[Scottish Borders]] on 19 July 2022. <ref name="climate extremes">{{cite web |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate-extremes/#?tab=climateExtremes | title=Weather extremes | publisher=[[Met Office]] | access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref>  Areas such as [[Inverewe Garden]] in the northwest and the [[Logan Botanic Garden]] in the southwest have warm enough microclimates to support palm trees.

Rainfall totals vary widely across Scotland—the western highlands of Scotland are one of the wettest places in the UK with annual rainfall up to {{convert|4577|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="rainfall">{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/rr/17.gif |title=Rainfall Amount Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719222449/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/rr/17.gif |archive-date=19 July 2013 }}</ref> Due to the mountainous topography of the western Highlands, this type of precipitation is [[orographic]] in nature, with the warm, wet air forced to rise on contact with the mountainous coast, where it consequently, cools and [[Condensation|condenses]], forming clouds.<ref name="orographic">{{cite book | last =Wheeler | first =Dennis |author2=Mayes, Julian | year =1997 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=PVmYKrC0LM4C | title =Regional Climates of the British Isles | publisher = Routledge | access-date = 21 August 2007| isbn =9780203437926 }}</ref> In comparison, much of eastern Scotland receives less than {{convert|870|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} annually; lying in the [[rain shadow]] of the western uplands.<ref name="rainfall" /> The town of [[Dunbar]], east of Edinburgh, has an annual rainfall of merely 560.18&nbsp;mm (22.05&nbsp;in), less than [[Barcelona]]. Snowfall is less common in the lowlands, but becomes more common with altitude. Parts of the Highlands have an average of 36 to 60 snow days per year,<ref name="snow">{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/dl/17.gif |title=Days of Snow Lying Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809125155/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/dl/17.gif |archive-date=9 August 2007 }}</ref> while some western coastal areas have between 0 and 6 days with snow a year.<ref name="snow" /> Scotland's snowiest spot is the [[Cairngorms|Cairngorm]] mountain range.

[[File:Coastline at Ceann a' Mhara - geograph.org.uk - 4485768.jpg|thumb|left|Sunshine on the coastline at Ceann a' Mhara near Tiree]] 

The Hebridean island of [[Tiree]] received a total of 329 hours of sunshine in May 1946 and again in May 1975, the highest number of sunshine hours ever recorded in one month in Scotland.<ref name="scotlandclimate"/> On the [[Solstice|longest day of the year]] there is no complete darkness over the northern isles of Scotland. [[Lerwick]], in Shetland, has four hours more daylight at midsummer than [[London]], although this is reversed in midwinter.<ref name="scotlandclimate"/> Annual average sunshine totals vary from as little as 711&ndash;1140 hours in the Highlands and the north-west up to 1471&ndash;1540 hours on the extreme eastern and south-western coasts.<ref name="sunshine">{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/ss/17.gif |title=Sunshine Duration Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728193119/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/ss/17.gif |archive-date=28 July 2014 }}</ref>

In common with the rest of the UK and Ireland, wind prevails from the south-west, bringing warm, wet and unstable air from the Atlantic.<ref name="scotlandclimate" /> The windiest areas of Scotland are in the north and west, with parts of the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland experiencing over 30 days with gales per year.<ref name="scotlandclimate" /> Vigorous Atlantic [[Low pressure area|depressions]], also known as [[European windstorm]]s, are a common feature of the autumn and winter in Scotland.<ref name="depressions">{{cite web| year =2001| url =http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/NaturallyScottish/lichens/climate.asp| title =Lichens – The Exceptional Scottish climate| publisher =Scottish National Heritage (SNH)| access-date =21 August 2007| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120813001103/http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/NaturallyScottish/lichens/climate.asp| archive-date =13 August 2012| url-status =dead}}</ref>

==Human geography==
{{main|Demographics of Scotland}}
[[File:Crofting Township.jpg|right|thumb|In northern and western areas, many people live in small crofting [[township (Scotland)|township]]s such as here on the [[Isle of Skye]].]]
According to the [[General Register Office for Scotland]], the total population of Scotland stood at 5,168,500 in June 2008, an increase of 2.1% since the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|census]] of April 2001.<ref name="Population">{{cite web |url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/press/news2009/scottish-population-continues-to-rise.html |title=Scotland's population continues to rise |publisher=General Register Office for Scotland |date=28 April 2009 |access-date=5 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127015540/http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/press/news2009/scottish-population-continues-to-rise.html |archive-date=27 January 2010 }}</ref> Scotland's share of the United Kingdom population has been declining in recent years and stands at just over 8.5% due to differential rates of growth in the [[home nations]].<ref name="decline">{{cite web |url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data/popproj/02population-projections-scottishareas/results-of-the-projections.html |title=Population projections (2002 based) |publisher=General Register Office for Scotland |date=24 March 2006 |access-date=17 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927205836/http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data/popproj/02population-projections-scottishareas/results-of-the-projections.html |archive-date = 27 September 2007}}</ref> However, an increasing [[birth rate]]<ref name="births">{{cite web |url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/press/2007-news/more-births-than-deaths-in-2006.html |title=More births than deaths in 2006 |publisher=General Register Office for Scotland |date=6 March 2007 |access-date=28 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070603102317/http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/press/2007-news/more-births-than-deaths-in-2006.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 3 June 2007}}</ref> and higher levels of inward migration to Scotland have reversed the decline and contributed to the recent population growth.<ref name="Population"/>

Compared with the rest of Europe, Scotland has a low [[population density]] at 65 people per square kilometre.<ref name="Population2">{{cite web |url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/press/2006-news/scotlands-population-rises-for-third-year-in-a-row.html |title=Population up for third consecutive year |publisher=General Register Office for Scotland |date=27 April 2006 |access-date=17 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070425221519/http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/press/2006-news/scotlands-population-rises-for-third-year-in-a-row.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 25 April 2007}}</ref> However Scotland is a highly [[Urban area|urbanised]] country, with 82% of the population living in settlements of 3,000 people or more.<ref name="Population3">{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003/01/15950/15135 |title=Review of Scotland's cities – the analysis |date=January 2003 |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=17 August 2007 |archive-date=2 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902075249/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003/01/15950/15135 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As a result, the majority of the population live in the [[Central Belt|Central Lowlands]] of Scotland, surrounding the chief cities of [[Glasgow]] and [[Edinburgh]].<ref name="Population4">{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/health/ffms-04.asp |title=A framework for maternity services in Scotland |publisher=Scottish Government |date=February 2001 |access-date=17 August 2007 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930022409/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/health/ffms-04.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other concentrations of population include the northeast coast of Scotland – principally surrounding the city of [[Aberdeen]] and its environs – and around [[Inverness]].<ref name="Population4"/> With a population density of 8 people per square kilometre, the [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]] are the most sparsely populated part of the country, and one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe. In these areas, the population is scattered in villages, small towns and isolated farmsteads or [[croft (land)|croft]]s.<ref name="Population3"/>

[[File:Inverness, Capital of the Highlands (40440582462).jpg|thumb|left|The city of [[Inverness]] is often regarded as the Capital of the Highlands]]

Nearly 100 of Scotland's islands are inhabited, the most populous being [[Lewis and Harris]] with 21,031 people resident in 2011, primarily concentrated around [[Stornoway, Outer Hebrides|Stornoway]], the only [[burgh]] of the [[Outer Hebrides]].<ref name="Population5">{{cite web|url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files1/stats/occasional-paper-10-table1.pdf |title=Number of residents and households on all inhabited islands |publisher=General Register Office for Scotland |date=28 November 2003 |access-date=8 September 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927093730/http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files1/stats/occasional-paper-10-table1.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/statistical-bulletins|title=Statistical Bulletins {{!}} Scotland's Census|website=scotlandscensus.gov.uk|access-date=31 July 2019}}</ref> Other island populations range down to very low levels on certain small isles.<ref name="Population5"/> Between 1991 and 2001, the total number of people living on Scotland's islands fell by 3%.<ref name="Population5"/> Conversely, islands such as [[Tiree]], [[Isle of Skye|Skye]] and [[Eigg]] experienced increases in their respective populations over the same decade.<ref name="Population5"/>

There are eight [[Cities of Scotland|cities]] in Scotland; Glasgow, Edinburgh, [[Aberdeen]], [[Dundee]], [[Inverness]], [[Perth, Scotland|Perth]], [[Dunfermline]] and [[Stirling]]. The 2001 census identified Glasgow as being the largest city in Scotland, with a total population of 629,501, while the Scottish [[capital city|capital]], Edinburgh had a population of 448,624, in the same year.<ref name="Population6">{{cite web |url=http://81.201.129.42/statistics/publications-and-data/population-estimates/revised-mid-year-est.html |title=Revised Mid-year Population estimates – 1982-2000 |publisher=General Register Office for Scotland |access-date=8 September 2007}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Between 1991 and 2001, the populations of Edinburgh and Stirling grew by 2.9% and 6.5% respectively.<ref name="Population6"/> Inverness experienced population growth of over 10% during the same period.<ref name="Inverness">{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/03/19038/34121 |author=Alistair Nicolson |title=Scottish Economic Report March 2004 – Demographic Change in the Highlands and Islands |publisher=Scottish Government |date=19 March 2004 |access-date=5 April 2010 |archive-date=8 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008203353/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/03/19038/34121 |url-status=dead }}</ref> At the same time, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen all witnessed population decline.<ref name="Population6"/> Aside from the cities, the greatest intra-census population growth was experienced in the local authorities of [[West Lothian]], [[East Lothian]], [[Aberdeenshire]] and [[Perth and Kinross]].<ref name="Population6"/> The Western Isles saw a 9.8% decrease in population between 1991 and 2001.<ref name="Population6"/>

[[File:Departing - panoramio.jpg|thumb|right|[[North Ayrshire]]'s population is split across two areas; the main area on Scotland's west coast, and the [[Isle of Arran]], separated from the mainland by the [[Firth of Clyde]]]]  

Major towns in Scotland based on population include [[Paisley, Renfrewshire|Paisley]], [[East Kilbride]], [[Kilmarnock]], [[Livingston, West Lothian|Livingston]], [[Hamilton, South Lanarkshire|Hamilton]], [[Ayr]], [[Cumbernauld]], [[Irvine, North Ayrshire|Irvine]], [[Coatbridge]] and [[Wishaw]].<ref>{{cite web |title=What's the Largest Town in Scotland? |url=https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/biggest-towns-in-scotland-largest-big-large-record-by-population-paisley-newton-mearns-4069525 |website=The Scotsman |access-date=28 September 2024}}</ref> Paisley is commonly referred to as Scotland's largest town,<ref>{{cite web |title=Paisley Visitor Guide - Accommodation, Things To Do & More |url=https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/paisley-p237371 |website=www.visitscotland.com |access-date=28 September 2024 |language=en}}</ref> having a population of 77,270 in 2020, a larger population than four Scottish cities – Dunfermline (54,990), Inverness (47,790), Perth (47,350) and Stirling (37,910).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Team |first1=National Records of Scotland Web |title=National Records of Scotland |url=https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/population/population-estimates/settlements-and-localities/mid-2020 |website=National Records of Scotland |access-date=28 September 2024 |language=English |date=31 May 2013}}</ref> Towns such as Cumbernauld, East Kilbride and [[Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire|Stonehouse]] were largely created or expanded as [[New towns in the United Kingdom|new towns]] in order to combat the overpopulation and overspill in Scotland's largest cities – Glasgow and Edinburgh. Other new towns in Scotland include [[Glenrothes]], Irvine and Livingston.<ref>{{London Gazette|city=e|issue=19294|page=951|date=14 August 1973}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | url=http://www.doi.org/10.1017/S0963926822000281 | doi=10.1017/S0963926822000281 | title=Stonehouse: Scotland's last new town, c. 1967–1977 | year=2022 | last1=Fair | first1=Alistair | journal=Urban History | pages=1–22 | s2cid=248881443 | hdl=20.500.11820/b9193e80-2c38-41d1-a321-b78e4f9dce54 | hdl-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|city=e|issue=18509|page=846|date=11 November 1966}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|city=e|issue=18025|pages=236–237|date=17 April 1962}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|city=e|issue=17351|page=746|date=13 December 1955}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|city=e|issue=19218|page=398|date=19 March 1973}}</ref>

[[Glasgow City Council|Glasgow City]] is the largest of the [[subdivisions of Scotland]] in terms of population, with a population of 622,820 in 2022. This is followed by [[City of Edinburgh Council|City of Edinburgh]] with a population of 514,990 in 2022, [[Fife]] with a population of 371,340, [[North Lanarkshire]] with 340,930 and [[South Lanarkshire]] with 327,430.<ref>{{UK subdivision statistics citation}}</ref> Despite being the largest subdivision in Scotland by area, [[Highland council area|Highland]] has a combined population of 235,710, making it the seventh largest subdivision in the country by population. Similarly, despite having a smaller area than its boundary neighbours [[East Ayrshire]] and [[South Ayrshire]], [[North Ayrshire]] has the largest population of the former [[Ayrshire]] counties, with a population of 133,490 people across an area of 885km2. In contrast, East Ayrshire has a population of 120,390 people across 1,262km2, whilst South Ayrshire with an area of 1,222km2 has a population of 111,560.<ref>{{UK subdivision statistics citation}}</ref>

==Political geography==
[[File:Scotland map.png|thumb|The territorial extent of Scotland has been relatively unchanged since the late 15th Century.]]{{main|Politics of Scotland}}
{{see also|List of regions of Scotland}}

The territorial extent of Scotland is generally that established by the 1237 [[Treaty of York]] between Scotland and England<ref>[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/utk/scotland/conquered.htm "Uniting the Kingdoms?"] National Archives. Retrieved 21.11.06.</ref> and the 1266 [[Treaty of Perth]] between Scotland and Norway.<ref name=Mackie>Mackie, J.D. (1969) ''A History of Scotland''. London. Penguin.</ref> Exceptions include: the [[Isle of Man]], which having been lost to England in the 14th century is now a [[crown dependency]] outside of the United Kingdom, the acquisition of [[Orkney]] and [[Shetland]] from Norway in 1472,<ref>''Whitaker's Almanack'' (1991) London. J. Whitaker and Sons.</ref> and the permanent recovery of [[Berwick upon Tweed|Berwick]] by England in 1482.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9078911/Berwick-upon-Tweed Encyclopædia Britannica Online] Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved on 6 November 2007</ref> Originally an independent country, Scotland joined with England to form the [[Kingdom of Great Britain]] in 1707 with the [[Act of Union 1707|Acts of Union]].

Between 1889 and 1975 Scotland was divided into [[burgh]]s and [[Counties of Scotland|counties]], which were replaced by [[Local government areas of Scotland 1973 to 1996|regions and districts]]. Since 1996, for the purposes of [[Local government of Scotland|local government]], Scotland has been divided into 32 [[Subdivisions of Scotland|council areas]].

[[Rockall]], a small and uninhabitable rocky islet in the North Atlantic, was annexed by the UK in 1955 and later declared part of Scotland by the [[Island of Rockall Act 1972]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/21/newsid_4582000/4582327.stm "On this day – 21 September"] [[bbc.co.uk|BBC]]. Retrieved 22 September 2007. "In 1972 the Isle of Rockall Act was passed, which made the rock officially part of Inverness-shire, Scotland."</ref><ref>[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199798/ldhansrd/vo970624/text/70624-02.htm "Daily Hansard"] 24 June 1997. Parliament.uk. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref> However, the legality of this claim is disputed by the Republic of Ireland, [[Denmark]] and [[Iceland]] and it is probably unenforceable in international law.<ref>[http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0268/D.0268.197311010090.html Oral Questions] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822145436/http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0268/D.0268.197311010090.html |date=22 August 2006 }} to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the [[Dáil Éireann]], 1 November 1973 Retrieved 17 January 2007.</ref><ref>MacDonald, Fraser (2006) ''The last outpost of Empire: Rockall and the Cold War''. Journal of Historical Geography 32. P627–647. [http://www.sages.unimelb.edu.au/staff/macdonald.html available in pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218210003/http://www.sages.unimelb.edu.au/staff/macdonald.html |date=18 February 2006 }}</ref>

As a [[countries of the United Kingdom|country of the United Kingdom]], Scotland is represented by Members of Parliament at the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]] at [[Palace of Westminster|Westminster]], [[London]]. In 1997 a [[referendum]] was held, and the people of Scotland voted for the establishment of a [[devolution|devolved]] Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. The new parliament has the power to govern the country on Scotland-specific matters and has a limited power to vary [[income tax]]. The United Kingdom Parliament retains responsibility for Scotland's [[Defense (military)|defence]], [[international relations]] and certain other areas. A [[Scottish independence referendum]] was held in September 2014, at which time independence was rejected.

[[File:Scottish Parliament building - geograph.org.uk - 2469591.jpg|thumb|left|Scotland's capital city, [[Edinburgh]], is home to the [[Scottish Government]] and [[Scottish Parliament]]]]

The latest election to the [[Scottish Parliament]] in [[2021 Scottish Parliament election|2021]] concluded with the SNP winning a fourth consecutive term in government, winning 64 seats and an increase of one. The SNP gained [[Edinburgh Central (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Edinburgh Central]], [[Ayr (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Ayr]], and [[East Lothian (Scottish Parliament constituency)|East Lothian]] as well as winning the largest share of the popular vote and the largest number of constituency seats in any Scottish Parliament election (62).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/scottish-election-2021-will-the-snp-win-a-majority-seven-key-questions-the-scottish-parliament-vote-will-answer/ar-BB1goncs |title=Scottish election 2021: Will the SNP win a majority? Seven key questions the Scottish Parliament vote will answer |last1=Marlborough |first1=Conor |last2=Swanson |first2=Ian |date=6 May 2021 |website=MSN |access-date=7 May 2021 |archive-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507194142/https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/scottish-election-2021-will-the-snp-win-a-majority-seven-key-questions-the-scottish-parliament-vote-will-answer/ar-BB1goncs |url-status=live }}</ref> The Greens won 8 seats, their best result to date at a Scottish Parliament election, while the Conservatives retained second place with 31 seats. Labour had its worst-ever result with 22 seats, and the lowest share of the vote in both Constituency & List votes for either Westminster or Holyrood since 1910. The Lib Dems won four seats, their worst showing at a Holyrood election to date.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-56995136|title=SNP win election one seat short of majority|date=8 May 2021|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=9 May 2021|archive-date=13 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213152016/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-56995136|url-status=live}}</ref>

The SNP and the Greens, both of which support [[Scottish independence]], won 72 of the 129 seats in the parliament. Unionist parties achieved a slight majority of votes in constituency contests, whilst pro-independence parties did the same in the regional list votes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/tactical-vote-reinforces-scotlands-great-divide-vwtlwxstg |title=Tactical vote reinforces Scotland's great divide |first=John |last=Curtice |newspaper=The Times |date=10 May 2021 |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=7 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607015137/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tactical-vote-reinforces-scotlands-great-divide-vwtlwxstg |url-status=live }}</ref> Voter turnout in the election reached 63.5%, the highest ever at a Scottish Parliament election. Following the election, the [[third Sturgeon government]] was formed, initially consisting of just the SNP but later including the appointment of Slater and Harvie as junior ministers, after the two parties negotiated a [[Scottish National Party–Scottish Greens agreement|power-sharing agreement]].<ref name=SNPGreendeal>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58272209|title=SNP and Greens agree new power-sharing deal|date=19 August 2021|work=BBC News|access-date=19 August 2021|language=en|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824175752/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58272209|url-status=live}}</ref>

For centuries, a core aspect of Scotland's political geography has been the general divide between the [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]] and the [[Scottish Lowlands|Lowlands]], a divide both physical and cultural. The physical geography of the divide (via the [[Highland Boundary Fault]]) and the political geography of the divide greatly overlap but are not identical. Despite any suggestiveness of the [[wiktionary:etymon|etymons]] "high" and "low", the division of Highlands and Lowlands does not ''thoroughly'' correspond either to [[elevation]] or to [[latitude]] in the sense of [[Northern Scotland]] and Southern Scotland being "upper" and "lower" (as north and south are often termed in various countries), and yet interestingly, the division does bear ''some noticeable degree'' of correspondence to both elevation and latitude, with upward and northward both ''tending'' toward stronger Highlander identity, more preservation of Gaelic versus Scots, and other political differentials (e.g., in previous centuries, degree of [[Unionism in the United Kingdom|Unionism]], degree of [[Jacobitism]], and others).{{Original research inline|date=March 2022}}

==Economic geography==
{{main|Economy of Scotland}}
[[File:Evening view across Carlton Hill towards the Castle (13164472813).jpg|thumb|left|Edinburgh is the [[financial centre]] of Scotland. It ranked as 13th largest internationally and 4th largest in Europe in 2020.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://scottishfinancialreview.com/2020/09/25/edinburgh-4th-in-europe-in-new-financial-centres-index/| title = Edinburgh 4th in Europe in new Financial Centres index – Scottish Financial Review}}</ref>]] 

The nominal [[gross domestic product]] (GDP) of Scotland in 2023 was estimated to be £211.7 billion (US$290 billion)<ref name="GDP Quarterly National Accounts for Scotland:2023 Q2">{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/gdp-quarterly-national-accounts-2023-q2/|title= GDP Quarterly National Accounts for Scotland:2023 Q2|website=Gov.scot|access-date=14 November 2023}}</ref> including oil and gas extraction in Scottish waters. resulting a per capita GDP of approximately £38,622 per person.<ref>{{cite web |title=GDP Quarterly National Accounts: 2023 Quarter 2 (April to June) |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/gdp-quarterly-national-accounts-2023-q2/pages/gdp-in-nominal-terms/ |website=Scottish Government |publisher=The Scottish Government |access-date=9 December 2023}}</ref> Major industries include [[Economy of Scotland#Banking|banking and financial services]], [[steelmaking]], transport equipment manufacturing, [[petroleum industry|oil and gas]], [[agriculture in Scotland|agriculture]], [[Scotch whisky|whisky distilling]], and [[tourism in Scotland|tourism]].

The [[Economy of Glasgow]] encompasses the largest [[Municipality|municipal]] and regional economy in Scotland. It is recognised as the largest contributor to the [[Economy of Scotland|Scottish economy]], and is the largest integrated economic region in Scotland and produces around a third of Scotland's output, business base, research power and employment. By [[Gross Domestic Product]] (GDP) figures, Glasgow City is the second highest amongst Scottish areas, behind, Edinburgh, and ahead of [[Aberdeen]] and [[Aberdeenshire]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Scotland GDP by region 2022 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1243834/scotland-gdp-by-local-area/#:~:text=The%20City%20of%20Edinburgh%20had,at%20around%2017.76%20billion%20pounds. |website=Statista |access-date=16 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref> In 2021, Glasgow's GDP was estimated at just under 25.8 billion pounds,<ref>{{cite web |title=Scotland GDP by region 2022 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1243834/scotland-gdp-by-local-area/#:~:text=The%20City%20of%20Edinburgh%20had,at%20around%2017.76%20billion%20pounds. |website=Statista |access-date=16 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref> with an estimated £48billion in [[Gross Value Added]] (GVA) in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glasgow Economy {{!}} Prosperus UK Cities {{!}} Invest Glasgow |url=https://www.investglasgow.com/why-glasgow/economy |website=www.investglasgow.com |access-date=16 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Glasgow is a member of the [[Core Cities Group]], a self-selected and self-financed collaborative [[advocacy group]] of large regional cities in the United Kingdom outside [[Greater London]] and [[Edinburgh]]. The group was formed in 1995 and serves as a partnership of eleven city councils.

[[File:North Sea oil rig.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Oil industry in Scotland|oil industry]] is largely centred off the coast of Aberdeen]] 

Both the Economy of Glasgow and the [[Economy of Edinburgh]] contribute to the central belt of Scotland being one of the 20 largest urban regions in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glasgow Economy {{!}} Prosperus UK Cities {{!}} Invest Glasgow |url=https://www.investglasgow.com/why-glasgow/economy |website=www.investglasgow.com |access-date=16 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Based on Gross Value Added (GVA) and GVA per head figures in 2015, Glasgow's economy was the fifth largest amongst the cities of the [[List of UK cities by GVA|United Kingdom]].<ref name="ONS regional GVA">{{cite web |title=ONS Regional GVA - December 2016 |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/file?uri=/economy/grossvalueaddedgva/datasets/regionalgrossvalueaddedincomeapproach/current/gvaireferencetables.xls |accessdate=10 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="Subregional Productivity">{{cite web |title=Subregional Productivity - January 2017 |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/file?uri=/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/labourproductivity/datasets/subregionalproductivitylabourproductivitygvaperhourworkedandgvaperfilledjobindicesbyuknuts2andnuts3subregions/current/unlinkedreferencetablesfinal.xls |accessdate=10 June 2017}}</ref>

The [[petroleum industry in Aberdeen]], the third most populous city in [[Scotland]], began in the mid-20th century following the discovery of significant [[North Sea oil|oil deposit]]s in the [[North Sea]]. Aberdeen has been characterised as the "oil capital" of Scotland, the United Kingdom, as well as [[Europe]] as a whole.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Mnyanda |first=Lukanyo |last2=Dickie |first2=Mure |date=2023-04-09 |title=In Scotland's oil and gas capital, uncertainty clouds the green transition |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9a91cfc6-c596-4928-b0ee-c96566f08433 |access-date=2023-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Harvey |first=Fiona |author-link=Fiona Harvey |last2= |first2= |date=2023-03-24 |title=UK planning to launch watered down net zero strategy in oil capital Aberdeen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/24/uk-government-launch-revamped-net-zero-strategy-oil-gas-capital-aberdeen |access-date=2023-11-10 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathiesen |first=Karl |date=2022-06-03 |title=Greens and rig workers call a truce in Europe's oil capital |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/scotland-greens-rig-workers-call-a-truce-in-europes-oil-capital/ |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref> Traditionally Aberdeen was home to fishing, [[textile mill]]s, ship building and paper making. These industries have mostly gone and have been replaced with high technology developments in the electronics design and development industry, research in agriculture and fishing, and the [[oil industry]] which has been largely responsible for Aberdeen's economic boom in the last three decades.<ref>{{cite web |title=REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY A sustainable economic future for the North East of Scotland     May 2023 Draft |url=https://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/documents/s144408/RES%20Appx1%20-%20RES%202035%20Final%20Draft.pdf |website=Aberdeen City Council |access-date=28 September 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Royal Scottish Geographical Society]]
*[[Geography of the United Kingdom]]
*[[Geography of England]]
*[[Geography of Wales]]
*[[Geography of Ireland]]

==References==
{{reflist}}{{Geography of Scotland}}{{Scotland topics}}
{{Geography of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Geography of Scotland}}
[[Category:Geography of Scotland| ]]