A guide to living in the Highlands

Stretching across the north-western part of Scotland - crossing diagonally from Helensburgh on the west coast to Stonehaven on the east coast - the Highlands covers a vast area of almost 10,000 square miles. From the famous Loch Ness to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, it's easy to see why so many people dream of calling this magical place home. If you are thinking of making the move, then here is everything you need to know about where to live in the Highlands. 

Popular places to live in the Highlands

Inverness

Known as the “Capital of the Highlands,” Inverness is the only city in this region. With a population of 80,000 people, it combines the charm of a medium-sized town with all the modern amenities and conveniences you’d expect from a city: shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and a bustling cultural scene. 

The appeal of living anywhere in the Highlands is its proximity to nature, and that’s no different for people living in Inverness. You’re never far from breathtaking views of the Moray Firth, rugged hills and mountains (the Cairngorms National Park is only a 30-minute drive) or nearby lochs. Outdoor enthusiasts love the hiking, cycling, skiing and wildlife spotting opportunities.

The slower pace of life also appeals to families looking for a quieter, safer environment, as well as having good schools, parks and family attractions. 

Despite its remote Highland location, Inverness is well-connected for travel. The airport offers flights to major UK cities and beyond, while the train station and main roads link you to other parts of Scotland (as a guide, it’s roughly a 3 hour drive to Glasgow and Edinburgh and around 3 and a half hours by train).

Fort William

Fort William is often referred to as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK," and for good reason. Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, and surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Lochaber, the town offers breathtaking views of lochs, mountains and glens. Name any outdoor sport, and there’s a good chance you’ll be able to do it here. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing (at Nevis Range) and watersports on Loch Linnhe are all on your doorstep. It’s also the starting (or ending) point of the West Highland Way, a famous long-distance walking trail.

With a population of around 10,000, Fort William is relatively small for a town, but has a good range of amenities, including supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and pubs. The A82 links it to Glasgow and Inverness, and there are regular train services, including the famous Jacobite Steam Train, which takes you over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (a treat for Harry Potter fans).

Fort William has several primary schools and Lochaber High School for secondary education. The town is also home to the West Highland College UHI, offering further education opportunities.

Dornoch

Dornoch is a charming seaside town nestled along the shores of the Dornoch Firth, offering a peaceful and picturesque lifestyle. As you’d expect, one perk of living by the sea is access to pristine beaches, and Dornoch Beach is a local gem - perfect for leisurely walks, picnics or watching the occasional seal pop its head above the waves. The surrounding countryside also provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling and nature spotting.

Although the town is only small - it has a population of roughly 1,500 people - there’s also a good mix of cosy pubs, cafes and local shops offering everything from artisan crafts to fresh local produce. There’s also a primary school and a secondary school within the town. And while Dornoch offers tranquillity, it’s not completely isolated. Inverness is only an hour’s drive away, providing access to larger shops, services and national and international transport links.

Aviemore

Lying within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is a picturesque town surrounded by stunning landscapes: rugged mountains, crystal clear lochs and ancient forests. Because of its location, it’s no surprise that it attracts house hunters and visitors who want to experience the outdoors. In the winter, it’s a hub for skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Cairngorm Mountain Resort. During the warmer months, activities like hiking, mountain biking and watersports on Loch Morlich take centre stage. The Rothiemurchus Estate also offers unique experiences like wildlife safaris, clay pigeon shooting and fishing.

Despite its popularity with tourists, Aviemore has a small-town vibe where locals know each other and community events are frequent. From ceilidhs to craft fairs, there’s always something bringing people together.

There are plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and supermarkets within the town, as well as Aviemore Primary School. While Aviemore doesn’t have its own secondary school, Kingussie High School is only a 20 minute drive away, and there is a regular bus that runs between the two towns. Aviemore does, however, have its own train station on the Highland Main Line, providing routes to Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Drumnadrochit

This small village on the shores of Loch Ness is best known as the home of the Loch Ness Monster legend, but it offers much more than just a connection to the mythical beast. Surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and, of course, the stunning loch, it’s a place where you can step outside and be immediately immersed in nature. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, cycling routes, fishing and scenic walks. It’s also home to Urquhart Castle, a magnificent ruin perched on the edge of Loch Ness, which offers insight into Scotland’s mediaeval past and unbeatable views of the loch.

Despite its small size, Drumnadrochit has all the amenities and services you need. There are cosy pubs, charming cafes and local shops to explore. The village also has a primary school and secondary school. Inverness, the nearest city, is about a 25-minute drive away for more extensive shopping, dining and schooling options.

Ready to make the move?

For over 100 years, Tulloch Homes has been creating stylish, high-quality new build homes across the Highlands. We thoughtfully plan every development with our customers in mind, considering convenient access to schools, transport, and local amenities, as well as including green spaces and welcoming community areas.