The Highlands in the north, including the Hebridean islands, account for somewhat more than half the total area of Scotland.
Scotland includes 787 islands, ranging from large rocks to land several hundred square miles in area, of which most belong to groups known as the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. About 130 of the Scottish islands are inhabited.
Scotland is a mountainous country, having the highest peak in the United Kingdom (Ben Nevis 1,356 metres) as well as five other mountains of more than 4,000 feet. .
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Climate.
Scotland's position on the edge of the European continent with sea on three sides means the weather is very varied. Its mean temperature ranges between 15°C and 19°C and it snows mainly during the months of December, January, and February. .
The average rainfall in Scotland ranges from 560mm to 1,015mm a year. The west, particularly the West Highlands, tends to have higher rainfall than the east, and is mild and wet, while the east coast is cool and dry. .
Scottish food.
Scotland has an enviable range of fresh ingredients at their disposal - meat, seafood and vegetables as well as a reputation for some of the best dishes in the world, some of these include haggis, shortbread, porridge, and scotch broth.
Oatmeal is most probably Scotland's most common ingredient. It has been used for centuries in foods such as oatcakes (a barley and oat flour biscuit baked on a girdle) porridge, the infamous haggis, biscuits, etc. .
Scotland is famous for its whisky, and it is the countries largest export. Meat is also commonly used; Scotland's lamb, beef, venison, trout, and salmon are highly prized. .
Scot's usually have a large breakfast, which could consist of cereal, porridge, beans, fried tomato, sausages, black pudding (a kind of blood sausage) eggs, bacon, potato scones, toast and tea of coffee. Next comes a medium sized lunch, followed by high tea - sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, pastries or tea, (usually served between 4 and 6pm).