Scotland is divided into three major land sections. These are the Southern Uplands, the
Central Lowlands, and the Highlands. The Southern Uplands form heights of about twenty
five hundred feet above see level. The lowlands only form about fifteen percent of
Scotland’s landmass but represent seventy-five percent of its population and most of
Scotland’s industry is based in the Lowland area. Although the Highlands do have some
low-lying areas it is the least popular. The Highlands can reach heights of up to four
thousand feet high. The Highlands are home to the many things that have made Scotland
famous such as the many tartans and clans, unique style of dress seen nowhere else in the
world, Loch Ness and the monster, and of course the Great Highland Bagpipe.
At the beginning of the Iron Age Scotland was invaded by the Celts. It is thought that the
bringers of Iron were probably the Celts. In A.D. 43 the Roman forces invaded Britain.
This was perhaps the most influential occurrences in British history. Although the Romans
introduced many aspects to Britain, such as the Christian religion and many other styles in
housing and buildings, these changes merely reached Scotland. Eventually the Romans
conquered the majority of Scotland. In the early fifth century A.D. the Romans came to the
end of their military power and the Celts regained their power.
On Wednesday, April 16th, 1746, the greatest battle in all Scotland’s history occurred. It
was the battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was overthrown by the Duke of
Cumberland. The army of Prince Charles, numbering five thousand people, was not match
for that of the Duke of Cumberland, numbering nine thousand people. At about one
o’clock in the afternoon the armies were in place. Prince Charles’ army with about three
thousand eight hundred and ten Highlanders at the front and only one thousand, one
hundred and ninety men making up the second line and reserve. There was only four
hundred to five hundred yards between the two armies. The next hour would determine the
outcome of the future of Scotland. In just over one hour the battle was lost and all Prince
Charles’ dreams shattered as well as the way and tradition of the Highland people. After
that battle the Highland people were not aloud to sing, dress, speak, or do anything in the
tradition way. Highland bagpipes, the Gaelic language, and many other things were
banned. It is only now that we are trying to restore the traditional way of the Scottish
Highland peoples. Though we are doing all we can much has be lost which we can not
restore, one being the pride of many Highlanders but their spirit remains.