Highlands

in physical geography, any district having a considerable elevation above the sea. In literature, the term applies to the northern part of Scotland, called the Highlands, by way of distinction from the southern portion, designated as the Lowlands. The line between the two sections has never been very distinct. At an early day the Highlands were occupied by a Celtic people who spoke the Gaelic language, living in tribes or clans. The warriors wore kilts and plaids. They danced to the sound of the bagpipe, and were skilled with the claymore or broadsword. The Lowlands were peopled by a class closely akin to the English, that is to say, of Teutonic or Scandinavian origin. By constant intercourse and intermarriage the distinction between Highlanders and Lowlanders has been more or less effaced. A family name beginning with Mac is indicative of Highland origin. The gallant conduct of the Highland regiments and the writings of William Black, have done much to surround the Highlands with an atmosphere of romance. See Scotland