Highland
The largest and stylistically broadest Scotch whisky region — everything north of the Highland Line that is not Speyside, Islay, or Campbeltown.
The Highland region is the largest Scotch whisky region by area and contains the broadest range of stylistic variation. Under the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009, 'Highland' is defined as everything north of the Highland Line (a notional line approximately from Greenock on the Clyde to Dundee on the Tay) excluding Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown — though Speyside is technically a sub-region of the Highland geographic area and many distilleries straddle both labels. The Highland region includes the western Highlands (Oban, Ben Nevis), the eastern Highlands (Glencadam, Royal Lochnagar), the northern Highlands (Glenmorangie, Dalmore, Old Pulteney), and the Islands (Talisker on Skye, Highland Park on Orkney, Jura, Arran, Tobermory on Mull).
Quick facts
- Type
- Region
- Region
- Highland
- Origin
- Scotland, north of the Highland Line
Geographic Definition
The 'Highland Line' is a notional boundary running roughly from Greenock on the Clyde to Dundee on the Tay, separating Lowland from Highland Scotland. Under the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009, the Highland region includes everything north of this line except the separately recognised Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown localities. The Islands (Skye, Orkney, Mull, Jura, Arran) are sub-categorised within Highland under the regulations.
Sources & further reading (1)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-15
Frequently asked questions
Is Speyside part of the Highlands?
Geographically yes — Speyside lies within the broader Highland region. The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 recognise Speyside as a separate protected locality within the Highland geographic area. Many Speyside distilleries can legally label their whisky as Highland or Speyside; most prefer the more specific Speyside designation.
What is the 'Island' style?
The Islands — Skye, Orkney, Mull, Jura, Arran — are technically classified within the Highland region but are often informally treated as a sub-region. Island malts (Talisker, Highland Park, Tobermory) often display maritime and lightly peated characteristics, intermediate between Speyside and Islay.