Semicolons, those things of nethermost confusion which have plagued writers and readers alike for decades. If you haven't experienced the headache and irritation of trying to figure out when and where to use a semicolon, count yourself lucky and if you are reading this, that means I can hopefully save you the headaches I went through. A semicolon is a symbol that can be used in various situations when writing. It is stronger than a comma but less final than a full stop.
A semicolon is most commonly used to joint two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.
The Highlands of Scotland are beautiful; I visit there regularly.
A semicolon can also be used for two independent clauses which are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
In Scotland, the Highlands are much less populated than other areas; as the people were moved off the land in the past.
A semicolon could also be used in a list of items when one or more of the items contains commas.
Scotland is home to many great and obscure myths not known to many: the dangerous kelpie, which drags its victim into a watery grave; the Ghillie Dhu, who protect the great forests; the brownies who look after the homes of those who reward them with oats.
You can use a semicolon between two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clause already has commas or is lengthy.
The Highlands makes money mostly from tourism, as the land is bad for growing crops, it does however have some livestock; but due to the lack of population and scenery, the Highlands is ideal for tourism.