Covering the northern third of Great Britain, sharing a border with England in the south, Scotland may be small in comparison with its neighbors but it boasts some of the most stunning scenery in all of the UK. From wild coastline and and pristine beaches to rolling valleys and towering mountains, Scotland’s geography is a huge part of its appeal.
Scotland is also home to almost 800 small islands and 7 million sheep. In the north of the country you’ll find the majestic Shetland Isles and Orkney Isles, both steeped in a magical mix of Scottish, Celtic and Norse history and culture. Additionally, it is one of the least densely populated countries in Europe. In the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the population density is just 9 people per sq. km, making it comparable to only to northern Scandinavia.
Scotland is a country with a remarkably strong cultural identity. Married to that identity are 5 items that are strongly correlated with Scotland and Scottish life. These items include: bagpipes, shortbread, haggis, the kilt and of course whisky:) Scotland also has a world reputation for its gin which may be the 6th item added to this list in due time. This country is responsible for the production of well over half the gin purchased and consumed by the UK.
Scotland has an official animal, it’s the unicorn!Unicorns have long occupied a role in the folklore of ancient civilizations, and have a particularly strong presence in Celtic mythology that inhabits these parts. In Celtic folklore, the unicorn symbolizes multiple virtues: from purity and innocence, to untamable freedom and proud intelligence.
Food and Beverage
From savory Scottish porridge to the iconic national dish of Haggis, Scotland offers a culinary cuisine that is unique. With ingredients like fresh produce and high quality meats, Scotland has all kinds of traditional Scottish foods that are worth trying.
Scotch Pies – are delicious double-crusted meat pies that are filled with minced mutton or other types of meat. They can be served hot or cold, and are baked fresh at Scottish takeaway restaurants or bakeries around the country. Adding a little gravy made this delicacy even more delectable.
Cock-a-leekie soup – is known as Scotland’s national soup. This traditional dish is made with peppered chicken stock, and leeks, sometimes prunes, and can be thickened by adding rice or barley. This Scottish version of classic chicken soup dates back to the 16th century, and the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly day in Scotland’s unpredictable weather.
Stovies – is a meat and potato-based dish that serves as an appetizer. Made by blending potatoes, sausages, roast and minced meat, and spices, and cooking everything all in one pot, stovies is the perfect food to warm you up. I’m not a fan of meat and I enjoyed this dish. Perhaps it was the spices or the fact that the meat was minced or both, but I found it quite tasty.
Haggis – consists of sausage meat made from the innards of the sheep mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, stock, dried herbs and other seasonings. These ingredients are combined and then boiled inside the lining of a sheep’s stomach. Trust me, it’s off the hook!
Neeps and Tatties – is a healthy side dish made from root vegetables that have been boiled and mashed into two delicious side dishes. When served alongside Haggis, the meal in its entirety is called a “Burns supper”.
Deep-fried Mars bars – are a sweet and unique dessert concept that was invented in 1992 by a man named John Davie in the Haven Chip Bar in Stonehaven, near Aberdeen. The famous European chocolate bar is battered with a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, then deep fried, resulting in melted chocolate enveloped in crispy batter. These puppies are available in Canada too, usually at fairs 🙂
Traditional Scottish Tablet – this small sweet snack is made with sugar, condensed milk, and butter, which is then crystallized creating small pieces of tasty semi-hard candy. Just as sweet as fudge, although not as soft, this delectable confection is often flavored with vanilla or whisky and can be found in shops all over Scotland.
The Dundee Cake – originates from where its name would suggest, Dundee, Scotland. This dense cake is a sweet fruit cake which is easily recognisable from its circles of blanched almonds that crown its top. Inside is a delicious melody of dried fruits, completed by the addition of mixed peel, giving it that distinct citrus flavour.
Cranachan – is a traditional Scottish dessert often served around Christmas time or during other special occasions. With ingredients including whipped cream, scotch whisky, honey, oatmeal, and fresh raspberries, this sweet dish is served in a tall glass can often be found on many restaurants’ dessert menus. Typically, it is served by bringing out a dish of each ingredient and letting each person assemble the dessert themselves. It is like Christmas in your mouth 🙂
Irn Bru – was first sold in Scotland in 1901 by soft drink manufacturer A.G. Barr & Company under the name “Iron Brew,”. Fizzy and bright orange, it is sweet and tangy, and quite unplaceable. The exact recipe has never been released to the public, though we do know that it includes quinine and caffeine. The legend goes that caffeine was added to the tonic to give exhausted steelworkers an extra boost to make it through the working day as they worked rebuilding Glasgow Central Station.
Whisky – is probably the most familiar of Scottish alcoholic drinks on this list. This distilled alcoholic beverage originated in the Scottish Lowlands as early as 1495, according to some sources. There are 3 main types of whisky, these being single malt, blended and grain.
Edinburgh
Visually, Edinburgh is a city that looks very sombre and demure, mainly because of its setting among crags and hills, as well as from its tall buildings and spires of dark stone. Edinburgh was a military stronghold, the capital of an independent country, and an epicenter of the arts and history. Although it has repeatedly alternated between misfortune and fortune, it has managed to redeem itself and bounce back. Today it is the seat of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive, and it remains a major centre for finance, law, tourism, education, and cultural affairs.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle – has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence and as a military stronghold. The castle last saw military action in 1745. At this juncture until the 1920s it served as the British army’s main base in Scotland. Today it is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric and popular tourist attractions.
Inside the entrance lays a cobbled lane leads up beneath the 16th century gate. There is 19th-century Argyle Tower, and cannon of the Argyle and Mills Mount Batteries. The battlements here have great views over the New Town. Incredible views if I’m being completely honest. At exactly 1300 hrs every day, the 1 o’clock gun, a WWII 25-pounder fires an ear-splitting time signal on the hour (except Sunday, Christmas Day and Good Friday)!
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions – is an epic museum located in the former observatory. This museum, which is located in a six-storey tower, teaches you everything about optical illusions. The top floor contains the Camera Obscura, from where you have a beautiful view of Edinburgh city.
The Magic Gallery is probably one of the most popular highlights within the museum. It has some high-profile exhibits, cool optical illusions, and multiple interactive experiences. For example, you can learn how to make electricity with your fingertips. And….the plasma tubes and spheres allow you to illuminate a room with your fingertips in a safe experience. Also, the Shadow Wall, traps your shadow which was dope. We had a lot of fun at this unique place even if I almost hurled from moving tunnel lol
The Britannia – was launched in Scotland in 1953 and, since then, has served the Royal Family on 968 official voyages, stopping at 600 ports and in over 135 countries. Literally is my kind of boat lol In 1997, after over 40 years of service, the vessel was decommissioned and is now berthed at Leith Port where explorers can visit her. She is a visually stunning and an opulent representation of Royal life.
The Late Queen felt at home when she travelled on the vessel and the photos of her children and grandchildren still hang on the walls of the Britannia, as well as various personal items and gifts that were given to the family on their travels around the world.
Throughout its 44 years of service, Britannia has been a residence for official receptions, banquets, and State visits. For these events, 45 members of the royal household would climb on board with 5 tons of luggage.and, this particular yacht has travelled over 1,000,000 Nautical miles worldwide.
The National Museum – Inaugurated in 1998, the modern building of the National Museum of Scotland features over 10.000 items, including countless works of art, jewels and weapons that reveal the country’s culture and history. We went there to see Dolly the sheep. We were pretty stocked about this encounter. Dolly (5 July 1996 – 14 February 2003) was a female Finn-Dorset sheep who was the 1st mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell! Pretty iconic:)
The Roslynn Chapel – is an ever-more-popular tourist attraction, helped in part by the many legends that surround it. The beauty of Rosslyn is that it has almost as many stories as you care to think of. It’s an enigma, and that’s what makes it so exciting. When the reconstruction of the pinnacle, it was discovered that the frugal design had a room for a beehive. Like how cool is that?
Like the heroes of “The Da Vinci Code”, we discovered that there is definitely a coverup going on at Rosslyn, a non-mystical one. It began in 1997 when workers erected a huge metal canopy over the entire building. The stones had absorbed water over the centuries. The initial fear was that rainwater was causing damage, particularly since rain contains ever-increasing amounts of acid that eats away at the stone.
Things to do outside of Edinburgh
Bamburgh Castle is the mother of all Castles in the region. “The Last Kingdom“ was filmed here and for good reason. This castle is believed to have been occupied for over 10,000 years and has evolved from a wooden palisade to the formidable fortress it is today. It was also one of the world’s first ‘coastguard’ stations and the site for the development and testing of the World’s first ‘lifeboat’.
Under the ownership of the Crewe Trustees it housed a school, hospital and was the centre of its own mini ‘welfare state’. Bought by the First Lord Armstrong in 1894 it is still owned by the Armstrong family who play an active part in its operation and maintenance.
Outside, there are battlements adorning the walls that offer incredible views out over the beaches and north towards Lindisfarne and inland towards the Cheviot hills. There are many trails along the embankments and surrounding beaches.
The inside is just as impressive as it is home to over 3000 artifacts ranging from porcelain plates and figurines to arms and armour. With a beautiful collection of clocks, furniture and paintings helping to maintain a homely feeling about the place. There is even a dungeon and a secret staircase inside this castle which level up its cool factor.
The Falkirk wheel is an engineering wonder and the only of its kind in the world! The world’s only rotating boat lift, this wheel links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 35 metres above, allowing boats to basically sail through the sky with the same energy it would take to boil 8 kettles. We got to see a boat being lifted up and another down. Super cool!
The Kelpies – Standing at 100ft tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each, the magical Kelpies are a man-made wonder and a feat of engineering. The works of art, created by artist Andy Scott, have become iconic on the landscape after being modelled on real-life icons by way of of Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron. The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coalships that shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk.
The Jupiter Artland – If you’re a contemporary art lover, or just interested in visiting one of Edinburgh’s lesser known attractions, then this is your jam. This is a stunning outdoor sculpture park, located in the grounds of an old manor house, outside the city centre.
There is a range of contemporary sculpture pieces in the park, which is a privately owned collection, organised by the owners of Bonnington House. They invited artists to take part in the project, to fill the grounds with sculptures, and each piece was specifically designed to fit in to the landscape of the park.
Stirling Castle – Most of the buildings of Stirling Castle that are now standing date from the late 15th century and later. Stirling is one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles. The castle peaked in importance in the 1500s, but its volcanic crag has been fortified since ancient times. This castle has been the most besieged in all of Scotland.
St-Andrews
St Andrews is Scotland’s world-famous Home of Golf. It is also known for its historic university (the exact place Prince William and Kate met), medieval streets and gorgeous traditional buildings. Located on the east coast and within 1/2 hour from Dundee, this quaint town of 10,000 residents is home to St Andrews Cathedral and to Scotland’s Secret Bunker.
St Andrews’ has rightly earned its place in history through ruins of St Andrews Castle and St Andrews Cathedral. You can walk through Dunino Den which is rumored to be a pagan ceremonial site or visit The Old Course, the world’s oldest golf course. Whatever floats your boat.
Things to do outside St-Andrews
Dunnotar Castle – I’m not sure there is a more melodramatic, iconic, or romantic castle in Scotland than Dunnottar. It stands tall and proud on a striking headland, surrounded by almost sheer cliffs on three sides, Dunnottar is not only one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses in the UK, but the site of some of the most fascinating and dramatic events in British history.
Over the turbulent centuries, it has been burned, rebuilt, and burned again. It has been besieged, visited by saints and queens, and been the setting for dramatic escapes. It has been a religious community, a fortress, a terrible prison, and the scene of one of the most famous episodes in the story of Scotland.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is located on the north east coast of Scotland and is nicknamed the Granite City. It is home to Marischal College, the world’s second largest granite building. Did you know that Astronomer and Aberdeen-born Sir David Gill (1843-1914) is credited with taking the first-ever photograph of the Moon? And the Aberdeen area has the largest number of whisky distilleries of any whisky producing area in Scotland. We took the 12 hour+ overnight Northlink ferry from Lerwick to Aberdeen.
The Scottish Highlands
By far the largest region in Scotland, the Highlands covers nearly 10,000 sq miles in northern Scotland. The region is home to verdant rolling hills, Highland cows, the legendary Loch Ness monster, stunning trails and ancient castles.
Balmoral Castle – is the Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family. The Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848.
The grounds are exceptional and there are so many trails that you can do in a full day. There are stables and a pet cemetery. Balmoral Castle even has its own gin distillery! The castle is nestled in the Scottish highlands which makes this particular castle very scenic. The castle has its own greenhouses and gardens. Although the soil isn’t particularly fertile, the greenhouse pick up the slack. As a result of the poor soil composition, there is 40 tons of compost and fertilizer applied to the kitchen garden!
Glenfinnan Viaduct – If this breathtaking piece of engineering looks familiar to you, it’s because both the viaduct and the steam train that runs over it were featured in 4 of the Harry Potter films. That’s right, it’s the Hogwarts Express!
But you don’t have to be a ‘Potter head’ to appreciate the magic and majesty of Glenfinnan Viaduct; it’s simply breathtaking to behold. It’s the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland and traverses a 100ft over the River Finnan, 100ft above the ground, passing through some of the most atmospheric and unspoilt scenery you’re ever likely to see. It’s so iconic it was featured on the 2007 Scottish £10 note!
Castle Stalker – is a four storey medieval tower house standing on a small rocky tidal islet known as Rock of the Cormorants, in the mouth of Loch Laich. The castle has a turbulent history including clan rivalry, murder, illegitimacy, intrigue and royal connections.
This place is fun to view because there is a walking trail that runs parallel to the water. There are many paths that lead to small grassy viewing points. There were people camping in the beach when we were there and there is also another trail that goes towards the inlet. On low tide, like the time of day we were there, it is 100% possible to walk out to the castle. The rocks are a bit slippery so it involves a bit of caution.
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel – is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland. It is located on top of an immense rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn. This place used to be a stronghold of the MacDougall family and was built around 1220 by Duncan MacDougall. Dunstaffnage Castle was built at the height of the battle between Scotland and Norway over the control of the Hebrides. It was once also besieged by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness Lake – lies in the Highlands of Scotland. With a depth of 788ft (240 metres) and a length of about 36 km, Loch Ness has the largest volume of fresh water in the UK. The watershed of Loch Ness covers more than 1,800 square km and is made up of several different river systems, including the Oich and the Enrick. The sharp rise and fall of the level of the loch is one reason for the scanty flora of the waters; another reason is the great depths of the loch near the shoreline.
Like some other very deep lochs in Scotland and Scandinavia, Loch Ness is said to be inhabited by an aquatic monster. Many sightings of the so-called “Loch Ness Monster” or “Nessie” have been reported. The legend continues to circulate and the possibility of her existence, perhaps in the form of a lone survivor of the long-extinct plesiosaur, a large aquatic dinosaur that went extinct over 66 million years ago.
No trip to the Highland’s is complete without experiencing the magic of Loch Ness. We took the Nessie Hunter, to see why the legend lives on and to see if we could catch a glimpse of her. Our local skippers showed us the Urquhart Castle, where the Loch Ness monster sighting hotspots were. This was definitely a great experience!
Urquhart Castle – This castle is the 3rd most visited castle in Scotland. Getting up close and personal with it allows you to travel back 1,000 years in time. Urquhart Castle’s ruins, one of the largest in Scotland, are situated on a headland with panoramic views overlooking Loch Ness. These ruins are iconic and there is simply nothing quite like it.
Caerlaveroch Castle – is an impressive and unusual triangular-shaped castle near the South of Dumfries on the Solway coast. With its moat, two-towered gatehouse, and imposing battlements, it is a fine example of a medieval stronghold. The castle’s turbulent history owes much to its proximity to England which made it a strategic objective in Border conflicts.
The Lockerbie Garden of Remembrance – commemorates the 270 lives lost when Pan Am 103 en route from Frankfurt, Germany to New York via London’s Heathrow Airport, blew up over Lockerbie, Scotland. At 7:02 p.m., on the 21st December 1988, 27 minutes after leaving London, the plane exploded, raining fragments on the city of Lockerbie. The 259 passengers and crew included citizens of 21 countries. Among them were 190 Americans, including 15 active duty military personnel and 10 veterans. 11 Lockerbie residents were also killed on the ground.
This poignant, well-tended garden inside Dryfesdale cemetery pays tribute to the victims, with the names of those killed carved onto granite. The disaster and the subsequent rebuilding of parts of the town is well documented in a small visitor centre at the entrance to the cemetery.
The Orkney Isles
These fascinating group of more than 70 islands and islets are only inhabited on about 20 of them. The first island lies about 32 km from the Scottish mainland.
Fun fact: Orkney is actually closer to the arctic circle than it is to London. Kirkwall (the capital) is home to the oldest public library in Scotland , which was founded in 1683. Another fact that blew me away is that 15% of the world’s seal population is actually be found in Orkney! And these islands lay claim to the world’s shortest flight – a 1.7 mile, 2 minute flight between Westray and Papa Westray which we never took lol
Kirkwall
The islands capital is adorned with independent retailers form the heart of the town. These fun local shops line the main street as it weaves its way south from the colourful harbor. You can buy fishing gear local food and quirky souvenirs.
Close to the cathedral is the Bishop’s and Earls Palaces and the Orkney museum. The museum has an interesting collection of exhibitions and artifacts. The museum sits in-front of a beautiful oasis in the middle of town. These glamorous gardens are called the “Tankerness House Gardens” and they truly are a lovely spot to find some solitude and contemplate life.
Visitors to Orkney at Christmas may be surprised to see planks being bolted into place, barricading the windows and doors of shops on Kirkwall’s main street. These are the preparations for the Ba’, a traditional game played on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. In the game, 2 teams must fight through the streets of Kirkwall, carrying, kicking, or smuggling a leather ball towards their respective goals. There are no time limits, no limits to the number of players, and few rules! It is complete chaos, I’ve watched the videos lol
For the Ba’, the Orkney men are divided into 2 teams, the Uppies and the Doonies. These names are shortened versions of ‘up the gates’ and ‘doon the gates’. Gates is a misunderstanding of the Old Norse ‘gata’, which means path or road. Women have been banned since 1947 when a rather zealous local decided to bring knitting needles to the event. That punishment had lasted 76 years!
The Orkney Distillery – Kirkjuvagr is a hand-crafted Orkney gin for the modern, discerning gin enthusiasts. Kirkjuvagr means “Church Bay” in Old Norse. This distillery offers award-winning gins and tours and those are a great way to learn about the history of gin and the local craft for producing it. We did a tour and loved it!
Skara Brae– Orkney is jam packed with ancient monuments and buildings. The most iconic spots are known as “The Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site” and are extremely well preserved. This includes the Neolithic stone village of Skara Brae, which was hidden from history until a storm exposed it once again to the world in 1850.
The Standing Stones of Stenness – could be the oldest stone circle in the British Isles. There were originally 12 stones, with some standing up to six metres high, focused on a large hearth in the centre. Although only 4 stones remain standing, it’s still possible to get a sense of the scale and importance of the area.
Unstan Chambered Cairn – This 5000-year-old burial tomb is just one of hundreds of similar sites that can be found throughout the Orkney Islands. This chambered cairn boasts features of both kinds of traditional burial chambers found in Orkney. Other cairns from the Neolithic tend to feature only one or the other. Human remains were found in both sections when the cairn was first excavated, with animal bones also discovered.
The Broch of Gurness – was once a mighty Iron Age settlement, with a small village arranged around a central, massive broch tower. It has a beautiful location perched on the edge of the Orkney’s Western mainland. This treasure is approximately 2000-years-old and because it allows explorers access to the its buildings, ancients stones and structures, it truly is a cool place to visit.
The Ring of Brogdar – rests within a natural amphitheatre of hills and surrounded by a ditch, 27 of the original 60 stones survive today. According to legend, it was a religious shrine and possibly a place of ritual, while others believe the ring was built for the astronomical observation of the equinox and solstice. Hauntingly beautiful, this site is also mysterious and standing amongst it makes one feel very small.
The Shetland Isles
Shetland was a must for the both of us as we are both huge fans (I mean really big fans) of the show “Shetland”. The BBC One drama is based on the Anne Cleeve novels, which are equally as compelling. The scenery we watched whet our appetite and we took this wonderful opportunity for adventure into nature.
This place also has a “Cake fridge” in the middle of the island where you can buy various types of yummy deserts on the honor system…Also something we discovered by watching “Shetland”!
The Shetland Islands are blessed with epic coastal viewpoints (perfect for avid hikers), deserted white-sand beaches and a rich array of wildlife, from otters, to orcas to both grey and common seals. While out boating, we actually had a large bullish male grey seal try to jump onto our boat in an attempt to get some fish. We had none but it didn’t stop him from trying. I’m pretty sure he was giving me the stink eye when he realized there was no fish lol
Shetland is known for large gannet colonies. We took an absolutely gorgeous birding cruise from Lerwick Harbour while we were exploring. We saw lots of Gannet action 🙂
Shetland ponies are most-notably very hardy, stout, strong and sure-footed. They have adapted remarkably well to Shetland’s often harsh environment, and as a result, need minimum care. They are able to live happily outdoors all year-round and are quite personable and friendly for the most part. Adapting to the harsh climate in several ways, they are small and stout, ranging between 28 and 42 inches, they also have large feet, perfect for moving around boggy ground.
They also possess a double-layered coat of hair which ensures they are entirely waterproof, warm and dry in winter. This coat is shed in the summer and can make the pony look a bit shabby as they moult. there are 1,500 Shetland ponies across the islands. On the island of Foula there are more Shetland ponies than people; they outnumber humans there 50 to 1!
Shetland produces amazing local eats from the best mussels, succulent fish and chips to tender lamb from free-roaming sheep. All the while, you’ll experience the famous Shetland welcome and the islands’ unique culture, with clearer Viking and Scandinavian influences than anywhere else in the UK. Shetland boasts an ancient civilisation that predates the Vikings and the Picts, with Neolithic archaeological sites which date back to 2500 BC.
Shetland belonged to Denmark until 1469, when Princess Margaret of Denmark married James III of Scotland. These Islands were part of her dowry! Interestingly enough, the Shetland Islands played a secret role in WWII, when ordinary fishing boats formed the ‘Shetland Bus’ that transported munitions, supplies, and even rescued refugees. The landscape in Shetland overpowers the senses. The sheer magnificence of the cliffs is breathtaking!
The Shetland Isles are located around 150 km closer to Norway than they are to mainland Scotland. Super fun fact: at the height of summer, the sun barely sets…aside from a few hours of twilight which Shetlanders refer to as the “Simmer Dim”.
Lerwick
The name Lerwick comes from the Old Norse word ‘Leirvik’, meaning the ‘muddy or clay bay’. Fun fact: There are more fish landed in Shetland than in the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined.
And….many of the Lanes in Lerwick have 2 names and this is always a baffling thing for visitors – and locals alike. Basically, what happened was, as the town grew, the lanes became very overcrowded and dirty, with open sewers and fish effluent tossed out into the streets, making it an unsavoury place to stay – or visit. Infectious disease would spread quickly amidst the overcrowding and squalor so, in the 1830s, a Police Commissioner was tasked with ‘improving’ the area. What he did, bizarrely, was rename them all so, Sheriff’s Closs became Law Lane and Leask’s Closs became Pitt Lane, and so on. Sanitation and drainage, the means to really improve the situation for Lerwick’s poor, weren’t installed until the 1870s. Madness!
The Knab sits at the south end of Lerwick, just a 5 minute walk from the town centre. It literally wraps around the other side of city center and can be enjoyed as a coastal walk. It’s an epic scenic walk and one you can benefit from on a nice day as the scenery is divine.
Worth the visit or not: WORTH
Scotland is a land of natural beauty coupled with a nostalgic spirit. It has a rich history, distinctive tartans, and world-renowned whisky. Scotland is home to some of the most jaw dropping landscapes in the UK. From rolling hills and jagged mountain faces to white sandy beaches, it really has a sprinkling of everything. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Scotland feels very romantic.
Coming in all shapes, sizes, styles and ages Scotland has a plethora of different castles. It also has an interesting mix of architecture that’s highlights the art deco movement and the ultramodern vibe. Cities are adorned with baronial buildings and striking gothic buildings, ancient abbeys, exquisite churches and cathedrals, historical monuments, old ruins, and impressive bridges.
Some time ago, along the coast of Scotland, a few individuals decided to make a game out of hitting a small rock amidst the sand dunes with a large bent stick. Yes, Scotland is the birthplace of golf (gentleman only ladies forbidden). In the years to come, the enthusiasm for ‘golf’ started to negate the importance of other matters and in 1457, the Parliament of King James II banned the sport altogether. Today, golf thrives everywhere across the globe.
Scottish weather is pretty unpredictable however, Scotland does have many events that will surely suit your fancy. Dance the ceilidh and eat tatties with haggis on Burns Night, discover the Edinburgh Fridge Festival, attend a street party, or watch thousands of Santa Clauses running through the streets of Glasgow. Scotland will never leave you bored……but it might leave you broke lol! And in the summer months, Shetland hosts its lion share of puffins, you know the birds that look like flying clowns?
Scottish cuisine is steeped in centuries of tradition and turbulent history. It’s food draws on the natural bounty of its coastal waters, moors and craggy peaks to produce dishes as memorable as they are flavorful. The food is full of complex and comforting flavors and is made to fill you up by way hearty and comforting dishes. Scottish food is all about flavor and traditions and getting up close and personal with local dishes is a great way to get to know more about Scottish culture 🙂
Lastly, so much has been reported about Scottish independence and at the 2016 referendum, Scotland voted by a majority of 58% to remain in the European Union. But with the UK leaving the European Union in 2020, Scotland could longer remain as it is not a sovereign state. The Scottish National party, the SNP, is demanding a new referendum on Scottish independence, but the government in London has refused. Will Scotland eventually become independent again? Time will tell….Scots are fiercely independent, they even have their own glossary, which is quite interesting….especially if you are an inappropriate person lol (see glossary below)…..All this to say that independence would suit them well!
Happy Travels 🙂
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