The Scotland Travel Guide gives useful traveller information on Scotland, the attractions and its culture. Scotland is the second largest country in the UK after England and the two have a long and varied history. With some spectacular scenery and natural beauty there is plenty to see and do for tourists and travellers to the UK. There are cities such as the capital Edinburgh and Glasgow offering a range of attractions including world heritage sites, a wonderful varied coastline and the scenic beauty of the highlands.
Overview and Attractions
Scotland now has its own parliament and has its own distinct culture within the UK making it a very appealing place to visit. The locals are proud of their country and Celtic culture, for tourists Scotland offers something for everyone. Glasgow is the largest city in the country and was one of the earliest European Cities of Culture in 1990 where it was given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development, the era is seen as marking an era of renaissance for the city.
There are a number of attractions for visitors in Glasgow these include the Science Centre offering a great day out with three floors of exhibits and a range of shows including the IMAX cinema. There are plenty of museums and art galleries such as the Gallery of modern Art showcasing art works with a range of exhibitions.
The capital Edinburgh is among the most scenic cities in Europe, with the inspiring sight of Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city. Visitors can see the historic castle and see some wonderful views of the city and beyond. Edinburgh is also a world heritage city with the Edinburgh World Heritage Site incorporating the famous Old and New Towns in the city. There are also the famous shopping streets of Princes Street and George Street where shoppers will find plenty of choice. The city is also famous for the Hogmanay street party held to celebrate the new year, visitors come from all over the UK and overseas to join in the festivities of one of the largest new year celebrations in Europe.
Just past the border with England are the Scottish Borders, an area of stunning beauty with hills and valleys aplenty. The River Tweed situated in the county has historic stately homes in its vicinity. The abbeys of Kelso and Dryburgh are situated here. The area is great for walking and cycling enthusiasts. Melrose is a nice market town that is used as a base by many to explore the area. Historic Floors Castle is also in the vicinity and is known for its fine collections of art works, furniture and porcelain that visitors can see, there are also the walled gardens to see.
Dumfries and Galloway the mildest area of Scotland, traditionally a place where artists gathered. It has beautiful scenery on the coast and mountainous terrain. Dumfries has associations with Robert Burns and Robert the Bruce. Gretna Green is the original quick marriage one stop shop before Las Vegas became synonymous with it. Eskdalemuir has the site of Samye Ling, famous as the first Buddhist monastery in the west. The area has some renowned golf courses that attract many from far and wide.
The Ayrshire region is famous as being the birthplace for poet Robert Burns, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is a popular destination for visitors to learn more about the life and times of Scotland's most famous poet. Islay Island will be of interest to whisky connoisseurs, it is famous for its strong whisky and is home to such connoisseur’s favourites as Ardbeg.
The Central region is central to Scotland's history two famous English defeats took place in this region involving Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs give a distinctive flavour of the lochs Scotland is renowned for. Scotland's oldest university is at St Andrews, also famous as the birthplace of golf and thought of by many as its ancestral and spiritual home. The famous golfing facilities at St Andrews attract golf fans from around the world.
The Grampian region has Perth, at one time the capital, Dundee is known for its industry whilst Angus is picturesque. Aberdeen is now the capital of the region and is famous for the oil industry and some great beaches that are in the area. The Spey area in this region is home to whisky distilleries making it an area to visit for whiskey connoisseur. Balmoral, one of the preferred royal retreats and its splendid castle are of interest to visitors. The Spey area in this region is home to whisky distilleries making it an area to visit for whiskey connoisseur.
Scotland is lucky enough to have the unspoilt beauty of the Highlands, which provide spectacular scenery by any standards. The Scottish Highlands offer visitors a great contrast to bustling cities and towns, there is plenty of open space and the chance to get away from it all. It epitomises the picture postcard images of Scotland, of The Hebrides, with many miles of unspoilt beaches surrounded by mountains. A place to relax enjoy the best nature has to offer and forget the worries of the world. Bird watching enthusiasts would be interested in the Shetland Isles, many species are there as well as other wildlife.
The area is mountainous and has Ben Nevis the highest mountain in the UK, there are attractions such as Ballindalloch Castle among the most scenic castles in the UK and the Cairngorms National Park with its mix of rivers, forests and lochs, it is famous for the wildlife and a favourite among nature lovers.
Loch Ness needs no introduction, a visit to the Loch with the awe inspiring scenery and surroundings are a must. As for whether the Loch Ness monster really exists, you can find out by visiting yourself! This part of Scotland with its Lochs, mountains and rugged scenery has been a hit with tourists from all over the world for many years. The area also has the most northerly tip of the UK, John O'Groats it is officially 874 miles to the most southerly tip of the UK, Lands End.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
