The Facts:
Capital: Edinburgh
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
http://www.visitscotland.com/
Introduction:
Crossing the border as you head north into Scotland, a landscape of highlands, islands and glistening glens, is a dramatic as in any far-flung country. Things become distinctly different. Lakes become lochs, mountains turn into Munros (there's over 300 of them) and this blissfully bold landscape seems to stretch further and higher. It is home after all to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, Loch Morar the deepest lake, whilst also serving up what has to be some of mainland Britain's wildest expanses, like Highland bound Rannoch Moor. The landscape is a mixture of Middle Earth and Narnia, primordial and pre-historic that's packed with history charting its turbulent past and present day devolved politics. Yet its stylish capital, Edinburgh, is one of the world's most sought after cities. The cobbled streets and narrow alleyways of the medieval old town are set against the elegance of its Georgian new town. Bagpipes, bodhrans, fiddles and accordions set the beat whilst castles, clans and caber tossing still attract the crowds. There's a lot to take in for such a small place. Any advice? Wash it all down with a 'wee dram'.
Where To Go:
Scotland can be found in northwest Europe occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain. It shares a land border to the south with England and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the southwest. In addition to the mainland, Scotland consists of over 790 islands including the Orkney Islands and the Hebrides.
What To Eat & Drink:
- Haggis is the national dish, traditionally served with neeps (turnip) and tatties (potato).
- The option of porridge and smoked kippers for breakfast is not uncommon in hotels & B&B's.
- Oatcakes are a savoury biscuit made from oatmeal.
- Clootie dumpling is a rich steamed pudding with currants and raisins.
- Cranachan is a pudding made from oatmeal, raspberries whisky and cream all whisked together.
- The Gaelic for whisky is uisge-beatha or "Water of Life". In Scotland there's plenty to try with distilleries all over the country.
Unmissable Scotland:
5 things you really should do in Scotland
1. Feel the buzz
Visit the capital in the summer when the Edinburgh Festival takes place and the city is bursting at the seams with artists, performers and visitors. Take a guided tour with a local and learn more about Edinburgh's fascinating historic past.
www.eif.co.uk
http://www.edinburghtourguide.co.uk
2. Tee Off
Visit St. Andrews, home of golf and the legendary Old Course as well as Scotland's oldest university.
http://www.standrews.org.uk/
3. Get your boots on
Truly explore Scotland and tackle the world famous west Highland way, a 95-mile walk from the outskirts of Glasgow to the heart of the Highlands in Fort William.
http://www.macsadventure.com/
4. Tower above
When you visit Stirling's famous monument commemorating the 13th century Braveheart hero William Wallace. You can climb the 246 steps to the viewing gallery inside the monument's crown, for sweeping views of the Ochil Hills and Forth Valley.
http://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/
5. Find out what's in Storr
Head for the dramatic Isle of Skye and take a stroll round the remarkable rock pinnacles known as the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish Peninsula. The island's imposing Cuillin Ridge also offers exciting mountain challenges for the fit.
http://www.isleofskye.com/
