Scotland is a diverse and extraordinary country, with a rich and fascinating history. The country has nearly 800 islands, only 300 of which are inhabited, and these islands are home to some of the most beautiful landscape in the world. A land of contrasts, Scotland boasts vibrant and exciting cities to visit and breathtaking lochs, mountains and coastlines that shouldn't be missed. Scotland is bordered by England on the south, the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the North Sea on the east.
As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, it is situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet. Surrounded by majestic scenery of the Western Highlands, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands.
Edinburgh Castle is a castle fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh. Perched on an extinct volcano is the powerful Scottish symbol of Edinburgh Castle. It captivates visitors with so much to see in its ancient buildings and panoramic views of the city. It is where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James.
The Royal Mile runs between two icons in Scotland history, from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Abbey. The Royal Mile is Edinburgh Old Town's busiest tourist street, rivalled only by Princes Street in the New Town.
Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. Loch Ness is best known for the sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Loch Ness is over twenty miles long and hundreds of feet deep in places.
The Highland Games, which take place across the country, are a unique mix of the sporting, the cultural and the social. They usually consist of a schedule of field and track events, piping and Highland dancing competitions and 'heavy events' like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is widely acknowledged to be the biggest arts festival in the world takes place every August for three weeks in Scotland's capital city. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and events.
Royal stronghold, palace of pleasures, regimental garrison - Stirling Castle has played many roles. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. It is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position. Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543.
Glengoyne Distillery is a whisky distillery continuously in operation since its founding in 1833 at Dumgoyne, north of Glasgow. Located upon the Highland Line, the division between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, Glengoyne's stills are in the Highlands while maturing casks of whisky rest across the road in the Lowlands. Renowned as you can custom blend your own whisky!
This former Royal yacht has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, she was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. Now docked in Edinburgh it is a major visitor attraction and allows travelers to get an inside look in to this royal residence.
The Old Course at St Andrews is the oldest golf course in the world. One of the unique features of the Old Course are the huge double greens. The Swilcan Bridge, spanning the first and 18th holes, has become a famous icon for golf in the world.
The Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides. The island's peninsulas radiate out from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin hills. Portree, the island capital, has a picturesque, pastel cottage-lined harbour. To the north is the Trotternish peninsula, home to startling geological features such as the Quirang, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr.
Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line in the Scottish Highlands. Located at the top of Loch Shiel, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of Loch Shiel. Glenfinnan Viaduct has been used as a location in several films including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Long the premier Royal residence in Scotland (and still the focal point for Royal events), Holyroodhouse was the home of Mary, Queen of Scots for six turbulent years. She married two of three husbands in the now-ruined Abbey. Her private apartments can be visited, including the turret room where her secretary, Rizzio, was murdered by nobles (including her husband, Lord Darnley).
It is known as Scotland's smallest distillery and is located in Perthshire. The whisky is hand made today as it was over 150 years ago by just three men who are devoted to the time-honoured methods of whisky making. The equipment used at the distillery has remained unchanged since the day the distillery opened and is only just capable of producing commercial quantities. Only 12 casks of whisky are produced a week, making Edradour single malt a rare pleasure for a fortunate few.
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) has aimed, throughout its long history, to produce innovative, creative and successful artists, designers and architects. The history of the Glasgow School of Art is inextricably linked to Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A graduate of the School, Mackintosh's 1896 design for a new School of Art building heralded the birth of a new style in 20th century European architecture and remains at the centre of the campus. It is one of the most important and influential art nouveau buildings in the world. Organic forms decorate this beautiful and unusual building.
Dubbed 'Scotland in miniature', Arran regularly astounds visitors with an incredible variety of scenery unbefitting its relatively small size. Mountains and woodlands, beaches and outlying islands present many outdoor activity options and heritage sites. The island's northern region mirrors the coarse upland scenery of Highland Scotland, with its forested hillsides, peat-stained brooks and rocky outcrops, while the south is typically lowland, with softer topography and farmland.
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