Scotland may be hidden away to the north of the British Isles and somewhat overshadowed by the touristic strongholds of Ireland and England, but there are plenty of reasons to make the land of the Scotts a priority when planning a visit to the United Kingdom.
Coast and Islands
Scotland is deceptively big – its 6,200 mile coastline is far longer than both Ireland and England and even Spain and Italy. The winding shores and countless islands surely have a part to play in this but that takes nothing from the fact that lovers of the sea and all things ocean related will feel right at home in the land of the Scots.
Speaking of Islands, Scotland has over 790 of them! They are divided into four main groups: Orkney, Shetland, Inner Hebrides, and Outer Hebrides. Most of the islands are quite easily accessible and some , like the Isle of Skye, are connected to the mainland by a bridge meaning you don’t even have to leave solid ground to get the full island experience. Island hopping adventures are a very popular and authentic way of discovering all the Scottish Isles have to offer. For beach lovers, Scotland has also got you covered with its countless “lochs” and ample coastline offering hundreds of beaching opportunities to match the best in the world.
Castles
Scotland, like Ireland and England, is home to an assemblage of breathtaking castles. The castles vary in condition from dilapidated relics to polished museums and even hotels. The majestic Eilean Donan Castle – accessible only by bridge – underwent a 20 year renovation before being opened to the public and is now one of the most popular destinations on the Isle of Skye. Glamis Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Culzean Castle are truly impressive castles with diverse histories. Edinburgh Castle, for example, is a typical Scottish Castle; it was designed to be an intimidating military fortress and anybody can see that it succeeds!
Nightlife
Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen – these are Scotland’s biggest cities, and they all sport a bustling nightlife with plenty to offer.
Glasgow is the largest of three and has a range of pubs, clubs, and restaurants to keep the late night fun going. The selection varies from the burger-and-beer BrewDog Glasgow to the trendy Gin71 gin bar.
Aberdeen is a decorated city which leads Scotland as a business and economic hub. Add to the fact that it is also a university city with a thriving music and art scene, and you have an energetic with plenty to offer.Edinburgh is known best for its Edinburgh Pub Crawl and the Edinburgh Festivals which occur throughout the summer. In August, Edinburgh is the center of non-stop festivities for kids and adults alike with free entertainment filling the streets throughout the day and night.
Food and Whisky
Scottish food: what is it exactly? In short: meat, fish, and potatoes! Scotland’s enormous coastline means a fantastic selection of fresh seafood practically anywhere you go, and its reputation for quality beef and lamb is well tested. Traditional Scottish cuisine includes black pudding and haggis, which are mixtures of minced meat and vegetables like onions. Lorne sausages and stovies are other traditional staples of the Scottish diet.
Scotland is recognized worldwide for its whisky. Visit one of the many distilleries around the country for a tour and inside look at the careful methods.
Adventure and Scenery
Scotland’s rugged but beautiful landscape lends itself perfectly to all sorts of adventures. Kayaking, hiking, sailing, and mountain biking activities are never too far away and offer visitors a chance to re-connect with nature in some of the most breathtaking surroundings on the planet. The Scottish highlands offer a mesmerizing backdrop for anything from zip lining to mountaineering and abseiling. It’s not uncommon for people to stumble upon picture of the beautiful Scottish scenery and immediately decide that it’s somewhere they simply must experience for themselves. Whether hiking solo along Cape Wrath Trail , or Island hopping with friends and family, there’s something for every adventurous visitor who finds their way to Scotland.
