Symington Andy - Discover Scotland Travel Guide

This Is Scotland

Like a fine malt whisky, Scotland is a connoisseurs delight. Its an intoxicating blend of stunning scenery and sophisticated cities, of salt-tanged sea air and dark peaty waters, of wry humour and generous hospitality. Its a land with a rich, multilayered history that reveals its true depth and complex flavours only to those who savour it slowly.

Every corner of the Scottish landscape seems steeped in the past. A deserted croft on an island shore, a moor that was once a battlefield, a cave that once sheltered Bonnie Prince Charlie. History feels very close here, lurking over your shoulder as you explore the echoing halls of ancient castles, stately homes and royal palaces.

Scotland has made a contribution to Western civilization thats out of proportion to its size. The long list of influential Scottish scientists, philosophers, writers, explorers and inventors would fill a book it was Scots who gave the world steamships, television, the telephone and countless other world-changing inventions. Oh, and golf, too. The countrys museums and art galleries are richly rewarding.

The Highlands and islands are one of Europes last great wildernesses. Their high peaks, wooded valleys and deep-sea lochs are a wildlife haven where you can see golden eagles soaring above the mountains and red deer foraging in the glens, spot otters frolicking along the kelp-fringed shores of Skye and watch minke whales breaching through shoals of mackerel off the coast of Mull.

Edinburgh, the festival city, is one of the worlds favourite party towns, but its also rich in history and culture. Glasgow offers stunning galleries, great pubs and a foot-stomping live-music scene, while Inverness combines a gorgeous riverside setting with superb dining. You could spend a whole lifetime savouring Scotland, but weve distilled it down to the quintessential experiences. Discover it your way.

Bagpiper
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Scotlands Top Experiences

Edinburgh

Scotlands capital () may be famous for its festivals, but theres much more to it than that. Edinburgh is a city of many moods: see the Old Town silhouetted against a blue spring sky and a yellow haze of daffodils, or visit on a chill December morning with the fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones and a warm glow beckoning from the window of a pub.

The Royal Mile
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Isle of Skye

In a country famous for stunning scenery, the Isle of Skye () to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, theres a photo opportunity at almost every turn. Walkers can share the landscape with red deer and golden eagles, and refuel in convivial pubs and top seafood restaurants.

Sligachan, Isle of Skye
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