Rick Steves - Rick Steves Best of Scotland

Rick Steves with Cameron Hewitt

One of the three countries that make up the island of Great Britain, Scotland is the most feisty and colorful, from its laid-back people and poetic heritage to its rugged landscape.

Scotland encompasses about a third of Britains geographical area (30,400 square miles), but has less than a tenth of its population (about 5.4 million).

The southern part of Scotland, called the Lowlands, is relatively flat and urbanized. The northern areathe Highlandshas a hilly terrain dotted with lochs (lakes) and fringed by sea lochs (inlets) and islands.

Scotlands iconic symbolsbagpipes, moody glens, whisky distilleries, golf links, kilts, and yes, even haggis (organ-meat sausage)seem at first like touristic clichs, but theyre an authentic part of the cultural heritage of this engaging country.

The proud Scots are enjoying some recent political autonomy from England. The Scottish parliament, though limited in power, convened in Edinburgh in 1999 for the first time in nearly 300 years. The Scots appreciate the refreshing breeze of increased self-governance, and the question of independence is likely to remain a pivotal issue for years to come.

Whether youre toasting with beer, whisky, or Scotlands favorite soft drink, Irn-Bru, enjoy meeting the Scottish people. Its easy to fall in love with the irrepressible spirit and striking scenery of this faraway land.

This book focuses on Scotlands top destinations, from its lively cities and Highland towns to its sleepy islands. The top cities in the Lowlands are vibrant Edinburgh, up-and-coming Glasgow, and medieval-but-youthful St. Andrews. The Highlands offer a rural, craggy contrast, with port-town Oban (island excursions), pleasant Inverness (near Loch Ness and a historic battlefield), and the inviting Isle of Skye.

Beyond the major destinations, I also cover the Best of the Restgreat destinations that dont quite make my top cut, but are worth seeing if you have more time or specific interests: Stirling, Glencoe, Fort William, Pitlochry, and Balmoral Castle.

To help you link the top sights, Ive designed a two-week itinerary (see ) with tips for tailoring it to your interests.

Nestled by bluffs and studded with a skyline of spires and towers, Scotlands delightful capital boasts world-class museums and lively culture. The attraction-studded Royal Mile, lined with medieval buildings, connects the grand castle and stately palace in a wonderful way. The citys exuberance is enjoyable year-round and nonstop during Augusts festivals.

THE BEST OF EDINBURGH

Edinburghs famous street, the Royal Mile, offers a pleasing array of attractions, pubs, shops, and historic churches.

THE BEST OF EDINBURGH

Highland dancers stepping over crossed swords practice the Sword Dance.

THE BEST OF EDINBURGH

Some shops make custom kilts using woven (not cheaply printed) tartan material.

THE BEST OF EDINBURGH

A bagpiper in full regalia plays Scotlands national instrument.

THE BEST OF EDINBURGH

The Fringe Festival brings out peoples Inner Wild.

THE BEST OF EDINBURGH

Try a few drams of whisky at a tasting.

THE BEST OF EDINBURGH

Edinburghs formidable castle repelled foes long ago and attracts visitors today.

Glasgow, once a mighty ship-building center, is now a cosmopolitan destination, with an unpretentious friendliness, an energetic dining and nightlife scene, top-notch museums (most of them free), and a flair for art and design. Its famous hometown architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, left his mark all over Glasgow at the turn of the 20th century.

THE BEST OF GLASGOW

Glasgows cathedral is a rare Scottish cathedral that survived the Reformation.

THE BEST OF GLASGOW

A bagpiper plays to a captive audience.

THE BEST OF GLASGOW

The Mackintosh at the Willow tearooms are furnished entirely in Charles Rennie Mackintoshs style.