In the north, and without guarantee of sunshine, a trip in Scotland may not be the most obvious option. For many, Alba (as it’s known in Gaelic) is a destination that ticks many boxes. It’s not surprising that Alba was named by Scotland among Rough Guides’ must-visit destinations in the year 2017. The guide picked the country for its “wildlife whisky, an incredibly warm welcome”. We are in complete agreement with these three words and we have compiled ten compelling reasons to choose to spend your vacation in Scotland.
Landscapes that have a capital L
They may be beautiful romantic, lonely, or just luscious, Scottish landscapes take scenery to a new level. Whatever your passion may be in glens, mountains valleys, lochs, forests… The beauty of Scotland is a swarm of them. The best part is you can explore every single one of them whenever you go to.
Curious contrasts
In addition to being in the most abundance, Scottish landscapes also come with stunning contrasts. For instance, take the white sands of the isle of Tiree for instance – it’s like being in the Caribbean here. The tiny island has some of the most high amounts of sunlight days in the UK as well. You can also go for the striking black depths of the lochs of Scotland. You can also admire the vibrant pink granite along the Angus coast.
Scotland is remote as no other location within the UK. Cape Wrath on the northwest corner is about as far as you’ll get any other place. With the exception in St Kilda, a good boat ride away from the mainland, and abandoned since the 1930s.
Too lonely? Consider heading to the cities. Glasgow and Edinburgh are as among the most exciting and lively cities of the UK with all the action in cities you can imagine.
Wild animals in the wild
Forget common-all-garden badgers, foxes, and rabbits. Scotland also has wildlife that is like no other place within the UK. On the land, it is an area of deer, red martens, and Otters. In the air, you can see ospreys and the ultimate prize for twitchers, golden Eagles. In the sea, Scotland is an ideal place for dolphins, seals, whales and adorable puffins. The holidays with Scotland can be truly wild.
A deep-rooted tradition
The UK is brimming with historical monuments and sites, but in the realm of history, Scotland is also able to take things up a level. Starting from the Neolithic standing stones of Orkney and Iona’s Abbey on Iona which is where St Columba brought Christianity to Scotland and remnants of the Picts which are an area with an long-standing history.
Looking forward towards the Jacobite Revolution, perhaps nowhere in the UK is more hauntingly historical as Glen Coe, a battle site where you could almost be able to feel the ghosts of those who were killed. There are also the amazing historic sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow which are awash with fine urban architecture that is also a story to be told.
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King of the castles
The Scottish landscape is littered with castles, and according to a recent the count, there are 2500 castles. Some are in ruin, while others are that are still in use, and numerous castles that you can live in. They’re all part and parcel to the scenery. If you’re in Scotland make sure you don’t miss Eilean Donan’s on Skye You’ll recognize it from numerous films; Dunnottar Castle perched on a stunning headland overlooking the North Sea; the medieval fortress of Urquhart Castle near the equally legendary Loch Ness; or Edinburgh Castle with its stunning views from the top of Royal Mile.
Fine festivals
A lengthy (long) list of all-year-round events makes Scotland an ideal destination to spend a vacation. It doesn’t matter if it’s sporting, cultural or gastronomic, or historical, there’s a celebration to suit your needs in Scotland. The most well-known are those of the Highland Games, celebrated between May and September throughout the country . It’s the best location to watch Scottish bagpipes, dancing and the skill of locals to throw logs, hammers…
Edinburgh is the center of attention on the world’s stage in August , with the International Festival that includes the famed Fringe Festival. The famous military tattoo is on display during the Festival where you can take in one of the most spectacular fireworks displays across the UK. If you’re a fan of fire then this Up Helly Aa fire festival in Shetland is a to-see list. The Viking festival of the winter is regarded among the nation’s most unique occasions.
Capture it on camera
With its stunning landscapes and historical settings Scotland is a popular spot for television and film series. Many of them are the backdrops of scenes in the Harry Potter films and JK Rowling wrote the novels in cafés located in Edinburgh. The feature movie King Arthur also showcases Scottish landscapes, as does the highly popular TV show Outlander. The UK’s most famous agent, James Bond, has visited Scotland in a variety of films.
Hole in one
Scotland is, of course, the birthplace of golf. In honor of this history, the country is home to many golf courses, the majority of which are open to the public. Prestwick Golf Club established the Open Championship and St Andrews is the home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. This is the body that oversees every aspect in the sport. Even even if you’re not a professional golfer, you are able to walk around the course and take in their stunning setting.
The water of life
There is no list of reasons to travel to Scotland is incomplete without a acknowledgement of whisky, the Scottish drink, whisky. Considered by many to be the best liqueur in the world whisky is an integral element of the landscape and the culture. Make sure to visit the distilleries at least once when your trip to Scotland and make sure you have an alcoholic drink following your dinner. The fiery waters of life is not just delicious, but it also has a positive effect on digestion!
A holiday in Scotland
In this area, Scotland moves the bar higher. From fun events to stunning places to stay Few places on earth can match the variety of luxurious accommodation. Choose from mansions, castles, and palaces that are fit for the throne and offering accommodations unlike any other. Make reservations for your luxurious home and get ready for the trip that will last the lifetime.
