The joys of Scotland

Scotland covers an area of some 30,414 square miles and in addition to the mainland has over 790 islands including the Northern Isles and the Hebrides. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and second only in size to Glasgow.

Edinburgh attracts over 1 millions visitors each year which is second only to London. The Old Town and New Town districts of Edinburgh were designated a World Heritage Site in 1995. Edinburgh is famous for its festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Military Tattoo and the Hogmany (New Years Eve) celebrations which attract huge numbers of people from all over the World to the streets in the centre. Overlooking Edinburgh is its famous castle which provides fantastic views over the city and beyond. Also here is the famous Palace of Holyrood-house.

Scotland is famous for its Loch’s. Loch Ness is probably the most famous because of its legendary sightings of the mysterious “Nessie” which is purported to live in its deep waters. The Loch which has the largest surface area is Loch Lomond which is 24 miles long by up to 8 miles at its widest point. Loch Lomond is part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
For a truly wilder and back-to-nature experience then head for the Highland and Islands which capture the true essence of remote Scotland. Popular with hikers is Glencoe and the Cairngorms which provide a real challenge to climbers and skiers alike. Of course you can’t come to Scotland and not visit one of the many malt-whisky distilleries. Learn all about the different malts and what makes scotch malt-whisky famous around the world. The East coast is home to the Speyside distilleries which boast over half of Scotland’s distilleries. Just offshore from the mainland are some 800 islands which are accessible via a variety of means including short flights, land-bridges ferry routes. Islands that can be reached from here include the Orkneys and Shetlands.

Scotland of course has long been considered the home of golf and every year thousands come here to take advantage of some of the best courses in the World. St.Andrews in Fife, Gleneagles in Perthshire, Turnberry on the Ayrshire coast and the Royal Troon in Ayrshire are probably the most famous and magical places to play. However golf is not the only outdoor pursuit played here – there is rock-climbing, kayaking, sailing, pony-trekking, skiing and of course walking.

Scotland is a beautiful place and deserves the time needed to explore it. Hire a car and a TomTom and enjoy driving through this scenic country.

For more information and accommodation in Scotland - see:  www.myUKbreak.com