Scotland is a former kingdom on the northern part of the island of Great Britain. It is part of the sovereign state of the United Kingdom. Despite all this, Scotland has never lost its own character and independence. For example, the country has its own pounds, its own legal system, its own language Scots-Gealian and its own flag. Scotland is known for its beautiful rugged nature, the typical Scottish customs and beautiful villages and towns that can be found there. The Scottish highlands are the most popular with tourists. In this beautiful rugged landscape lies the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, Ben Nevis. Scotland has many hundreds of islands. These islands are divided into four groups, the Inner Hebrides, the Outer Hebrides, the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands.
Scotland ‘s top 10 places to visit
#1. Edinburgh
According to Hyperrestaurant, Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland for many centuries and in many ways it is still the most important city in the country. The city is located on the east coast of Scotland on the Firth of Forth which opens into the North Sea. The old historic center of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. one of the biggest events in the city is the Edinburgh Festival. This international festival attracts many tourists to the city every year. Attractions in the city include Edinburgh Castle, the Edinburgh Zoo, the National Galleries of Scotland and Greyfriars Bobby.
#2. Scottish highlands
If you’re looking for panoramic views of vast lakes, mountains, waterfalls, castles, valleys, gorges, beaches and islands, then the Scottish Highlands is the place to be. The landscape that is so characteristic of Scotland is more than lived up to here. You can also go in all directions for various outdoor sports here. The strong flowing rivers make rafting and canyoning a true spectacle and the various hiking routes are also guaranteed to be a success. As an extra challenge, you can even climb Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. With national parks such as Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, you have enough sights and/or activities to discover that will take several days. It is even possible to spot dolphins at the Moray Coast in the more northern Highlands. Try your hand at unraveling the riddle of the Loch Ness “monster” while soaking up some culture at the stunning Urquhart Castle. And with good weather you can laze on one of the most beautiful beaches such as Camusdarach Beach. Or make the Scottish Highlands your new winter sports destination. Areas like Nevis Range, Cairngorm, The Lecht.
#3. The Jacobite train
The Jacobite train is an old steam train that runs on the West Highlandline between the towns of Mallaig and Fort William. This beautiful train journey is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. This steam train is mainly intended for tourists. In the summer period this train runs twice a day and only once during the other months of the year. The Jacobite train has become world famous for its appearance in the various Harry Potter films such as the Hogwarts express or in Dutch the Hogwarts express. Some places of interest along the route are Loch Eil, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the town of Arisaig.
#4. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye or An t-Eilean Sgitheanach as the Scots call it is the largest and most northerly island of the Inner Hebrides. The island is connected to the Scottish mainland by the Skye Bridge. The main towns on the Isle of Skye are Portree, Sconser, Broadford and Uig. Besides the town of Portree, Dunvegan Castle is the main attraction of the island. This beautiful Victorian castle is the main seat of the Clan Macleod. The Isle of Skye is also known for its beautiful mountain landscapes and its beautiful coasts.
#5. Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is part of the Grampain mountain range and, at 1344 metres, is the highest point in the United Kingdom. The town of Fort William is located at the foot of the mountain and is therefore also the most popular base for tourists who want to visit this mountain. The hike to the top is very popular with tourists and is done by more than 100,000 people every year. There is always snow at the top of Ben Nevis. Those who want a more challenging route to climb Ben Nevis can take the ice climbing route to the top. This route is not always open. Ben Nevis is also very popular with mountain bikers who downhill from the mountain. The top of Ben Nevis is shrouded in clouds almost all year round.
#6. Falkirk
Falkirk is about half an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Falkirk has since become a special destination in Scotland. This is thanks to, among other things, the Helix Park where the beautiful artwork ‘The Kelpies’ by Andy Scott is located. The Kelpies are thirty meter high sculptures of two horse heads that attract thousands of visitors to this part of Scotland every year. And Falkirk Wheel in Helix Park is also worth a detour. In a very innovative way, boats are transported here by lift in order to bridge more than twenty-four meters in level difference. Thanks to The Falkirk Wheel, Forth & Clyde Canal and Union Canal are easily connected. Previously this was done by going through 11 locks, which took almost a day. The rotating elevator has been running steadily since 2002 and has since been visited by millions of guests. South of Helix Park is the larger Callendar Park. This park belongs to the fourteenth century Callendar House, which looks more like a castle. In the Callendar House you can admire a permanent exhibition that tells the history of the house and estate. Other places to visit in and around Falkirk include Blackness Castle, Kinneil House Museum & Estate, The Dunmore Pineapple, Bo’ness Motor Museum and Falkirk Distillery.
#7. Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a large lake in the north of Scotland. The lake is 37 kilometers long, 1.6 kilometers wide at its widest and 226 meters deepest. The water of the lake is cloudy due to the large amounts of peat and peat. The lake owes its fame to the Loch Ness Monster affectionately known as “Nessie”. There have been many sightings of this Scottish sea monster over the centuries, but the existence of Nessie has never been proven. The old myth of Nessie took shape in 1934 when a photo of the monster was taken. However, it later turned out that this photo had been staged. Several attempts have been made in recent years to confirm the existence of Nessie, but this has not yet been successful. In any case, the tourist industry near the lake is happy about the Loch Ness Monster.
#8. Whiskey
Whiskey is without a doubt Scotland’s most famous export product. The Scots are known for their so-called peated whisky. The typical peated taste of the whiskey is obtained by adding peat to the fire with which the malted barley is dried. Not all Scotch whiskeys have this typical smoky flavour. It is mainly the Islay whiskeys that have this smoky taste. In addition to Islay, there are five other whiskey production areas in Scotland Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Island and Campeltown. These areas all make their own unique malt whiskies, but of course they also produce good blends.
#9. Eilean Donan Castle
Donan Castle was originally a thirteenth century castle that was built as protection against the Vikings. Partly due to its unique location, the castle has been able to withstand the various opponents of the Scots for a long time, but was blown up by the English in the eighteenth century. In the early twentieth century, the ruin was sold and completely rebuilt in the old style. The castle now serves as a museum and can be visited for a fee. Eilean Dolan is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge.
#10. National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland is a collaboration between five different museums and galleries in Edinburgh. The National Gallery of Scotland, the Royal Scottish Academy, the Dean Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery are all part of the National Galleries of Scotland. The five different museums are housed in three different buildings in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. The collections of the various museums include the greatest names in worldwide art history.
