Scotland

There are some things that are uniquely Scottish, such as Highland Games, but in truth, there's no single element that defines the country. Rather, it's a subtle blend of many different ingredients that have been added to the mix down through the centuries.

Aberdeen
The city boasts spectacular architecture and captivating museums, fascinating history, a wealth of art and culture and a lively social scene. The city's famous 'Granite Mile', Union Street, is the gateway to over 800 shops, restaurants and bars, while visitors can chill out in lovely flower filled parks. Best of all, the city has its own golden sandy beach. Yes, Aberdeen is a remarkable city.

Dundee
Dundee, Scotland's fourth largest city, has transformed itself in recent years into a lively, cosmopolitan centre that's an increasingly popular choice as a short city break destination or for a great family day out. Once heavily industrialised, Dundee is now developing exciting commercial, cultural, artistic, and scientific dimensions to take it forward into the 21st century.

Edinburgh
The setting is wonderfully striking; the city is perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags which rise from the generally flat landscape of the Lothians, with the sheltered shoreline of the Firth of Forth to the north. Edinburgh Castle dominates the city centre skyline and from its ramparts you can look down on medieval lanes and elegant, sweeping terraces that hold over a thousand years of history, mystery and tradition.

Glasgow
The city has gone from strength to strength, building a reputation as a destination where a great experience is guaranteed if the visitor seeks culture, entertainment, good food and drink, an all day shopping experience or a taste of all of these.

Inverness
Inverness was granted its city status in 2000, making it Scotland's second newest city (behind Stirling). It is the prosperous hub of the Highlands, with an enviable location on the banks of the River Ness at the head of the Great Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring.

Stirling
Stirling is the country's youngest city, only gaining the status in 2002. In spite of this new accolade, Stirling is also Scotland's heritage capital, where some of the most significant developments in the evolution of the Scottish nation were played out.

Activities and Tours

Glasgow Cathedral
The first stone built Glasgow Cathedral was dedicated in the presence of King David I in 1136. The present building was consecrated in 1197. Since that same period the Cathedral has never been unroofed and the worship of God has been carried out within its walls for more than 800 years.

John Knox House
The John Knox House is an historic house in Edinburgh, Scotland, reputed to have been owned and lived in by Protestant Reformer John Knox during the 16th century.

Loch Ness
The Loch Ness Monster is a cryptid, claimed to inhabit Scotland's Loch Ness, the most voluminous freshwater lake in Great Britain. Along with Bigfoot and the Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster is one of the best-known mysteries of cryptozoology. Belief in the legend persists around the world. Local people, and later many around the world, have affectionately referred to the animal by the diminutive of Nessie.

Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey is a Gothic style abbey in Melrose, Scotland. Today the abbey is maintained by Historic Scotland. The ruins of Melrose are widely considered among the most beautiful of religious houses in the United Kingdom, being especially notable for a wealth of well preserved figure sculpture.

Museum of Edinburgh
The Museum of Edinburgh, formerly known as Huntly House, occupies a series of picturesque 16th and 17th century buildings in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The museum displays illustrate the history of the city from the earliest settlement to the present day.

Ring of Brodgar
The Ring of Brodgar (or Brogar) is a Neolithic henge and stone circle in Orkney, Scotland. The ring of stones stands on a small isthmus between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray. The centre of the circle has never been excavated by archaeologists and scientifically dated, but it is thought that the stone circle was constructed around 2500 BC, and therefore broadly contemporary with Stonehenge and many other ancient sites in the British Isles and Europe.

Staffa Island
Staffa (Old Norse for stave or pillar island) is an island of the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The Vikings gave it this name as its columnar basalt reminded them of their houses, which were built from vertically placed tree logs

Writers Museum
The Writers' Museum is dedicated to the lives and work of Scotland's great literary figures. The rich collection of portraits, manuscripts and personal exhibits include Burns' writing desk, Scott's chessboard, dining table and the printing press on which his Waverley novels were produced.

Travel Tip and useful information

Climate
Scotland's position on the edge of the European continent with sea on three sides means that the weather is very varied. Records show that May and June are usually drier than July and August. Edinburgh's annual rainfall is only slightly greater than London's and many of the east coast towns have less annual rainfall than Rome. Generally speaking, the east coast tends to be cool and dry, the west coast milder and wetter. July and August are normally the warmest months, average temperature of 15 19oC/60 68oF.

Time Zone
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT +1 hour

Population
Around 70% of the country's population live in the Central Lowlands a broad, fertile valley stretching in a northeast southwest orientation between the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and including major settlements such as Paisley, Stirling, Falkirk, Perth and Dundee.

Transport
Scotland has a large and expanding rail network. The Scottish motorways and major trunk roads are managed by Transport Scotland. Regular ferry services operate between the Scottish mainland and island communities.

Currency and credit cards
The basic unit of currency in Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, is the pound sterling. You can usually withdraw cash on your credit or debit card from autotellers or ATMs. Most towns and cities have cash machines where you can obtain British currency using your cashcard or credit card. Some establishments may accept Euro traveller cheques.

Safety and security
As with any country, Scotland's major towns and cities have their danger spots, but these tend to be inner city housing estates where no tourist has any reason to roam. The chief urban risk is pickpocketing, so carry only as much money as you need, and keep all bags and pockets fastened. Out in the Highlands and Islands, crime levels are very low.