Introducing Scotland
As an old Scots saying has it, ‘guid gear comes in sma’ bouk’ (good things come in small packages). And despite its small size, Scotland certainly has many treasures crammed into its compact territory. There’s something for all tastes. For the history buff, few cities compare with Edinburgh and Glasgow; for the hungry, try haggis if you must but don’t miss the Aberdeen Angus beef or smoked salmon from Dumfries & Galloway or, for the thirsty, the peerless malt whiskies of the Isle of Islay or Oban await. There is wild mountain scenery of the Highlands & Northern Islands and cold, sparkling seas washing against the Outer Hebrides. Wildlife watchers will find otters, eagles, whales and dolphins, while hill walkers have almost 300 Munros to bag.
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There’s turbulent history and fascinating genealogy, castles and country pubs, canoeing and caber-tossing, golfing and fishing and all-round good craic (lively conversation).
Although an integral part of Great Britain since 1707, Scotland has maintained a separate and distinct identity throughout the last 300 years. The return of a devolved Scottish parliament to Edinburgh in 1999 marked a growing confidence and sense of pride in the nation’s achievements.
Last updated: Jul 16, 2010
Tips & articles
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Edinburgh in August: one giant festival
29 July 2010
Visit Edinburgh in August and you’ll find yourself caught up in a phantasmagoria of festivals.
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24 hours in Edinburgh
28 July 2010
Edinburgh is a walking city – one that repays those who tramp its cobbles with stately Georgian grandeur....
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Walking Great Britain’s great coast
22 July 2010
You may not be able to complete a circumnambulation of Great Britain just yet. But there are some fine...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
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Scotland
Our Top Picks For Scotland
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1 Outer Hebrides
Wild and remote islands with beautiful, deserted beaches, abundant bird life, and great walking, cycling and sea-kayaking
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2 Edinburgh
One of Europe's most beautiful cities, the Scottish capital is at its loveliest during the festival season in August
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3 Isle of Arran
Scotland in miniature - good mountain scenery, great hiking and biking, decent beaches and welcoming pubs
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4 Isle of Mull
Rugged coastal scenery, picturesque villages, gorgeous white-sand beaches and superb wildlife-watching
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5 Glasgow
Scotland's biggest city, famous for Victorian architecture, top shopping, great restaurants and lively pubs and clubs
Fast Facts about Scotland
- First Minister
Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party)
- GDP (per head)
GDP (per head) : £16, 332 (2004)
- Value of haggis sold for Burns Night
£1.2 million
- Unemployment
4.8% (2007)
- Amount of whisky exported annually
1 billion bottles
- Number of seats in Scottish parliament
129
- Area
78, 722 sq km
- Inflation
2.5% (2007)
- Population
5.1 million
- Number of times Scotland has won the football World Cup
0
Related Groups
Our favourite Scotland Blogs (beta)
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Highlands history in song
Blog: Music Road - 26 July 2010
The Rise and Fall o' CharlieAlan Reid and Rob van SanteYou might perhaps know the Skye Boat Song, which is sometimes used as a lullabye, or perhaps you've heard the rousing and wtty song by Robert Burns, Charlie Is My Darlin’. There’s more to the story of Prince Charles Edward Stuart than that, though, in both song and history.
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Oban Summer Festival
Blog: Landlopers - 21 July 2010
Oban is not a normal place. The small of town of fewer than 10,000 souls grew around the distillery of the same name. Today, in addition to whiskey, the town is a popular seaside retreat on the west coast of Scotland. I made a point to visit this strange little hamlet not for the spirits, [...]
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Sporting Events that Inspire Travel
Blog: Canada's Adventure Couple - 19 July 2010
There have been some amazing sporting events this past month that we have been following and it inspired me to write about the awesome events around the world that inspire people to travel. It is no wonder that Sporting events are bringing the world together. As we root for our favorite teams, we are learning about other cultures and history's of their land. We are overwhelmed with incredible scenery and fascinating locations. One of our favorite things about watching world sporting events are to learn about each place in between commercials or during a short break from the action.
