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.
Advertisement
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
-
Exploring Scotland by road
30 January 2012
Scotland offers a heady mix of rugged scenic beauty and historical delights. Whether you’re up for urbane city pastimes, outdoor...
-
Lapping it up around the world
19 January 2012
Soup: a warming staple the world over – but who knew there were so many fine flavours? The ten below...
-
A galloping gourmet’s guide to Europe
19 January 2012
From Somerset to Sweden, spend a weekend sampling top quality produce and plonk across the continent.1. Feast on gourmet cuisine...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: If you are going to New Zealand..
by oaroji 15 September 2011
Hey again Lisa, I went to Bristol actually and stayed for a couple of nights in the city centre. It was pretty loud. I've read that some…
-
Re: Ancient towers in Scotland
by motel268 13 September 2011
I agree with what the others have said. This Wikipedia page [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peel_tower] has a list of towers in the Tweed…
-
RE: Ancient towers in Scotland
by planetary 13 September 2011
Not exactly on topic, but there are ramparts surrounding the town of Berwick Upon Tweed, the last town on the east coast of England before…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Scotland
Browse more cities in ScotlandFeatured property
-
Edinburgh Central
Edinburgh
Book now
Advertisement
Scotland
Things to do
- All things to do (1,442)
- Activities (214)
- Entertainment (234)
- Restaurants (378)
- Shopping (148)
- Sights (454)
- Tours (14)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Scotland
-
1 Outer Hebrides
Wild and remote islands with beautiful, deserted beaches, abundant bird life, and great walking, cycling and sea-kayaking
-
2 Edinburgh
One of Europe's most beautiful cities, the Scottish capital is at its loveliest during the festival season in August
-
3 Isle of Arran
Scotland in miniature - good mountain scenery, great hiking and biking, decent beaches and welcoming pubs
-
4 Isle of Mull
Rugged coastal scenery, picturesque villages, gorgeous white-sand beaches and superb wildlife-watching
-
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
Our favourite Scotland Blogs (beta)
-
Celtic Connections 2012: the music continues
Blog: Music Road - 31 January 2012
Celtic Connections, in Glasgow, Scotland, is one of Europe’s and the world’s premiere winter festivals, bringing hundreds of artists for sharing of tune and song, in venues ranging from a rock club to a cathedral, from a quiet song session in a concert of the concert hall building to a grand performance onthat same buildnig’s main stage. As the music cotinues, here’s a bit of what all that looks like
-
Edinburgh with Kids
Blog: My Little Nomads - 29 January 2012
The best and funnest things to do with kids in Edinburgh, Scotland. Continue reading → Related Articles: London With Kids – Things To Do Kid-Friendly Hotels In London
-
Celtic Connections 2012: the music begins
Blog: Music Road - 21 January 2012
January. Glasgow. Celtic Connections.Celtic Connection's is Europe's premiere winer festival, and one of the top music festivals across the world. Both the Celtic side of things, with artists from all across Scotland, from ireland, the United States, Canada, and elsehwere in the Celtic world come to share their music, as do musicians from other traditions.Celtic Connections 2012. The music begins...
