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.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Experience the Scottish Highlands at handlebar level
- Spend two days exploring Loch Ness and Inverness
- Soak up the spirit of Speyside on a whisky tour
Last updated: Feb 7, 2012
Tips & articles
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Bagging Scotland’s Munros
22 May 2012
There is a particularly Scottish habit known as ‘Munro bagging’. This challenging — and somewhat competitive — sport involves climbing...
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Believe your eyes: the world’s strangest optical illusions and mirages
10 May 2012
Can you believe your eyes? When it comes to these head-twisters, chances are you can’t. Come around the globe with...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Need help with places to visit!
by mzblonde37 27 May 2012
We have already planned it all out transportation, etc. Paris we aren't even staying a night. Frankfurt I heard there were a few cool…
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RE: Megabus London to Scotland
by battybilly 27 May 2012
I don't know anywhere (by mile, km. etc.) that's cheaper than some of Megabus's routes and fares.
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RE: Megabus London to Scotland
by botswanabill 27 May 2012
i was surprised thinking UK was expensive but its cheaper than India by God.!
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Scotland
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Scotland
Things to do
- All things to do (1,510)
- Activities (243)
- Entertainment (245)
- Restaurants (389)
- Shopping (151)
- Sights (467)
- Tours (15)
Make it happen
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
Our favourite Scotland Blogs (beta)
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Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas: Valley of the Moon Reel
Blog: Music Road - 26 May 2012
In there work, fiddle player Alasdair Fraser and cellist Natalie Haas frequently play music from the Scottish tradition, reviving the centuries past tradition of fiddle and cello pairings. They also on occasion play music from Cape Breton, Spain, and other parts of the Celtic diaspora.Then there are the times when they play music that one or another of them has composed. That’s what is going on here, as they offer Fraser's Valley of the Moon Reel.
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Good Golly Miss Molly, It’s Sunny Here In Edinburgh!
Blog: Quillcards - 25 May 2012
Kids ‘N Blankets Okay, so I am busy chopping up vegetables for my salad just now when I look outside my window here in Edinburgh at the communal space outside this block of Victorian flats – and what do I see? Four kids who look to be about aged seven through eleven paired off (girl [...]Good Golly Miss Molly, It’s Sunny Here In Edinburgh! is a post from the Quillcards Blog
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history into song: capercaillie: glenfinnan
Blog: Music Road - 21 May 2012
Putting history into song is a long tradition. It makes sense that they should intertwine: both hold the capability for vivd storytelling, and of connecting people across time, space, and country.
