There in the north, and without guaranteed sunshine, a holiday in Scotland may not be the most obvious option. For many, Alba (as it’s known in Gaelic) ticks lots and numerous boxes. Not for nothing was Scotland the top of Rough Guides’ must-visit destinations in 2017. The guide picked the country for its “wildlife whisky, the beautiful scenery and an extremely warm welcome”. We’re in agreement on these three w’s. We we have compiled ten compelling reasons to take your next trip to Scotland.
Landscapes that have a capital L
It doesn’t matter if they’re gorgeous and lonely, or simply gorgeous, Scottish landscapes take scenery to a new level. What ever your passion is such as mountains, glens forests, lochs and valleys… The beauty of Scotland is a swarm of them. And best of all that you are able to see the entire range of these easily when you go to.
Curious contrasts
As well as coming in large numbers, Scottish landscapes also come with amazing contrasts. Consider the white sands found on Isle of Tiree for instance – you’re almost in the Caribbean here. And the little isle has one of the greatest levels of sunlight duration in the UK too. You can also go for the dramatic black depths of some of Scotland’s lochs. Take a look at the stunning pink granite that is found along the Angus coast.
For self catering lodges Scotland, visit Onnela Lodge.
Scotland is remote as no other area anywhere else in the UK. Cape Wrath on the northwest corner is about as far as you’ll get anywhere. Apart from the island in St Kilda, a good boat ride from the mainland but abandoned since the 1930s.
Too lonely? Go to the cities. Glasgow and Edinburgh are as some of the most vibrant and vibrant locations in the UK with all the urban action you’d like to see.
Really wild wildlife
Forget common-all-garden rabbits, foxes and badgers. Scotland also has wildlife that is similar to nowhere else elsewhere in the UK. On land, it’s a country of deer, red martens, and Otters. On the horizon, you can see ospreys and the ultimate prize for the twitcher, golden eagles. In the water Scotland’s a paradise for dolphins, seals, whales and adorable puffins. The holidays in Scotland can be truly wild.
History that is deeply rooted
The UK comes jam-packed with historic monuments and sites. However, in the realm of history, Scotland is also able to take the game up. From the Neolithic standing stones on Orkney or Orkney’s Abbey on Iona that was where St Columba brought Christianity to Scotland and those of the Picts This is a land with a truly long-standing history.
In the past, we can look forward back to Jacobite Revolution, perhaps nowhere in the UK is more hauntingly historical as Glen Coe, a battle site where you could almost imagine the ghosts of the murdered. Also, there are great historic sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow where fine urban architecture is also rich with stories to tell.
King of castles
Scotland’s landscapes come smattered with castles and at last count there are around 2000 castles. Some in ruins, others still lived in, and many castles you can stay in. They’re all part part of the countryside. When you’re traveling in Scotland make sure you don’t miss Eilean Donan’s Castle on Skye It’s a scene you’ve seen from numerous films; Dunnottar Castle perched on a dramatic headland over the North Sea; the medieval fortress of Urquhart Castle near the equally mysterious Loch Ness; or Edinburgh Castle with a fine outlook at the top of Royal Mile.
Fine festivals
A lengthy (long) schedule of year-round festivals also makes Scotland an ideal destination for a getaway. If it’s sporting, cultural, gastronomic, musical or historical, there’s an event to suit your needs in Scotland. Among the most famous are that of Highland Games, celebrated between May and September throughout the country . It’s a great most popular place to view Scottish dancing, bagpipe playing and locals’ prowess throwing logs, hammers…
Edinburgh is the center of attention on the world’s cultural stage in August , with the International Festival that includes the famous Fringe Festival. The popular tattoo for military also occurs during the Festival during which you can experience one of the best fireworks displays in the UK. If you’re a fan of fire it’s you’ll love the Up Helly Aa fire festival in Shetland should be on your must-see list. That Viking festival of the winter has been hailed as one of the nation’s most unique festivals.
Capture it on camera
With its breathtaking landscapes and historic settings Scotland is unsurprisingly a top spot for television and film series. Several form the backdrop to some of the Harry Potter films and JK Rowling wrote the novels in the cafes of Edinburgh. The movie King Arthur also showcases Scottish scenery , as does the critically famous TV series Outlander. And the UK’s top spy, James Bond, has visited Scotland in numerous films.
Hole in one
Scotland is of course the historic home of golf. To honor these origins the country has numerous golf courses, many of them are public. Prestwick Golf Club established the Open Championship and St Andrews is the home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. It is the body responsible for every aspect of the game. Even when you’re not a golfer you are able to walk around the course and appreciate their often stunning landscapes.
The water of life
No list of reasons to visit Scotland is complete without a significant acknowledgement of whisky, the Scottish drink in general whisky. Many consider it to be the finest liqueur in the world whisky is an essential element of the landscape and tradition. Make sure to visit some distilleries while your trip to Scotland and don’t forget to enjoy one of the whiskies following your dinner. The fiery water of life isn’t only great, it is also a blessing for digestion!
A holiday in Scotland
In this way, Scotland moves the bar higher. From festivals to stunning places to stay there are very few places on earth can match the selection of exquisite hotels. Choose from mansions, castles and palaces that are fit for an emperor and providing accommodation like no other. Book your palatial home and get ready for a holiday of a lifetime.