Travel Guides: Scotland
Scotland (gumbopages.com)
Scotland is a country of the United Kingdom, with the capital at Edinburgh, occupying the northern third of the UK, with 186 islands included.
One of the most visited areas is the Loch Ness, where according to legend, lived a monster called “Nessie” by the locals. A tourist attraction is the Highland Games, which was a contest between the Scottish clans. Today is an athletic competition. Some evidence exists that the original was called “Toss Caber” where people throw a tree trunk 5 feet in length. Scotland is also famous for bagpipe music and local dances. Most Scottish industry is concentrated in the few cities in the center of the country. Edinburgh is the cultural and administrative capital, and it is an important financial center in Europe. Glasgow, one of the largest cities of the United Kingdom, is situated on the River Clyde and is the largest port and manufacturing center in Scotland.
In the 2001 census, the population numbered 5,062,011 inhabitants. According to the 2008 estimates, this number rose to 5,168,500, and that would place Scotland in the top 112 largest countries in the world population, if it were a sovereign state. Although Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, it is not the largest city. With a population of over 584,000 this honor it is for Glasgow. Even the great center of Glasgow urban sprawl, with a population of nearly 1.2 million, comprises almost one quarter of the population of Scotland. In the area with high population density, called the Central Belt are the main cities and public interest.
Glasgow is located in the west of the country, while Edinburgh and Dundee are on the east coast. In addition to the Central Belt of Scotland, the largest city is Aberdeen, which is on the east coast to the north. Scottish areas are sparsely populated plateau, even though the city of Inverness grew rapidly in recent years. In general, only the largest and most populated islands are accessible and no less than 90 of them are inhabited. The southern mountainous region is above all a rural area and deals with forestry and agriculture. Because of problems of cities hosting Glasgow and Edinburgh, was created on November 5 cities between 1947 and 1966. These are: East Kilbride, Glenrothes, Livingston, Cumbernauld and Irvine.
Because of immigration from the time of the Second World War, the towns of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee present small South Asian communities. Since were made the recent enlargements of the European Union were an increased number of citizens from Central and Eastern Europe have moved to Scotland, and it is estimated that between 40,000 and 50,000 Poles now live in Scotland. From the year 2001 there are 16,310 Chinese residents in Scotland. These ethnic groups in Scotland are as follows: 97.99% White, 1.09% South Asian, 0.16% Black 0.16% Mixed, 0.25% Chinese, and others 0.19 %.
Urqhart Castle, Scotland (edwud.com)
Scotland has three officially recognized languages: English, Scottish and Scottish Gaelic. Almost all Scots speak Standard English, and in 1996, the General Register of Scotland estimated that 30% of the population speaks fluent Gaelic. Gaelic language is usually spoken by a large number of people in the western islands, but the national language is used by 1% of the population. The number of people who do not speak Gaelic language in Scotland fell from 250,000 (or 7% of the population) in 1881 to 60,000 today. There are more people with ancestors of Scottish origin who live abroad than the entire population of Scotland. The population is mainly Protestant Ulster Scottish origin and it is estimated that there are more than 27 million descendants of Scots-Irish migration that live in the United States.
In Canada, the Scottish community reaches a total of 4.7 million inhabitants. About 20% of the population of European settlers of New Zealand origin came from Scotland. Below the national level, Scotland is divided into 32 administrative entities called areas of councils. Below this level there is a level committees consisting of areas, in areas predominantly rural councils and many community councils prevalent in the country, but they are not universal and have more limited powers in relation to councils’ civil parishes in England.
Scotland is a land as fascinating as it is surprising. It has, on the one hand, beautiful landscapes, lively towns and villages, historical monuments, castles, Celtic culture, but also elsewhere inaccessible areas, large areas of wilderness where you feel mother nature get grips with. Here you can close your eyes and imagine you’re at the end of the earth. Not for nothing is said the mountainous area of Scotland is among the last areas of Europe which are indomitable. Scotland has one of the longest coastlines in Europe (11,000 km). Among the 790 islands of Scotland, there are some white beaches and vast as the ones in the Caribbean. Wherever you are in Scotland, you are never more than 80 km from the sea (or ocean). The entire population of Scotland is close to that of metropolitan London (around 5 million inhabitants). In the mountains (Highlands) is spoken and taught in schools, in addition to English and Scottish Gaelic (Scots Gaelic), a language for nearly 2,000 years.
Capital: Edinburgh. President: Queen Elizabeth II. Form of government: Constitutional Monarchy – a unicameral parliament composed of 129 members, 73 of whom represent individual components (Scottish Parliament is composed of 73 components) and 56 members are elected by proportional representation for a period of four years. Scotland’s landscape is divided into three main regions: highlands and islands (the islands are divided into four regions: Shetland, Orkney, Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides) are located in the north and in the mountainous region east of the Boundary Fault in the Central is the Central Plains and in the southern region is hilly Southern Uplands. The highest peak: Ben Nevis 1344.
Sea: Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and Irish Sea and Islands of Scotland give 13.115 km of coastline. Climate: Temperate – Oceanic, but its climate varies. Winters are mild and summers are cool and wet. The weather in Scotland is much colder than the rest of the UK. Area: 78.772 km². Neighborhood: England, North Sea, Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Main Cities: Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow. Administrative Divisions: 32 areas of councils. Time Zone: UTC+0. Country code (phone): 44. Medieval Territory: The repeated glaciations that covered all Scotland, had erased all traces of previous inhabitants, but found that the first inhabitants were hunters 10,000 years ago. The first people who occupied the territory and built houses in Scotland were 9,500 years ago and began to build villages 6,000 years ago.
United Painters (founded in the 6th century) was the state that is now called Scotland. In 1602 King James VI of Scotland inherited the throne and became King of the Kingdom English. Scotland remained a separate state, due to disputes on religion. After the Glorious Revolution took place they overthrew the Roman Catholic King James VII of England. In 1707 the English Parliament and Scottish Parliament have signed a document Acts of Union that created the United Kingdom. Modern Politics: United Kingdom granted in 1997 limited self-government right to Scotland. But the English Parliament retains the right to amend, alter, or abolish large government systems. So, the Scottish parliament is not sovereign.
In 2007 the Scottish National Party, which supports the campaign to win independence, won the most seats. Operated as an independent entity since 843 until 1707 when it joined England to form the United Kingdom. Scotland, however, has kept its identity and most institutions are separate. Scottish tourism is well developed, providing jobs to 200,000 people in the tourism industry. Most tourists are from the UK, in 2002, for example, 18.5 million tourists were just from the United Kingdom. The rest of the tourists, 1.58 million in 2002, are from America, Germany, France, Canada, Australia and other countries. What to see: Aberdeen – a city of cultural mixes, Aviemore Area, Edinburgh – the capital city, Glasgow – contains a lot of galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, cafes, the Museum of Edinburgh, Staffa – an island containing Scotland phenomena, or perhaps the world, Glasgow Cathedral.
When to go: The main tourist period is April to September, the busiest period is from July to August when students have vacation. The busiest month is August, when there are festivals and bookings must be made in advance. In terms of time, the most pleasant months are May, June and September. July and August are warmer and more humid. Events: National Day November 30 – the day of Saint Andrew. Estimated population: 4.996.000 people. Population density: 63 persons / km². Population Distribution: Urban 56% / 44% Rural. Birth rate: 10.7 to 1000 inhabitants (2005). Death rate: 11-1000 inhabitants (2005). Average Age: 39.8 years (2004).
Drummond Castle Gardens, Scotland (welcome-to-scotland.blogspot.com)
Education Rates: 99% – People who know how to read and write (More than 15 years). Unemployment rate: 4.9% (2007). Ethnic Groups: Scotland 88.09% White, 7.38% White Britons, other white 1.54%, 0.98% Irish, Pakistani 0.63%, 0.32% Chinese, Indians 0.30% Others 0.76%. Emigrants: 4.1 persons per 1,000 inhabitants. Language: English, Scottish, Gaelic. Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Judaism. Transport: car, train, plane, ship ferryboat, bus / bus. Shipping routes: 220 km. Railways: 4.800 km. Airports: 15. Ports: 6. Coin: Pound. Gross Domestic Product: £ 86 billion (2006). Minimum Wage: £ 5.52 per hour (from 22 years) £ 4.60 (18-21 years), £ 3.40 (17 or under 17 years). Average salary: £ 1,450 / month. Industries: Coal mining, shipbuilding, steel industry, oil industry and fishing.
Agriculture Products: Wheat, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, barley, oats, livestock, sheep. Money Advice: £ 1.80 a cappuccino, a glass of wine £ 2.50, hotel accommodation £ 10 – £ 100, restaurant meals £ 3 – £ 32. Personalities: Robert Adam (1728 – 1792) – architect known for his elegant buildings in New Town, Edinburgh; Sean Connery (1930 -) – Actor, starred in “The Untouchables”; James Small (1730 – 1793) – invented the iron plow; Adam Smith (1723 – 1790) – known Economist; James Young (1811 – 1883) – Chemical Engineer, has developed oil refining process; Smellie William (1740 – 1795) – published the first edition of the British Encyclopedia.
Scotland forms the northern part of Great Britain, being one of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) being in the north of Britain, two thirds in size from England and Wales. It is surrounded by water on three sides: the North Atlantic and North Sea and west to east. To the south is bordered by England, about 96 kilometers along the Cheviot Hills, between the Tweed River basin on the east coast and the Solway Firth in the west. Scotland has 787 islands, mainly of groups of islands Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. Only 62 are larger in area of 62 square miles. Scotland has 6,000 miles of coastline offering spectacular cliffs and deserted beaches.
The relief consists of: Mountains, the highest in the UK, Munros Mountains, with peaks reaching 914.4 m. Highest peaks are Ben Nevis 1343 m, Ben Macdhui 1309 m, 1296 m, Braeriach, Cairntoul 1293 m, 1245 m Cairngorm. Scotland is recognized as a country with beautiful mountain scenery. Rivers: 26 rivers flow directly into the sea. The biggest are: Tay (Dundee), Clyde (Glasgow), Forth (Edinburgh). Scotland is famous for its lakes. West Coast is intersected by large lakes (sea lochs), Loch Fyne being the longest. Freshwater lakes include Loch Ness, which has a depth of 132 m – 230 m. Other lakes: Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, and more.
Climate, very volatile, is temperate and oceanic. In western Scotland is warmer than the Atlantic Ocean in the east due to currents. The side from the North Sea is the coldest. Tiree, in the Inner Hebrides, is one of the sunniest places in Scotland. Highlands in the west are the wettest. Scotland is divided into three main areas: the Highlands, Midland Valley and Southern Upland. After sharing countless groups and regions, political or administrative subdivision Scotland today has administratively divided into 32 regions. Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Angus, Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow, Highland, Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire , East Lothian, Mild Lothian, West Lothian, Moray, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Stirling, Orcades, Outer Hebrides, Scottish Borders, Shetland.
Abbey Iona, Scotland (freefoto.com)
The official language is English, although Gaelic language is spoken in northern and western Scotland. It is also spoken Scottish in the Lowlands. The national emblem is the thistle, although black grass (bushes), which covers a large part of the Marshes, is associated with the country, providing firewood and peat with lichens, plaid paints. The Romans conquered Britain and reached Midland Valley, in 79 AC. There can be seen remains of the Antonine Wall, built by the Romans between the River Forth and River Clyde to defend the border. Northern lands were inhabited by the Picts. The origin and their language is largely Celtic.
The famous Hadrian’s Wall, 100 miles long, lies near the border between England and Scotland today, being built in 119 AC. In the 5th century Scots came from Ireland and settled in western Scotland. They christened the Picts and other tribes. After centuries of struggle with the Picts, they put the crown on the head of Scots and Picts MacAlpin Kenneth King, in 843. Religious revolution, social and political during Malcolm Canmore (1057-1093), who spent much time in England, was materialized by the introduction of civilization and customs of the English, the English language and even British. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, French culture entered in Scotland.
Edward I of England (known as The Hammer of the Scots) wanted to put Scotland into the British crown. Scots victory at Bannockburn, 1314, defeated Edward II. The Scots wanted independence at any cost. So bloody years have passed, 300 years; finally Scotland was free and poor. England and Scotland were united in the reign of James VI of Scotland, who came to the throne in 1603 after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Elizabeth I persecuted the mother of James VI, Mary Queen of Scotland, which he executed. Act of Union in 1707 has led to the revolt of those who opposed the union. In 1744 the first golf club is founded (Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers).
After the rebellion of 1745, which was effectively a civil war, many Scots have immigrated to other countries. In 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stewart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, returned to Scotland and start the second Jacobin revolt that ends with Scots victory (the Battle of Prestonpans). In 1746, Charles fled to France. Wearing the kilt is prohibited. Important years: in 1768 is the first edition of Encyclopedia Britannica; 1826, first commercial railway between Edinburgh and Dalkeith; 1860, opens its first golf championship; 1870, first international rugby match between Scotland and England; 1872, Rangers Football Club is founded; 1888, Celtic Football Club is formed; 1879, the Tay Bridge collapse; 1896 the first subway line “the shooglie” in Glasgow, remained unique; 1937, is built the liner “Queen Elizabeth”; 1943 Germany air attack Scotland in the Second World War; 1950 Stone of Destiny is stolen from Westminster Abbey being the coronation stone of Scottish taken by the British in 1926.
In 1964 is inaugurated the longest suspension bridge in Europe, Forth Road Bridge at that time; 1971, 66 people killed in the disaster at the stadium in Glasgow; 1996, Stone of Destiny, the coronation stone of Scotland Edinburgh Castle is restored 700 years after it was stolen by Edward I. There are many foreigners working in Scotland, so you will not be alone. In major cities such as Edinburgh, are found newspapers and everywhere restaurants are open. There are also associations in most cities. Workers are so appreciated by so many Scottish employers recruitment agencies are currently specialized in recruiting manpower in Eastern Europe. Both agencies and employers invest heavily in facilities and the organizational changes to help eliminate communication barriers and facilitate the integration of foreign employees.
Fresh Start initiative (a new beginning) offers a wide range of services and information to help you set. You can request assistance in finding a home, also have available information on lifestyle and work in Scotland, information on taxes, health care and education. Scotland is a land of incredible diversity. Home to some of the most sophisticated European cities in terms of culture, at the same time has a spectacular and varied terrain. Scotland offers employment opportunities in the most diverse environments. From big cities to isolated communities, there are a large number of vacancies that can not be filled by locals. All this demonstrates the huge demand for workers in Scotland and the opportunities that are available to you.
Edinburgh – with a population of 800,000, Edinburgh combines cultural dynamism of a big city with the friendliness and relaxed lifestyle of a small town. An ideal place for newcomers, warm and eager various activities. With a diversified transport structure is the perfect place for those who want to maximize their chances of seeking employment opportunities in a large area. In surveys on quality of life, Edinburgh is consistently ranked in the top places. Tourists from around the world come here to admire the architecture of medieval, Georgian and modern, including, of course, Edinburgh Castle, a place of world heritage. Edinburgh is the second largest financial center in the United Kingdom, after London. There are a variety of jobs in finance and insurance, and related services sector.
Edinburgh’s workforce is among the most qualified in the United Kingdom, 34% of the population with higher education. If you want to combine culture with your job, you have found the ideal place. Unemployment in Edinburgh is only 2.2%. Few other cities in Europe can offer so many opportunities for employment of foreigners in search of a job. Aberdeen has benefited enormously from the fact that it is in the center of oil and gas industry in the United Kingdom. Companies that own offshore platforms have become major employers in the region and created thousands of careers in technology, both directly and through many smaller businesses that have developed around them. Currently in Aberdeen and the surrounding operate more than 800 technology companies that need a huge number of employees at all levels of experience and qualifications. Although Aberdeen is among the top three cities in the United Kingdom known due to highly developed business environment, yet offers many jobs in traditional sectors: agriculture, fisheries, food and drink.
The services sector is rapidly growing in medical services, with over 30,000 employees. The employment rate in Glasgow is the highest in the last 25 years: 420,000. Number of employees nearly doubled from Glasgow in Scotland and the UK rate overall in the last 10 years. The overall economy has surpassed that of similar cities in Europe. If Glasgow was formerly associated with heavy industry, especially in key sectors are present communication, trade and finance. Glasgow has become an international meeting point in terms of tourism and transport. With a thriving artistic environment and easy connections with two other nearby towns and rural areas, Glasgow became a point of attraction for new residents, employees and visitors.
Scotland is an area soaked in legend and romance. Evocative landscape of ruined castles and fields of heather talk about a past full of heroism, struggles and events that they are heard echoing over the centuries. The two great cities – Edinburgh and Glasgow based royalty, full of Victorian splendor – a magnet for visitors who want to include everything that Scotland has to offer. The other front is the spectacular scenery of the country – high lands, mountains, lakes, rivers filled with salmon, unparalleled golf and more. Although part of the United Kingdom, the Scottish people are independent and proud of its national identity. Scotland has its own legal system and, more recently, its own parliament, and the economy itself – Aberdeen is the center of North Sea oil industry in Edinburgh is the largest bank in Europe.
Scotland occupies a third of the island of Great Britain and can be divided into three regions – the Southern Uplands, Central Lowlands and Northern Highlands and Islands. Of the 790 islands, only 130 are inhabited. The group includes the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Orkneys and Shetlands. Scotland is the land of whiskey and golf, heritage or cultural festivals ranging from the clan to the poetry of Robert Burns. You see all these traditions during the summer festival in Edinburgh. Main attractions: Appearance of Glasgow‘s cultural capital is the world famous Burrell Collection, which contains over 9,000 paintings, tapestries and antique furniture. Modern side is represented by Glasgow Science Centre with interactive attractions and rotating Glasgow Tower, the 127 m high.
Edinburgh Castle was the seat of Scottish kings and suites include the historic Great Hall, which now houses a collection of weapons and armor. Royal apartments include a tiny room where Mary Stuart was born a boy who would become King James VI of Scotland and King James I of England. In Crown Hall you can see the ancient symbol of Scotland – crown, scepter and sword of state. Here is the oldest building in Edinburgh – St Margaret Chapel, a tiny Norman building which has remained intact for over 900 years; town of Fort William and Lochaber area offers beautiful scenery, great culture, clan history, Ben Nevis mountain, lakes and rivers, fresh air and outdoor sports, beautiful beaches, castles, distilleries, restaurants and pubs, shops, friendly people and a warm welcome.
Falkirk Wheel rotating boat lift is the first in the world. As a sculptural masterpiece, and a masterpiece of engineering, Falkirk Wheel combines the latest engineering and architectural imagination Scottish navy. Stirling Castle is at the end of Stirling’s historic center, on top of an old volcanic outcrop. Old Prison nearby offers a peek into a Victorian prison. Wallace Monument is a Victorian tower located on a cliff above the river and commemorates the Scottish hero William Wallace, Brave heart. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has 6% of the plants known in the world. Visitors can admire the vegetation from more than 10 different climate zones, from arctic tundra to tropical palms. National Gallery of Scotland is in the middle of Edinburgh and holds the largest collection of Scottish paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism.
Loch Ness Lake is located in the valley that connects Inverness Great Glen on the east coast with Fort William in the west. The most famous lake in Scotland has a length of 39 km and a width of 1 km and hosts the legendary monster that many claim to have spotted him. The mountains and valleys that surround the lake are hiking trails, many of them leading to the ruins of Urquhart Castle at Drumnadrochit Nessie exhibition. Beyond the Great Glen and Inverness, Scotland territory continues with a spectacular mix of forested gullies, marshes, rocky coasts, mountains and welcoming villages. Northern Highlands include rich farming region of the Black Isle, steep cliffs of Cape Wrath, traditional communities of the north and west Sutherland, Easter Ross crowded towns, historic villages of Caithness and beaches of East Sutherland. Because of its isolation, this area is overlooked by tourists, despite the fact that it has one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.
Balmoral Castle is situated on the River Dee and the Royal Family kept landscape, buildings and atmosphere of the days when it was bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. Gastronomy: “Haggis” is probably the best known Scottish delicacy. Although it tastes delicious, it is possible that many who know what it is made of, to waver. Haggis is made from sheep’s intestines and is the traditional Scottish cuisine. It is served with mashed turnips and potatoes. Cullen Skink is a nourishing soup made from smoked fish over potatoes, cream and shellfish. Seafood exports are in fact the product of Scotland. The best five species of cow are in Scotland, best known as Aberdeen Angus. There is a big difference between beef cattle to get cheap products and meat in cattle raised for quality products.
If you taste the roast Aberdeen Angus beef you can tell immediately. Nobody knows exactly when it was born Scottish whiskey, but the art of distillation is present for centuries in Scotland. Whisky, also called water of life (uisge beatha) is a leading alcohol in the world, and the Scotsman, also called Scotch barley is adding chains and wheat, clear water flowing from granite cliffs and pure cold air of Scotland. The first inhabitants of Scotland were a Celtic tribe. The Romans invaded Scotland between 82 and 208, and called it Caledonia. But Roman influences are minimal. Celtic tribes migrated from Scotland and Ireland on the west coast of Scotland in 500. Kenneth McAlpine, King of Scotland, came to the throne of the Picts in 843, thus uniting the tribes of Scotland in a single kingdom called Dal Riad. Until the eleventh century monarchy boundaries included much of Scotland today.
English influence spread throughout the region during Malcolm III, King of Scotland between 1057 and 1093, he married an English princess. British desire to conquer Scotland grew in XII and XIII, and in 1296 King Edward I of England successfully invaded Scotland. The following year Robert the Bruce led a revolt for independence and was crowned King of Scotland (Robert I) in 1306, and after years of war has managed to beat England at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. In 1328 England recognized Scotland’s independence. In the sixteenth century John Nox introduced reform and Scottish Presbyterian Church was replaced with Catholicism as the official religion. In 1567, the Catholic Queen Mary Stuart was forced to abdicate the Scottish throne and was later executed by Queen Elizabeth I. Queen Mary’s son James VI was raised as a Protestant and in 1603 succeeded the queen Elizabeth to the throne of England as King James VI.
Thus James became King of England and Scotland, although the two countries remained separate. In 1707, after a century of troubles, Scotland and England have accepted the Act of Union which united Scotland, England and Wales under one leadership, the United Kingdom. Hanover House followed the Stuarts to the throne in 1714, which led to a rebellion among Scots. Jacobites, as the rebels were called, led two uprisings in 1715 and 1745. With the coming of the Industrial Revolution in Scotland began to focus on the shipbuilding industry, mining, iron and steel. In the late twentieth century Scotland has focused on electronics and high tech industries. North Sea has become an important source of gas and oil. In 1999 Scotland and the first parliament elected separately, after three centuries.
The best time to visit Scotland is between May and September. Between April and October the weather is still beautiful, but many places are closed in October. Apart from those interested in skiing and frostbite, Highlands area is virtually inaccessible in winter, but worth visiting Glasgow and Edinburgh. Edinburgh is extremely busy during the festival in August, meaning that you must book seats in advance. Today England and Scotland enjoy a friendly relationship, but this is not an excuse to confuse the Scots with the English. The two regions are different and each has a distinct cultural identity. Because of rivalry between football clubs, it is advised not to wear shirts in public of a club or another.
Although homosexuality in the West is generally accepted or even tolerated, Scotland may be an exception. Public manifestations of homosexuality are not accepted in recent years there have been attacks on their right. Gaelic language is still spoken, especially in the west and high lands (Highlands). A person from Scotland called Scottish or Scotland / Scottish in English. The word Scotch applies only to things of the Scottish. Castles, kilts and whiskey are the first things that come to mind when you think of Scotland. This land is unique in the world and makes you think of the famous legend of the Loch Ness monster to the thousands of castles and stately walls, together attracting tourists from all over the world who are passionate about history and mystery, legends and ghosts. A country full of personality and style, Scotland is one of the oldest European civilizations, instead of thousands of castles and fortresses dating from the Middle Ages, became a famous place over time and because clans who inhabited these lands.
If you want to travel to Scotland, it is advisable to organize your schedule in advance so as not to miss any of the famous places here. Once on site, you can enjoy the view of thousands of castles, you can learn the dance steps of the Highlands, you can enjoy the best whiskey in the world or you can walk on islands inhabited only by birds. If you travel to Scotland, you’ll be seduced by the beauty and perfection and massive rocky mountain whose snow-capped peaks and sky-blue stretch of water which they guard. Called the Athens of the North, Edinburgh gives the impression of tourists who visit here for the first time that two cities merge into one. Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh city emblem is built on a volcanic rock in the city’s highest point and offers an unforgettable view of the Scottish capital. Hence, the entire panorama of the surrounding cities and you will reveal in their entire splendor.
Another of Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is an important industrial center first and in 1990 was declared European City of Culture because of its museums and monuments. Here you can visit the city’s oldest cathedral, built in the thirteenth century and the University of Glasgow, one of the oldest in Europe. Portree is the largest town on Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago. Portree Harbour is the main attraction which is not surprising considering the many seafood restaurants here and the amazing views over Portree Bay. Plockton is nicknamed the Riviera in the Highlands because of the numerous palm trees that grow here. Beautiful scenery in and around Plockton make this route more attractive than the regular route to Kyle of Lochalsh to Stromferry.
The rather interesting natural beauties of Scotland should visit Aberdeenshire, a beautiful coastline with long beaches, hills and small fishing villages, but also some very old castles and historic monuments. Another renowned tourist attraction is the Highland region, a high and rocky area, located in the north and covering two thirds of the territory of Scotland. Here are two mountain ranges, called Grampien Mountains and Northwest Highlands, which parallel ridges separated by the great Glen Moore Glen Valley, as locals call it. In these counties, south of Glen Moore, rises the majestic peak of the British Isles, Ben Nevis, with an altitude of 1343 meters. Highland is the place where were born Highland Games, a competition between the Highland clans in the past. The history of the competition and Scottish Highland provinces has inspired the movie Highlander and Brave heart manufacturers, whose scenes were filmed in this region.
Loch Ness Lake, located in the heart of Inverness in Scotland, has won worldwide fame thanks to legends about the monster that is said to live in dark, deep waters of the area, therefore is the most famous tourist attraction in Scotland and of the most visited areas. Medieval town of Saint Andrews was once the ecclesiastical capital of the country being considered keeper of St Andrew’s remains and remains as interesting to visitors, because buildings, churches and its cobbled streets as in Aberdeen. Pamper yourself with a holiday in Scotland and you will be fascinated by the many castles, history, culture and tumultuous history of these lands.
Scotland’s only border is with England, with a length of 96 km. In the west, it is bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea in the east. Scotland can be divided into three regions where the landscape features and human activities are distinct: Southern Uplands, Central Lowlands (with high population density, rich in minerals and prosperous agriculture, urban and industrial center of life) and the magnificent Highlands which are added the Shetland Archipelago and Orcad. Southern Uplands consist of gentle hills, covered with grasses, and there are jagged rocks. Peaks of the hills are generally devoid of vegetation, but the slopes are covered with grass, which favors increased sheep and cattle. The landscape is very similar to English; the parcels are bounded by stone fences.
Central Lowlands are traversed by the valleys of the rivers Clyde, Forth and Tay. In this region, agriculture is highly developed, relief is not very high, and the plots of crops being interrupted by patches of forest. Almost three quarters of Scotland’s population is concentrated in these regions. Western and eastern ends of the region’s major urban areas are covered by Glasgow and Edinburgh. Highlands (Upper Lands) located in the north, barren, rocky area, covering two thirds of Scotland. Here stand two major mountain ranges: Northwest Highlands and Mountains Grampien. These mountains have parallel ridges that run from north-east to south-west, separated by a deep valley called the Great Glen or Glen More. The highest peak of the British Isles, Ben Nevis – 1343 m, rises south of Glen More. Most of the Upper Lands have no forests, moor or heath. The forests here have been entirely cut in the XVII-XVIII centuries; in order to create grazing areas needed the most profitable activities for that period.
Land is the best place along the rocky west coast. The few inhabitants of this land have been sitting on narrow coastal plains, inland areas are almost uninhabited. Scotland has a temperate oceanic climate and is very changeable. It is characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Temperatures are generally lower than in the United Kingdom. Highs reach 6 ° C in winter and in summer 18 ° C. Generally, western Scotland is warmer than the east, due to ocean currents. Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital was built on a volcanic hill, the famous Arthur’s Seat (Arthur’s Place). It became the royal residence at the end of the eleventh century, the city being under the Stuart kings, the seat of government and capital of Scotland. Since the seventeenth century, the city loses its great importance. Edinburgh Castle – a symbol of the city – is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, recalled the glorious past of the settlement.
The foundation dates back to 850 BC and the oldest remains are from 1130. From XI-XIV centuries, the castle was a symbol of Scottish royalty, but today is home to the Scottish Division of the British Army. In the late eighteenth century, the castle was built around a new city, in the Georgian style. New Town lies to the north, given the constraints of the railway line and Princes St. Gardens, these gardens are being Gothic monument, the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. Georgian order and elegance are reflected in New Town’s beautiful squares, circuses and terraces. The National Gallery of Scotland has an impressive collection of European art. The city is very animated, each year, in August, taking place here the International Jazz Festival and cinema – Military Tattoo.
Glasgow, an industrial center of prime importance, is the most populous city. Saint Mungo – patron saint of Scotland – has built a wooden church, even in the current perimeter of the city. The oldest cathedral in Glasgow (XIII century) was built on the site of the old wooden church. In 1451 was founded the University of Glasgow, one of the oldest in Europe. In the seventeenth century the city will become the center of the Protestant cause in the British Isles and into the next century will increase due to trade in textiles, sugar and tobacco. Port function will always require evolving in recent years the city suffered many refurbishments. In 1990 Glasgow was named European City of Culture, through concerts, museums and monuments.11
