As an old Scottish proverb says, good things have little “packaging”. So Scotland, despite its small size, certainly has many treasures at 78,387 km2 of its territory, about 1/3 of the United Kingdom.
In this area in the north of the country, there is something for all tastes: for lovers of history, few cities are compared to Edinburgh and Glasgow, while for lovers of gastronomy, there is the well-known haggis (lamb offal with onion and spices ) and do not forget to eat tender Aberdeen Angus beef, or smoked salmon and of course incomparable malt whiskey on the island of Islay or in Oban with the small harbour.
There is the wild, mountainous landscape of the Highlands and the northern islands and the icy sea in the archipelago of the Outer Hebrides to the west. Wildlife watchers will see otters, eagles, whales and dolphins, while walkers can explore Scotland’s approximately 300 Munros (mountains above 910 meters) and discover its endless beauty. Scotland has a long history and fascinating genealogy, castles, stunning nature, and many pubs and offers opportunities for various activities such as canoeing, fishing, and more.
Cities and other attractions
Although the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is not the largest city in the country, Glasgow, which accounts for almost half of Scotland’s population in its wider urban area. The central Lowlands make up most of the major cities. Glasgow is located on the west coast, while on the east coast are the other three major Scottish cities: Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.
In the Highlands, Inverness has shown significant growth. Only the largest and most easily accessible islands retain the population, while the southern Uplands are mainly rural areas, where agriculture and forestry are developed. Spread over a series of rocky hills overlooking the sea, Edinburgh is a city that will enchant you for many reasons: from the picturesque streets and houses of the old town along the popular Royal Mile main pedestrian street (the most picturesque and commercial street in all over Scotland), the impressive castle that dominates the city, up to the new town of neoclassical modernity, is of great interest, despite its small size.
Every summer, Edinburgh hosts the world’s largest art festival, which attracts crowds to the area and was first organized in 1947, managing to highlight the importance of art in everyday life with great success.
The Highlands and Nessie
Traveling to the Highlands, you will see streams and green meadows full of cows and sheep, scattered castles, farms, and many whiskey distilleries, while human presence is rare.
The city of Inverness is the capital of the Highlands, and the famous Loch Ness, the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain, is located to the south. In this lake lives the homonymous monster (also known as Nessie), according to the legend and with reports dating from the 6th century. Many other reports have followed to this day – probably more influenced by the realm of fantasy and legend – but sonar-based underwater research in 2003 failed to locate the legendary reptile. What is certain, however, is that the lake is part of a beautiful landscape that relaxes every visitor.
Cross the Highlands through the spectacular Glen Coe Canyon, home to one of Scotland’s highest peaks, the traditional Fort William fishing village at the foot of Ben Nevis (Scotland’s highest mountain peak) and reach Fort Augustus, in the south. Loch Ness Lake. Of course, you can do all this by owning a vehicle that will transport you safely from one area to another. You can rent the vehicle of your choice from the city of Inverness through Enjoy Travel and experience a real road trip through the Highlands.
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