Mini Guide to Scotland

Scotland is known to all as home to the Highlands, bagpipe players, and a “wee sip-o-scotch.” It is amorous and original. From Edinburgh’s medieval lanes to the sparse isolation of the Hebrides, Scotland will stay with you.

Holding court over Edinburgh is its 1,200-year-old castle, mystically perched on a jutting mass of rock. The famed Royal Mile traverses from there to the Scottish royal home: Baroque Holyrood Palace. Behind that is the looming but scalable hill called Arthur’s Seat. Besides strolling the historic streets, particularly near Cowsgate, attractions include the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Dynamic Earth, and the Museum of Scotland.

An iconic pair lives in Stirling: Stirling Castle and the lofty William Wallace monument.

Glasgow truly personifies Scotland, as witnessed by it being named 1990’s Europe’s City of Culture. It boasts St Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life and Art, the primitive Glasgow Cathedral, Provand’s Lordship, and the distinctive Burrel collection. The suburban Paisley possesses an intriguing history regarding the industrial revolution.

Aberdeen has been coined Granite City. Among its draws are a bustling harbour, King’s College, and many superb churches from the 15th century.

Via auto you should venture to the historic St Andrews; the dramatic Loch Ness; the moody Highlands; Britain’s highest peak: Ben Nevis; and the British Isles’ northernmost point: John o’ Groats.