Scotland
Scotland is located in the northern part of the island of Great Britain, sharing its only land border with England. It is part of the United Kingdom, however, it maintains its own unique national identity, parliament, legal system, and many other aspects.
It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, the North Sea to the east, and the Irish Sea to the south.
Scotland is most well-known for its incredible landscapes, including mountainous highlands, coastline beaches, diverse islands (almost 800 of them!) and lochs.
However, don’t miss out on its vibrant cities, such as Glasgow, or its capital, Edinburgh. They offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scottish history at many museums and galleries throughout. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, experience variety of arts and culture festivals and try out the local delicacies on offer.
Whether you’re looking for a city break or a great, outdoor adventure, Scotland proves to be an ideal destination for either with its unique activities on offer!
You can learn about Scotland’s famous whiskey distillery, try out curling or shinty, or explore famous movie locations, such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct, known as the bridge to Hogwarts in Harry Potter, or Glen Nevis featured in Braveheart.
trivia about Scotland
Scotland’s National Animal is the Unicorn – representing innocence and power in Celtic mythology.
Import of the traditional Scottish dish called haggis is banned into the US. It is a sort of savoury pudding, simmered or boiled, consisting of sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), onion, oatmeal, suet and seasonings, encased in an animal’s stomach.
Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, is a Scottish mythical creature supposedly inhabiting Loch Ness in Scottish Highlands.
When is the Best time to visit Scotland
With its temperate oceanic climate, Scotland is generally a cool and wet country, with hard-to-predict weather, similar to Ireland and the British Isles. It means that on any given day, you might be able to experience all four distinct seasons at once. Therefore, usually the best time to visit falls within the summer months, between May and September.
Those summer months offer the highest probability of experiencing good, sunny weather, with limited rainfall and higher temperatures, reaching up to 20 °C (68°F), if you’re lucky.
May and early June, and September and early October, offer a good balance of relatively good weather with fewer tourists. If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, this might be the time to go.
End of June through to August typically offers the warmest and sunniest weather, perfect for outdoor focus holidays – ideal for hiking and checking out the Scottish Highlands. These months are also packed with city-wide activities such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, so there might be more crowds about, with higher prices all around.
The winter season (November to February) brings about harsher weather. It tends to be cold (4°C or 39°F) and wet, with windy conditions occurring commonly. While it might not sound appealing, this amazing country and its warm people still make it an amazing destination to visit. Immerse yourself in a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, with fewer tourists around. Enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains or walk along the Christmas markets, amongst the twinkling lights, on the lookout for a unique festive treat to try or a hand-made craft to bring home as a souvenir.
Whenever you’re planning your trip, consider the time of year based on your interests and the activity you want to do while there. Planning in advance will help you get the most out of your adventure!
Where to visit in Scotland
Some of the most popular travel destinations within Scotland include:
Edinburgh
Known for its medieval architecture, Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, carries with it a historic charm wherever you walk. Its medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town are both UNESCO World Heritage sites – experience their narrow streets, historical buildings, elegant squares, and breathtaking architecture.
Visit the Edinburgh Castle, sitting atop an extinct volcano. Walk the Royal Mile connecting the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with many shops and restaurants. Relax amidst the green spaces of the Royal Botanic Gardens, or climb up to Arthur’s Seat to get a mesmerising view of the whole city from up above. Experience the lively Edinburgh Festival Fringe and visit its world-class museums and galleries to get a glimpse of the city’s past and present.
Scottish Highlands
For a truly spectacular outdoor adventure, visit the Scottish Highlands to experience the natural wonders, mountainous regions and rocky coastlines. Look for unique wildlife to encounter in their natural habitats, and once you stop for rest, sample the most famous of Scottish whiskey at one of its distilleries, or try out some traditional Scottish dishes, such as haggis.
Loch Ness
Go in search of the Loch Ness Monster, Nessie, at Scottish most well-known Loch! Enjoy water activities, such as a boat ride or kayaking, or hike or cycle numerous trails available, with varied degrees of difficulty, to suit everyone’s needs.
The Roaming Wolf 