George K.
Sometimes travelers and holidaymakers are looking for something different. They may be bored of sitting on sunny beaches or walking through densely occupied cities. It is for these reasons and more that Scotland continues to attract global interest as a holiday destination.
Anyone who comes here will be overwhelmed by the sense of history and culture, and the amazing landscapes and scenery. Visitors will encounter its many islands and much-celebrated lochs. There is surely something for everyone here, be it for relaxation or travel. We will now discuss some of the most famous places that people can visit during their stay.
Inverness
This beautiful location is perched on the edge of the Scottish highlands. It is Scotland’s most northern city and offers everything from rivers and canals to the Old Town and Victorian markets. It also features a castle dating back to the 19th century.
Anyone who travels this far north will be wanting to experience comfortable accommodation. According to the hosts at Invernesspalacehotel.co.uk tourists increasingly expect to gain access to spas and leisure clubs during their stays. People regularly search online for maps, guides, and details of local events. Folk also desire venues that are compliant with the current pandemic guidelines.
The Orkneys
Of its 70 islands, 20 of them are inhabited. People can travel to the northern coast of Scotland and view places that were occupied thousands of years before the Romans. In a similar vein to Stonehenge, the Ring of Brodgar features a circle of stones previously used during religious rituals. Anyone intrigued by the Old Man of Hoy will find their answers here in the Orkneys.
Visitors can feast their eyes on museums and galleries, alongside such creatures as seals and puffins. They can also come aboard the Northlink ferries at Scrabster.
The Scottish Highlands
It’s impossible to fully explore these during your stay. Imagine a land that stretches across 10,000 square miles, from Inverness to John O’Groats.
Several famous locations are included here. For a start, there’s Loch Ness, the legendary home of the Loch Ness Monster. In addition, there’s Ben Nevis which is Scotland’s tallest mountain. Avid fans of ‘Outlander’ will discover that the filming was conducted in the Highlands too.
The Hebrides
Lovers of the great outdoors will appreciate this collection of islands. Visitors can enjoy watching the seabirds and seals or go hiking. Tourism is one of the key elements that sustain the economy here, alongside such activities as fishing and the oil industry.
This is a good home for culture, too, as Scottish music and Gaelic literature can be found here. In the past, its culture was influenced by three different dialects: the Norse-speaking, Celtic-speaking, and English-speaking people.
Readers of George Orwell’s book, ‘1984’ will discover that it was written in the Hebrides as well.
Stirling
Many people come here and use it as their ‘base camp’. This is partly because it’s the connecting point between the highlands and the lowlands.
Lovers of history can visit the 12th-century castle that was home to Mary Queen of Scots while she was young. There’s also a fortress and medieval Scottish town, and the Bannockburn Heritage Centre. William Wallace’s life is commemorated at the Bridge of Allan, and there is a monument in his name.
There are over 93,000 people in Stirling, and it provides a center for everything from retail and industry to local government and higher education.
St. Andrews
Golf lovers will know that this is a world-class sporting venue. The Open Championship is often held here. Additionally, people can visit the British Golf Museum.
This seaside town also features its own university. Interestingly this is the third most ancient in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. When it comes to the quality of the education it provides, it has come second only to Cambridge out of the entire United Kingdom. Visitors are fortunately allowed to enter the grounds and to walk around.
To round things off, tourists can view the castle on a cliff, and see the ruins of what was once its cathedral. Interestingly, St. Andrews was named after the biblical apostle of the same name.
As we can see, Scotland is as all-rounded as the weather is bracing. Visitors can soak up the history and culture, and travel on land and water. They can enjoy outdoor sports or view famous places of interest. Scotland belongs on the world map as a place to visit, and it will no doubt continue to do so in the future.
