10 things you have to see in Scotland
Scotland is a country that has a lot to offer travellers. Here are 10 things you have to see if you’re every lucky enough to be in the area.
1. Loch Ness
Home to Scotland’s most famous resident (allegedly), Loch Ness is just outside of the charming town of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. Even if you don’t spot Nessie, the loch is beautiful and a great spot for fishing, sailing and canoeing.
2. Edinburgh Castle
Standing majestically above the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 11th century and was used as a base for the British military up until the 1920s. Walking through the castle is like walking back through history with different parts dating back hundreds of years along with well preserved displays of historic paintings, jewellery and weapons.
3. Skara Brae
It’s surprising that Skara Brae isn’t better known – this prehistoric site is older than both the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. The settlement in the Orkney archipelago was inhabited from around 3100BC and is remarkably intact with many houses visible. The excellent interpretive centre will give you an insight into the lives of those who lived there millennia ago.
4. Rosslyn Chapel
Made famous by Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code novel, Rosslyn Chapel is a unique and mysterious place that was said to house the Holy Grail. Almost every surface of the chapel is covered with beautiful stone carvings, which some believe reveal the secrets of Jesus’ life and death.
5. Isle of Skye
The rugged Isle of Sky, off the northwest coast of Scotland, has long been associated with magic. Local legends say that the pools and waterfalls of Glenbrittle used to be a gathering place for fairies and other magical creatures.
6. Jacobite Steam Train
Have you seen the Harry Potter movies? Then you’ll recognise the Glenfinnan Viaduct that this train passes over between Fort William and the fishing port of Mallaig in the northwest of the country. The whole journey is stunning, passing the foot of Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Britain) and the silver sands of Morar along the coast.
7. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Glasgow’s top attraction opened in 1901 in a striking red sandstone Spanish Baroque building and has been delighting visitors ever since. It’s recently undergone a substantial refurbishment and is stuffed full of fascinating works of art and quirky historic artifacts, like Sir Roger the stuffed Asian elephant.
8. Isle of Mull
This might be your only opportunity to spend the night in a genuine castle. Glengorm Castle on the Isle of Mull is surrounded by ancient stone circles and fronts on to white beaches and an icy blue ocean. It’s totally charming and a little bit strange, and there’s an impressive selection of whiskies to sample – all on the house.
9. Speyside
Home to over half the scotch distilleries in Scotland, Speyside is a whisky-lover’s dream. You’ll find big names like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Macallan, as well as a host of other smaller distilleries where you can sample unique local blends. Take the Malt Whisky Trail through the region and immerse yourself in the whisky experience.
10. Glasgow Cathedral
Almost all of Scotland’s historic cathedrals were destroyed during the Reformation, so Glasgow Cathedral is one of only a handful in the country. Dating back to the 15th century it is grand and gothic and a little spooky. Don’t miss a walk through the 19th century necropolis behind the cathedral, filled with the grand tombs of Glasgow’s Victorian elite.
Have you ever been to Scotland? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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