Untamed and beautiful, Scotland is located in northern Europe and is bounded by the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and England. It is around half the size of England, but most of its landmass is comprised of moorlands, mountains and about 800 islands.
Scotland was inhabited by hunter-gatherers around 6,000 ago but by the 7th century, the region was a warring mix of Norse invaders, Scots, Picts, Beakers, Britons and Anglo-Saxons. Several wars were fought as the movement for Scottish independence from British supremacy gained momentum. The Industrial Revolution brought prosperity to the towns and cities, especially in the south, but the global depression of the 1930s struck a mortal blow to the country's economy.
Edinburgh, with its romantic castle, is one of the best cities in Europe. The Calton Hills, with various important monuments, provide a scenic backdrop to the city. Nearby is Glasgow, which was considered a hotbed of unemployment and poverty but now has much to offer a discerning tourist. You can visit the Glasgow Cathedral, Burrell Collection, St Mungo's Museum of Religious Life and Art and the 15th-century Provand's Lordship or take a walk through the majestic structures of the 18th-century Merchant City.
The medieval town of St. Andrews was once the ecclesiastical capital of the country. However, golfing is its only religion today, with golfers from all over the world thronging the world's most famous golf course in the town. Another destination worth exploring is Aberdeen, a veritable symphony in granite. The bewitching Inner Hebrides, located on the country's western coast, is the perfect locale to round up your trip to Scotland.
The highlands of Scotland are perfect for cycling while Aviemore, Glencoe, Nevis, Glenshee, The Lecht, and the Nevis Range are ideal for skiing. You may also undertake a trip to the world famous Loch Ness for an encounter with Nessie, the monster.
Untamed and beautiful, Scotland is located in northern Europe and is bounded by the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and England. It is around half the size of England, but most of its landmass is comprised of moorlands, mountains and about 800 islands.
