Tag: Scottish Culture

Travellers exploring Glasgow’s Architectural Heritage

Glasgow’s historic buildings are an important part of the city’s social history, and should not be missed by any traveller – even those with only have a passing interest in architecture!

Islands of the Outer Hebrides: The Definitive Guide for Travellers

Islands of the Outer Hebrides An article that shares some the culture, people and history of the key islands on the Western side of Scotland. The Outer Hebrides The name Hebrides is derived from the Norse word Havbredey, meaning the ‘isle on the edge of the sea’. This crescent-shaped archipelago lies around 40 miles off the […]

Perth, Scotland

Perth, which lies elegantly on the River Tay, regained its city status in 2012. Once thought to be the ancient capital of Scotland, Perth built its fortune on weaving, fishing and brewing industries, giving the country two of its most famous whiskies, Dewars and Bells. Often called the ‘Fair City’, Perth is home to beautiful architecture, interesting galleries, vibrant restaurants, an intriguing and unique history and gorgeous surrounding scenery. It takes just over an hour on public transport to get to the city from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. It is only 20 minutes from Dundee by train.

Thurso, Scotland

The Scottish mainland’s most northerly town, Thurso, is a charming gateway to the Scottish Isles and, being on the country’s north coast, is considered to be Scotland’s surf capital. The remote town is on the North Atlantic and has similar latitudes to Oslo and Moscow. While the waves are considered to be the best in Britain, there is plenty to do around Thurso that doesn’t involve donning a wetsuit, including great walks, galleries, museums and a ruined medieval parish. From Edinburgh, travel by train or bus takes around eight hours while flying to Wick Airport (an hour’s drive from Thurso) takes just over an hour.

Country Spotlight: Scotland

Tours of Scotland Scotland is a world-renowned travel destination. Travellers enjoy a terrific diversity in the Tours of Scotland that are offered to this popular country. Such diversity results in  countless memorable experiences for visitors. Known for its dramatic scenery, rich cultural history, and distinctive food and drink, Scotland is an unforgettable country to visit. […]

The Scottish Isles

When one thinks of island-hopping, images of Scotland probably don’t immediately come to mind but Scotland is island-rich, with some of the most awesome scenery in the United Kingdom. There are nearly 800 islands that are part of Scotland, scattered around its western and northern coastline. Each of these islands has its own individual character, identity and charm but only 60 of them are populated and ferries run to only 46. No point on any island is greater than eight kilometres from the sea.

Orkney Islands, Scotland

The Orkney Islands, also referred to as Orkney, are an archipelago off the north coast of mainland Scotland. Comprised of around 70 islands (20 of which are inhabited), the Orkney Islands have a mystical charm that makes you feel as if you are far away from everything despite the fact they are very accessible from the mainland. Orkney’s largest island is called Mainland and it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Shetland Islands Discovered: The Definitive Guide for Travellers

Shetland Islands Discovered Scotland’s Shetland Islands (or simply, Shetland) is a group of more than 100 islands, only 16 of which are inhabited, with a pristine coastline unrivalled in all of the United Kingdom. Its capital is Lerwick, with a population of 7,500 – which represents a third of the total population of the Shetlands. […]

Iona, Scotland

An island in the Inner Hebrides, lying just off of Mull, Iona is a tiny piece of land, measuring just 6 km long by 2 km wide. However, Iona’s tiny size does not reflect its meaning or relevance to Scotland. Aesthetically beautiful and historically important, Iona is famous for its beautiful abbey and for being something of a symbolic centre of Scottish Christianity. Today, with its white sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and protected wildlife, Iona actively promotes ecotourism and is a fair-trade island. With a population of 200, the main settlement on the island is known colloquially as The Village.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

The island of Mull is the second largest island in the Inner Hebrides (after Skye) and the most accessible of the archipelago. Of all the Hebrides, it has some of the most diverse scenery and magnificent flora and fauna. For lovers of the outdoors, it is a paradise with its verdant hills, gorgeous coastline and endless hiking opportunities. One of the best wildlife-watching destinations in Scotland, you might catch sight of basking sharks, dolphins, otters or seals as you walk along one of the island’s many beautiful beaches. No matter your interest, Mull is sure to be an adventure. 

Stirling, Scotland

Stirling looks somewhat like a miniature Edinburgh with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and crag-top castle but it is an appealing and charming city in its own right with plenty to explore apart from its impressive castle. Often described as the ‘brooch which clasps the Highlands and Lowlands together’, thanks to its central location, Stirling is a history lover’s playground with magnificent scenery as its backdrop. Stirling is the place where the Scots, led by William Wallace (of Braveheart fame), defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and where the Scots won again under Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn only 17 years later. The city is very accessible, being less than an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh by train. 

Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland

An elegant Georgian town on the edge of the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, Grantown- on-Spey is a planned settlement, founded in 1765 by Sir Ludovic Grant to be a centre for the linen industry. The town is surrounded by verdant woodland and mountains, making it a popular holiday destination for hikers, climbers, skiers and snowboarders. Its location near the River Spey means it is also a favourite haunt of fishermen. From Edinburgh, it is a four-hour journey on public transport.

Oban, Scotland

The seafood capital of Scotland and the gateway to the Hebridean Islands, Oban is a beautiful waterfront town on a near perfect horseshoe bay. Located within the Argyll and Bute council area, Oban is surrounded by dramatic shores and spectacular country wilderness, making it a great place for exploring the coast and the Highlands. It is a great place for a holiday and there is nothing quite as relaxing as enjoying the country’s freshest seafood while watching the sun set over the dark blue waters of the Firth of Lorn.

Fort William, Scotland

Fort William, located in Lochaber in the West Highlands, is often described as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’. With many beautiful landmarks nearby, it is has become a base for those keen on hillwalking, hiking and mountain biking. Located on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, there is much to explore around Fort William and thanks to the high level of rainfall, the scenery surrounding the town is beautifully verdant and rugged. As well as the wilderness to explore, there are interesting historical monuments dotted around Fort William, including a great museum and a couple of impressive castles. After Inverness, it is the second largest settlement in the whole of the Scottish Highlands. From Edinburgh or Glasgow, the journey takes between three and five hours depending whether you have your own vehicle or are taking public transport.

Inverness, Scotland

Regarded as the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness lies along the River Ness and is the northernmost city in the United Kingdom. A vibrant cathedral city, Inverness is known for its proximity to the Loch Ness and many visitors make their way there each year to try and spot the infamous Loch Ness Monster (Nessie). It is a great base to explore the highlands and all the hidden gems dotted throughout the area. With wilderness on its doorstep, a charmingly beautiful city centre and that fresh highland air, Inverness is not to be missed.

Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen, Scotland A port city in northeast Scotland, Aberdeen is the country’s third most populous city. Often called the Granite City, in reference to the silvery granite from the nearby Rubislaw Quarry used in many of the buildings, Aberdeen is a vibrant city that attracts travellers from all over the world. Expect cultural treasures and […]

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The second-largest of Scotland’s islands, the Isle of Skye is known for its breathtaking, dramatic landscapes, beautiful natural wonders and quaint villages. As well as stunning scenery, such as rugged mountains, glittering lochs and impressive sea cliffs, there are castles, galleries, museums, pubs and other hidden gems to explore. Skye’s coastline is so heavily indented that no matter where you are on the island, you will never be more than 5 miles (8 km) from the sea. Once there, it is easy to see why it is one of the most popular destinations in Scotland. You can get to Skye either by road or ferry and many people choose to do the ultimate road trip, driving from Edinburgh, up through the Scottish Highlands and then across to Skye (Edinburgh is some 235 miles from Portree, the capital of Skye). 

Isle of Arran, Scotland

Isle of Arran, Scotland The Isle of Arran (Eilean Arainn) is Scotland’s seventh largest island, and the largest island in the ocean inlet Firth of Clyde, located at the mouth of the River Clyde that runs through Glasgow. Measuring 20 miles (32 kilometres), the Isle of Arran is also called “Scotland in miniature” as it […]

Peat and Scotland

Scotland has two distinct topographic regions, the Highlands in the north and west and the Lowlands in the south and east, which also gave birth to two kinds of bogs.

Scotland & Scotch Whisky

Scotland & Scotch Whisky If you ever find yourself in Scotland, you’d be hard-pressed not to take a sip of Scotch whisky or consume it in some of Scotland’s local meals. Whisky appears to be everywhere in Scotland. This article gives a background on the value of Whisky and some of the history of this […]

10 great books to read on the Scottish Isles

Why read books about the Scottish Isles before travelling there? This is recommended list of books for mature & senior travellers planning to travel to the Scottish Isles either as part of an Odyssey Tour or individually. We actively encourage our tour participants to read about their destination to get a sense of the place, […]