Scotland’s Must See Attractions

Scotland may be small in geographical terms but as the cliché goes, all good things come in small packages. It’s a country that fascinates, charms and enthrals visitors with unmatched scenic vistas, cosmopolitan cities and unique culture. The fact that CNN has nominated Scotland as the travel destination for 2013, is but a small confirmation of the fact that Scotland has become a sought-after holiday destination in the last few years.

Donan castle, Scotland, UK by Andrew Urquhart / License: Creative Commons

At the start of 2013, The Office of National Statistics reported that international tourism to Scotland has risen to 2.3million. Also in 2011, over 6.9 million trips were made to Scotland by both domestic and international tourists according to a report by the Great Britain Tourism Survey. These figures are indicative of Scotland’s growing popularity among holidaymakers.

There is so much to do and see in Scotland. Due to a rising visibility in blockbuster films, Scotland has begun to attract visitors of all ages and from all over the world. If you are thinking about visiting Scotland here are some of the top attractions that the country has to offer:

Scottish Highlands and Northern Islands

The word ‘rugged’ takes on a new meaning when you visit the Scottish Highlands, believed by many to be the heart of Scotland’s craggy character. From Britain’s deepest lake in Loch Ness to its highest peak on Ben Nevis, the Scottish Highlands offers you visions of crumbling castles and heather covered moors. Recently, James Bond’s latest film “Skyfall” showed the Highlands, especially Glencoe, in all of their chiselled beauty to a worldwide audience. Fort William is a must see due to its centuries of history intermingled with the latest outdoor activities. Many claim that Fort William is the outdoor capital of the world and a walker’s paradise due to its scenic walks, mountain bike tracks, and challenging ski slopes. 2013 has also been declared as the Year of Natural Scotland and many special events have been organised to highlight Scotland’s natural beauty. Whiskey enthusiasts can find a range of traditional distilleries in the Scottish Highlands such as the Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest producers of single malt Scotch whisky.

Glencoe, Scotland, UK by Thierry Gregorius / License: Creative Commons

Outer Hebrides

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the Outer Hebrides or Western Isles for the amazing number of eagles, whales and dolphins that can be found on the 119 islands, out of which only 5 can really be called inhabited. The HebCelt music festival on the Isle of Lewis in July, is one of the most popular summer attractions in the Outer Hebrides. This year’s line-up includes Van Morrison, The Travelling Band and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Edinburgh and Glasgow

For history lovers, these two major Scottish cities offer visitors glimpses into Scotland’s turbulent history as well as containing fantastic shops, museums, art galleries and stunning architecture. Don’t miss the historic Edinburgh Castle and Glasgow’s wide range of shops in the city centre. In the summer, art and comedy fans can experience the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which features a wide range of acts as well as a cascading firework show and spectacular music from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In 2014, Glasgow will be the destination of choice amongst sports enthusiasts as the city will be host to the Commonwealth Games.

View of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by dun_deagh / License: Creative Commons

Golf Holidays

Scotland is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, the Fife town of St. Andrews is commonly known as the Home of Golf. The old course built before 1574 is considered sacred by the true golfers. In 2014, Scotland will be an unmissable destination for golfers due to the prestigious Ryder Cup tournament at the PGA Centenary Golf Course at Gleneagles in Perthshire. There are many other famous golf courses to see in Scotland, including the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club.

Fiona writes for LHH Scotland, leading provider of luxury self-catering accommodation across Scotland.

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Category: Travel Tips, United Kingdom