A country of versatile beauty, with breathtaking landscapes punctuated by cultured cities.
Scotland is a country of unspoiled astounding scenery. From the rugged and mountainously dramatic highlands, boasting Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and the famous Loch Ness to one of Scotland's 540 golf courses.
A country scattered with castles, you can travel by boat to the grim fortress of Threave Castle in the south or take in 11 surviving castles on Scotland's castle trail between the east coast and the Grampian Mountains. In the east you will also find the popular royal holiday home of Balmoral Castle, Glamis Castle in Fife, the childhood home of the Queen Mother and Stone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings until 1651.
Famous for its Whisky, Scotland has many distinguished distilleries open for visits. Taste the difference between Lowland and Highland, malt and grain. The Malt Whisky Trail in the northeast offers the chance to tour and sample the dram of seven distilleries.
Scotland's major cities
Scotland's cities are rife with culture. Glasgow is a vibrant city of distinctive architecture and design and offers a lively nightlife. It is also the home to the Scottish Opera, Ballet and National Orchestra and hosts the International Jazz Festival, World Pipe Band Championships and Glasgow Art Fair.
Edinburgh is an enchanting city of contrast between old and new. The Grassmarket, once the prime spot for public hangings is now popular for its pubs and restaurants, whilst Edinburgh's dark past is still visible through its Ghostly Walking Tour. A different view of city life can be seen at the magical 1850 cinema, Camera Obscura or from the spectacular views offered by Edinburgh Castle, also home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and the famous 15th century gun, Mons Meg.
Edinburgh, the country's capital and second largest city, is one of Europe's largest financial centres.
Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, was once one of the world's leading industrial cities and now lies at the centre of the Greater Glasgow conurbation.
Scotland is a country of unspoiled astounding scenery. From the rugged and mountainously dramatic highlands, boasting Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and the famous Loch Ness to one of Scotland's 540 golf courses.
A country scattered with castles, you can travel by boat to the grim fortress of Threave Castle in the south or take in 11 surviving castles on Scotland's castle trail between the east coast and the Grampian Mountains. In the east you will also find the popular royal holiday home of Balmoral Castle, Glamis Castle in Fife, the childhood home of the Queen Mother and Stone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings until 1651.
Famous for its Whisky, Scotland has many distinguished distilleries open for visits. Taste the difference between Lowland and Highland, malt and grain. The Malt Whisky Trail in the northeast offers the chance to tour and sample the dram of seven distilleries.
Scotland's cities are rife with culture. Glasgow is a vibrant city of distinctive architecture and design and offers a lively nightlife. It is also the home to the Scottish Opera, Ballet and National Orchestra and hosts the International Jazz Festival, World Pipe Band Championships and Glasgow Art Fair.
Edinburgh is an enchanting city of contrast between old and new. The Grassmarket, once the prime spot for public hangings is now popular for its pubs and restaurants, whilst Edinburgh's dark past is still visible through its Ghostly Walking Tour. A different view of city life can be seen at the magical 1850 cinema, Camera Obscura or from the spectacular views offered by Edinburgh Castle, also home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and the famous 15th century gun, Mons Meg.
Geography
Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Alba) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the southwest. In addition to the mainland, Scotland includes over 790 islands including the Northern Isles and the Hebrides.
Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, was once one of the world's leading industrial cities and now lies at the centre of the Greater Glasgow conurbation.
