Scotland is famous primarily for its spectacular scenery, but it also offers a rich historical and cultural heritage, together with a wide range of activities. The populous central belt is the focus of most economic activity, centered primarily on the major cities, Glasgow and the Scottish capital Edinburgh.
Scotland’s scenery is as varied as it is beautiful. Rugged mountain peaks sweep down to breathtaking lochs glistening in remote glens like Glen Affric near Inverness and Loch Trool in Galloway. A straggling coastline, with white sandy beaches, sheltered bays and rocky cliffs looks
out to the remote islands of the Atlantic. To the south, the rolling hills of the Borders, lush lowland pastures and extensive woodlands present a softer beauty.
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is among the outstanding cities of the world, where the medieval Old Town contrasts with the elegant Georgian New Town. Other towns, notably Glasgow, display a wealth of Victorian architecture. Everywhere you can find ancient castles and houses. Prehistoric forts, stone circles and burial mounds can be explored, particularly at the neolithic Heart of Orkney, Scotland’s latest World Heritage Site.
Scotland’s rich musical heritage has feet tapping to bagpipes, fiddles and accordions. The best Celtic music can be heard at either the
Girvan Traditional Folk Festival in May or the
Newcastleton Festival in July.
Scotland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Play golf on the world’s most famous course at St Andrews. Go fishing, sailing, diving, or join the walkers, cyclists and climbers on the hills, in woodlands and on deserted country lanes.
Finally, at the end of the day, relax with Scotland’s greatest export, a dram of fine malt
whisky.
GeographyThe country consists of the southern Lowland area, a region of moorland and pastoral scenery – where most of the population is concentrated – and the northern Highlands, dominated by the Grampian Mountains and Ben Nevis (1344m/4140ft), the highest peak in the British Isles. The whole of the exceedingly beautiful coastline is indented with lochs (particularly in the north and west). Off the west coast there are many islands, the largest of which are Skye and Lewis, the latter being part of the Outer Hebrides. The Orkney and Shetland Islands lie to the northeast of the Scottish mainland, across the Pentland Firth from John O’Groats.
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