Scotland Travel Guide

Scotland, United Kingdom — Things to Do

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Whisky Tasting

Scotland conjures images of vast green rolling highlands, wailing bagpipes, risqué tartan kilts, mouth-watering haggis and one of the world's warmest and most charismatic accents - and, of course whisky, its most famous and celebrated export. With so many whiskies to taste and experience , travelers who visit Scotland should do themselves a favor and be sure to visit their favorite distilleries to learn about the process of making some of the world's finest whisky, from coaxing different smells, tastes and colors from a mixture of yeast, barley, peat and water. The four main whisky producing regions in Scotland are the Highlands, Lowlands, Islay and Campeltown, with Speyside and the Islands generally being accepted as sub-divisions of the Highlands region. Each of these regions produces its own unique brand of whisky with varying flavors, though the geographical characteristics have little to do with the final flavor of the whisky as this is determined more by the equipment and methods used in the distillery. Take a ferry to Islay, which boasts eight of Scotland's most recognized distilleries and is the home of 'whisky tourism', hosting a Festival of Malt and Music in May where events, plenty of tasting and celebrating of cultural heritage of the island take place. Here one can visit the home of Ardberg, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Caol Ila, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Kilchoman to sample these gems. Other island distilleries include Talisker, Arran, Isle of Jura and Highland Park. On the mainland the Grampian Highlands area is famous for its malt whisky, and travelers who venture here are spoilt for choice. Following a whisky route is a must, be it self-drive or guided, to the eight distilleries located here including Glenfiddich, Dalmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenmorangie and Oban, to name a few. Some distilleries can only be visited with advanced bookings and usually offer tastings. In Edinburgh visitors can enjoy a 'wee dram' at the Edinburgh Castle to uncover the master art of brewing Scotland's world-famous whiskies, known locally as 'the water of life', including a barrel ride through the history of whisky, a tutored tasting and a choice of more than 270 whiskies to enjoy at the bar. The nearby whisky-producing region of Speyside, set along the banks of the Spey River and home to the Malt Whisky Trail, is home to half of Scotland's distilleries including famous labels such as Aberlour, Cragganmore, The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, The Macallan and Strathisla, the oldest continuously operating distillery in Scotland. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes places here during the first long weekend each May and features over 200 events featured round whisky, food, music and the heritage and culture of Speyside.

Golf

A passionate golfer might toy around with exotic Asian courses, a brief whirlwind of exciting American names, even that time on a business trip with the municipal links, but true love of the game is reserved for Scotland. Famous locations such as the Old Course at St Andrews are a pilgrimage site to those who worship at the shrine of golf, and they are also tourist attractions. Nearly impossible to book tee times and expensive fees make these worth a visit but surely not a longer golf vacation. Fortunately, the country is littered with stunning courses. While enthusiasts love the traditional links courses that seem to define Scottish golf, only a small percentage of the fairways are true to style. New resort courses are constantly in development. Between five star hotels, guest cottages, resort courses and the various golf styles that Scotland adorns, planning the outing can be overwhelming. Highland golf of the northeast to famous links of the southwest both balance famous historic clubs with lesser known greens. To get the most from a brief romance of Scotland it is best to hire a golf trip planner.