Scotland Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

Ben Nevis
Look up at Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, from Fort William (www.visit-fortwilliam.co.uk).

Burns' Dumfries
Be sure to see Dumfries in southern Scotland, former home of Robert Burns, Scotland's most celebrated poet. See his very own chair at the Globe Inn (www.globeinndumfries.co.uk) in the center of town.

Glasgow Science Center
The Science Center (www.glasgowsciencecenter.org), a favorite for children, features interactive attractions, an IMAX cinema, the revolving Glasgow Tower and a planetarium.

Loch Ness monster
Proof of whether ‘Nessie' exists or not doesn't deter the thousands of visitors who try and catch a glimpse of the fabled lake monster. The Loch Ness Exhibition Center, in Drumnadrochit (www.loch-ness-scotland.com) is an amusing port of call for believers and skeptics.

Orchar collection at Broughty Castle Museum
Prominent businessman and inventor, Dundee's James Guthrie Orchar was an intelligent forward thinker. His art collection, now on display in Broughty Castle (www.dundeecity.gov.uk/broughtycastle) at the mouth of the river Tay, is comprised of superb examples of Scottish art.

Stirling Castle
Former home of Mary Queen of Scots, Stirling Castle (www.historic-scotland.gov.uk) is an intriguing residence and fortress.

Stirling Old Town Jail
Stirling's Old Town Jail (www.oldtownjail.com) gives an unpleasant, insight into life in a Victorian prison.

The Highlands
Wonder at the scenery of the Highlands - perhaps the most famous region in Scotland. On their southern fringes at Callander, the Rob Roy Visitor Center tells the story of another Scottish folk hero. The views from the road north out of Callander are also among the finest in the country.

Wildlife
In more secluded areas, wildlife sightings of red deer, golden eagles, peregrine falcons and wildcat are often recorded. The country's mountainous regions provide excellent shelter for such endangered species. In the central highlands animals such as the red squirrel, grouse and pine marten are commonly sighted.

William Wallace
National hero William Wallace, aka ‘Braveheart' died over 700 years ago, but to this day there is an insatiable thirst to learn more about the romantic figure. The Wallace Monument overlooks the scene of Scotland's victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Top Things to Do

Be inspired by Burns
Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, has more fans now than during his lifetime. Guided trips to his birthplace in Alloway and landscapes which inspired his poems are popular with Burns enthusiasts.

Cycling
Scotland has an extensive network of signposted cycling routes and off-road trails for mountain biking. On small country roads there is often little traffic. Bicycle hire and cycling tours are available throughout the country.

Drink whisky
Sample Scotland's favorite export, whisky. Between Inverness and Aberdeen you can follow the malt whisky trail (www.maltwhiskytrail.com) and visit working distilleries to learn about this national icon.

Edinburgh Festival
While the Edinburgh International Festival (www.eif.co.uk) is the biggest arts festival in the world drawing the best theatrical and comedy players, it is the Fringe Festival that grabs the headlines. Drama, comedy, improv, music, dance, art installations - you name it, the choice is truly dazzling.

Explore Edinburgh
Edinburgh is easy to explore on foot. At the top of the tourist agenda is Edinburgh Castle (www.historic-scotland.gov.uk), which dominates the city skyline from its position atop a volcanic crag. The Old Town is the city's heart, with the Castle, the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket. A wander of the city's streets quickly reveals distinctive buildings, small restaurants, historic markers and inviting pubs.

Football at Hampden Park
The national Scottish football stadium has its home in Glasgow. Guided tours are available (www.hampdenpark.co.uk). The Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers is always an interesting event, but can get a little edgy.

Get active
Outdoor activities in the Scottish highlands include hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, bird watching and camping. The Cairngorms National Park covers 3,800 k of unspoiled countryside.

Go golfing
The Home of Golf, St Andrews (www.standrews.org.uk), attracts golfers from around the world. The country has over 500 courses nationwide including top championship courses at Carnoustie, Turnberry, Royal Troon and Muirfield.

Island hop
Island-hop by ferry between the many Hebrides (to the west), including Skye (www.skye.co.uk), Lewis and Harris (www.visithebrides.com), the Orkneys (www.visitorkney.com) and Shetlands (www.shetland.org) to the north.

Visit the lakes
Loch Lamond, Loch Ness and Loch Katrine are picturesque lakes miles away from the stress of city life. Book a boat ride and enjoy a blast of fresh air as you motor over black water and past tree-covered mountains.