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The last untouched part of Europe...
Enjoy the extraordinary scenery of the highlands, the
sophistication of the cities, and the warmth and spirit of the
people.
Making up the northernmost part
of Great Britain, Scotland occupies an area of 78,772 square
kilometres and is home to 5.2 million people. Despite its
official union with England and Wales in 1707, Scotland always
maintained an independent national identity and with the
election of a Labour government in 1997, the dream of an
independent Scotland began to seem less remote. The Labour
government has already granted limited Scottish devolution.
The highlands of Scotland are home to Britain’s highest
mountains and to its most popular skiing area. Inexpressively
beautiful, the highlands are one of Europe’s last great
wildernesses. Characterized by towering mountains, mysterious
lochs, windswept moors and fragrant heather, it is a place to
go to feel the wind in your hair and to experience nature at
its powerful best. Climb Ben Nevis, visit Scotland’s most
famous glen - Glencoe - or go in search of the Loch Ness
Monster.
The Scottish capital, Edinburgh, is one of the world’s greatest
cities. Enjoying a dramatic location on the southern edge of the
Firth of Forth, the medieval Old Town coexists happily with the
elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town under the brooding eye
of the city’s romantic and mysterious ancient castle. Long
overshadowed by Edinburgh, Glasgow is the other great Scottish city.
It has reinvented itself socially and culturally in the 1980s and
1990s. Vibrant, lively and energetic,
Glasgow is home to the famous Burrell Collection as well
as a thriving arts scene and numerous fine restaurants, cafés and
bars. The seaside town of St Andrews is well worth a
visit. A heady mix of medieval ruins, breathtaking coastal scenery
and the world’s most famous golf course lends the town
an unusual air. Brave the elements and visit the
remote windswept Shetland Islands. Nearer to Scandinavia than to Britain,
they are famous for their varied bird life, their 4000-year-old
archaeological heritage and for their stunning coastal scenery. Let the magic and
spirit of Scotland blow away those cobwebs!
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