Scotland must be visited separately from England.This is a country (the tongue does not return to call it a province of Great Britain) of surprisingly rich history, magical nature and thousand-year-old traditions.And if the names of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Rob Roy may sound like an empty sound to someone, then the majestic castles, rocky shores and the proud spirit of William Wallace ("Braveheart"), which lives in the Scots to this day, will make an impression on any -whom.Golf (a Scottish invention) and whiskey will finish off those who cannot be beaten.
The first thing that Scotland is associated with is highlanders and mountains, "Highlands".But in fact, the "lowlands" are no less interesting - especially the islands and plains in the northwest.By the way, about the highlanders: a resident of Scotland can be called a "Scot" or, who doesn't like to say that, "Scottish", but not a "Scotch".The last option applies only to items: for example, whiskey, eggs, beef.And it is definitely better to refrain from calling a Scot an Englishman - he will not forgive you for this.
Big cities: Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee.
The Gulf Stream gave Scotland a mild, humid climate.In summer, it is usually around +25 ° C, in winter the temperature rarely drops below zero.Snow lies on the slopes from November to April-May.
The best time to travel is from May to September, however, even in the summer in Edinburgh, it will not be possible to avoid rain.In winter, the city is also very beautiful, but it gets dark quite early. In August, during the festival, the city is very crowded;those wishing to visit Edinburgh at this time should take care of booking a hotel in advance.
There are no direct regular flights from Ukraine to Edinburgh.You can get there with a transfer anywhere in Europe: through Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt with the help of KLM, British Airways or Lufthansa airlines.The cheapest option is a flight through Prague with CSA.
In addition, you can always fly to London, and from there get to Scotland by trains of the Intercity system - it is quite comfortable and not very expensive.There are also buses from London Victoria to Edinburgh.It takes much longer than by train, but the ticket costs several times less.As a domestic flight, Edinburgh and Glasgow are about an hour of summer from London.It takes 4 hours 20 minutes to travel from London to Edinburgh by train.
Scottish Railways only passes through the main cities of the region - where there are no rails, you will have to use local buses (for example, to get to the Highlands). As in Wales, many remote towns and villages can be reached by Royal Mail Postbuses (usually no more than 4 seats). "Postmen" usually follow detour routes, which (bonus for the long journey!) often pass through beautiful parts of Scotland. These buses do not have official stops, so they are usually just caught on the road. They cost from 1.60 to 5.50 GBP one way.
From April to September, Macbackpackers minibus tours run from Edinburgh to Inverness, Skye, Fort William, Glencoe, Oban and Stirling.A pass for them costs 75 GBP: the validity period is up to three months, the number of trips is unlimited.
Lake Loch Ness is one of the most famous sights in Scotland and the whole world.The fame of the lake was brought by the legend of the monster nicknamed "Nessie".Visiting the village of Drumnadrouchit, you can see two exhibitions at once, dedicated to the elusive essence, and see a statue of the monster, made, it is said, in life size.The surroundings of the lake are no less interesting: it is Alduri Castle and the ruins of Urhard Castle, which offers a wonderful view of the lake.And nearby is Inverness, a small town 260 km north of Edinburgh;It is believed that Inverness is where most of the old Scottish families come from and that it is the true birthplace of oatmeal, whiskey and bagpipes.
In the Shetland Islands there is a marine park "rich" with walruses and fur seals.Another zoological feature of the islands is miniature Shetland ponies.
Western islands: the island of South Yust - the unique Kalanish Standing Stones, the exhibition center "Lantern", the gallery "Harbour View", the Kalandis Visitor Center, which presents the history of ancient stones, the ruins of Gaelic castles.The Isle of Barra is famous for Kismul Castle, the Isle of Skye has the ruins of Knock Castle in Armadale, the Maoli Water Castle and the very impressive Ailean Donan Castle.
The Orkney Islands have a colorful history, influenced by the way the island treated Norway for centuries. In the west of the West Mainland in Skara Brae is a prehistoric village of about 5,000 people. Years, and the ancient blocks of Standing Stones, which stand in a circle. Ring-ov-Brogar is especially interesting - a circle with a diameter of 104 m made of vertical stone blocks, approximately the same in shape and size. You can also visit the MEIS-Hove tomb here, built for 3,000 years. Years before our era, and the catacombs of Mine Hove (2 thousand years).
On the northeast coast of Scotland is historic Aberdeen.This city is mentioned in medieval chronicles as early as the time of William the Conqueror, and even then it was known throughout Europe, and in the 12th-14th centuries.it was the seat of the Scottish kings.But the largest city in Scotland - Glasgow - is considered the center of arts and the venue for numerous festivals.
The Trossachs (Loch Lomond) National Park was created to protect the local nature, which includes about 200 species of birds and 25% of the country's wild plant species.
Inverary Castle is a fabulous Gothic structure standing on the shores of Loch Fyne near Glasgow, one of the main tourist centers of Western Scotland.Inside the castle you can see the armory, the tapestry hall, the Victorian hall, the drawing room and the magnificent dining room.Also nearby is the Inverary Museum and Wildlife Park.Stirling Castle, Scone Palace and Blair Castle are just a small part of the architectural wealth of Scotland.
Deep Sea World is an aquarium entertainment center 12 miles west of Edinburgh city center that offers water activities for visitors.This is the only aquarium in the world where you can swim with sharks.And also - take an exciting trip through the world's largest underwater tunnel (112 m).
The beaches of Scotland are some of the best beaches in the world.The length of the coastline is 16,491 km.West coast beaches with white sand and crystal clear water are often photographed for the quality of Caribbean beaches for tourist brochures.
Scotland is the European capital of adventure active tourism, as well as the main tourist destination for wildlife watching in Europe.
November 30 is the day of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.Mid-January-February is the birthday of Robert Burns.
August 6-28 - Edinburgh Military Tattoo.Every year, a parade of Scottish pipers takes place near the walls of the ancient Edinburgh Castle - a vivid folklore show.
CUISINE AND RESTAURANTS
Scotland is famous above all for its beef and lamb dishes, as well as excellent fresh fish (especially good salmon), shellfish and crustaceans.Game dishes (partridge, pheasant) are very lean and healthy, they are often prepared with Scottish raspberries, black currants or blueberries.
One of the world-famous traditional dishes of Scotland is "haggis".This is an amazing lamb tripe stuffed with oatmeal and giblets with internal fat and spices.Soups are also an integral part of the Scottish diet.Delicious Cullen skink soup with smoked haddock and potatoes is their traditional dish.
The love of the Scots for sweet (as well as for strong, however) has entered into legends.You should try their "cranachan" (cranachan - fried oatmeal with whiskey, cream, berries and honey), "cloutie dumpling" (cloutie dumpling - pudding with dried fruits and spices) or just very tasty ice cream made from Scottish milk.
Scotland leaves a piece of itself in the heart of every traveler who has visited this harsh and picturesque land.This, of course, is great, but I also want something more material, if not for myself, then for friends and relatives - this brotherhood of stories alone is always not enough.When you think about what to please your loved ones and indulge your passion for collecting oddities from around the world, various literary and film stereotypes about Scotland come to mind: whiskey and ale, bagpipes, heather, kilts, plaids.
