Scotland is the northernmost of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, sharing a 60 mile long land border with England to the south and separated from Northern Ireland by the North Channel of the Irish Sea.
Scotland is a vibrant, exciting country, with a wide range of cultures and an extraordinarily rich heritage.
What makes Scotland such a hugely popular tourist destination is the sheer range of attractions and activities packed into such a small and accessible country.
Whether using organised tours or exploring at your own pace, you can revel in the lively, cosmopolitan entertainment of the towns and cities, enjoy the wealth of artistic and cultural activities running throughout the year, sample some of the best cuisine in the world, explore the country's dramatic and colourful history and natural heritage, spectate from the sidelines or take a more active role in a wide variety of sporting pursuits.
Transportation in Scotland
By Car: Scotland is connected to the main UK road network by good trunk roads, and has several internal motorways. Main access from England is via the M74 (Carlisle to Glasgow), the A696/A68 (Newcastle to Edinburgh via the Cheviots) and the A1 (Newcastle to Edinburgh via the coast). The main motorways within Scotland connect Edinburgh with Glasgow (M8), Edinburgh with Stirling (M9), and the Forth Bridge, near Edinburgh, with Perth (M90). The main cross-country road, the A9, connects Perth with Inverness and Thurso.
By Bus: The bus is the cheapest way of getting around in Scotland. You can get almost everywhere with the Citylink bus, but it is more expensive than Megabus. Megabus is a very cheap way to travel, with ticket prices from £1. Megabus departs from Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth, going between these Scottish cities as well as to English destinations.
By Rail: First ScotRail operates the Scottish rail network, which covers most of the country.
Generally train fares in Scotland are comparable to the rest of the UK, and are more expensive than most European countries.
By Air: Due to its size, domestic air travel is uneconomical on most short routes. Air travel is, however, the fastest practical way to reach many Scottish West Coast islands. Loganair operates many internal Scottish flights on behalf of British Airways.
Until recently, there were few direct international services to Scotland, meaning many travelers would have to fly into London or Manchester and then transfer to Scotland on another flight. However, there are now a growing number of European and long haul destinations served by Scotland’s international airports.
The Scottish capital, Edinburgh, is a handsome and ancient city, famous for its magnificent castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse as well as for a world-acclaimed international arts festival and some excellent museums - not least the outstanding National Museum of Scotland. A short journey west is Glasgow, a sprawling industrial metropolis that has done much to improve its image in recent years and can now boast a range of fine museums and galleries to complement the impressive architectural legacy of its eighteenth- and nineteenth-century heyday. Southern Scotland, often underrated, features some gorgeous scenery, but nothing quite to compare to the shadowy glens and well-walked hills of the Trossachs, or to the Highlands, whose multitude of mountains, seacliffs, glens and lochs cover the northern two-thirds of the country. Inverness is an obvious base, although Fort William, at the opposite end of the Great Glen near Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, is an alternative.
Main Attractions
Edinburgh Castle
The oldest building in Edinburgh and its most popular tourist attraction.
Loch Ness (Inverness)
Famed for the stories of the Loch Ness Monster that is said to live in its murky depths, it is the largest body of freshwater in the British Isles.
Edinburgh Festival (from mid August for up to 3 weeks)
The world's biggest arts festival - bewildering, inspiring, exhausting and endlessly entertaining.
Gallery of Modern Art (Glasgow)
Idiosyncratic but populist collection of contemporary artworks, bang in the heart of Glasgow
Luxury self catering accommodation
Balnagown Estates offer a select range of luxury accommodation for the decerning visitor to the Highlands of Scotland. Packages available to suit all requirements. Specialists in self-drive holidays.
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