Scotland
North half of Great Britain with Mountains, islands, and wonderful cities.
I have not spent as much time here as I would like. Primarily, I have just visited the cities, and a west coast island. My future plans certainly include going back to see The Highlands and the countryside. I plan to take a trip in the future that includes Cairngorms National Park and also hiking Ben Nevis, the highest point in the United Kingdom.
Glasgow
The largest city in Scotland and dates back to the 6th century with the arrival of Saint Kentigern (Mungo). Glasgow hit its heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries with shipping and manufacturing.
Edinburgh
The capital and the most beautiful city in my opinion. Dating back to at least the 7th century, it has been the capital of Scotland since 1437. It is set as an "old town" inside the walls and a "new town" outside the walls after the 18th century Jacobite Rebellions.
Getting around Scotland
To Americans that might be intimidated by driving on the left side of the road, no worries. Unless you head to the countryside, there is no need for a car at all.
Trains, busses and public transport are your friend.
Between Glasgow and Edinburgh, there are trains running constantly and only take 45-50 minutes...much faster than driving. Want to head to Stirling? The train is 30-45 minutes. Balloch and Loch Lomond? Trains from Glasgow are 45 minutes. Heading to Aberdeen? The train is 2.5 hours from Edinburgh...again, faster than driving. You can even get up to Aviemore by train in 2.5 to 3 hours from Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Once you arrive in the big cities, public transport will take over. First, in Edinburgh, you will mostly walk. Most things you want to see are very close to each other. But, when you do need transport, you can use Edinburgh trams which runs west and east from the airport out to Newhaven. it stops at the key locations like train stations, the castle, the royal yacht and Saint Jame's Quarter. An adult ticket in the city costs just 2.00 pounds and from the airport it is 7.50 pounds.
In Glasgow, things can be a bit more spread out. You might need transport more often. In Glasgow there is a subway, that has fifteen stations spread over a 10 km circuit of the West End and City Centre. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) also has extensive bus service. And, like most tourist cities, there are hop on - hop off busses if you want to see all the highlights.
Edinburgh
In my opinion, Scotland's most beautiful city, and certainly a place to visit if you are a fan of the monarchy.
Visiting places like Edinburgh Castle (back to the 12th Century), Holyrood Palace (16th century) really take you back to the rich history.
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Edinburgh Castle
Built on Castle Hill, on a site that has been used since the Iron Age. This 1000 year old castle, has been besieged at least 26 times over its history.
The castle grounds include St Margaret's Chapel (12th century), the oldest building in Edinburgh and the National War Museum. When visiting you will appreciate why this place gets over 2 million visitors per year.
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High Street
After visiting the castle, I like to walk down the hill onto Lawnmarket which becomes HighStreet. Along this way, you will see things such as Gladstone's Land, a 17th century merchant house; St Giles Cathedral on a site that has had churches since 1130; and onto The Royal Mile with its shops and restaurants.
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Holyroodhouse
At the end of the Royal Mile, and backing up to Holyrood Park, this is a 16th century palace first used in 1503 and still in use for royal events. You can visit the state apartments, throne room, abbey and of course, the gardens.
To this day, it is still the King's official residence in Scotland.
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National Museum of Scotland
Just down from the castle, and a couple blocks off High Street, this is an all encompassing museum featuring natural history, science and technology, art and fashion, history and archeology. And, of course, it is free!
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Glasgow
Scotland's largest city, and the cultural base in Scotland as the home of the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland. But, if the fine arts are not your thing, there is no lack of pubs and sporting events to take in here. Also, a great place for live music.
If you like football, there are 4 professional teams here, the Rangers, Celtic, Thistle and Queen's Park. But, don't miss out on the history of this fine city.
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The Tall Ship Glenlee
A restored Victorian sailing ship with maritime exhibitions. This 19th century ship (launched in 1896) was a cargo ship for Britain for decades and a training ship for Spain for 70 years. Today, you can learn about Glasgow's rich maritime history.
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Crookston Castle
On the south side of town, this is the only surviving medieval castle in the City of Glasgow. Crookston Castle was built by the Stewarts of Darnley around 1400, this unusual castle is set within earthworks constructed in the 12th century and was extensively reconstructed following a siege in 1544.
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Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Art and history in one spot, and it is free! Opened in 1901, it has 22 galleries covering everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
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Glasgow Cathedral
The only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland that survived the 16th century Protestant Reformation virtually intact. This inspiring edifice, dedicated to St Kentigern, dates mostly from the 13th century. From the 17th century, the church was used by Protestant parishes, then, in 1836, the cathedral became State property.
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Glasgow Necropolis
I don't know why I appreciate cemeteries so much. But, I think it is the history, often times filled with works of art, and all surrounded by peace and quiet and greenery.
This Victorian era cemetery contains the graves and mausoleums of prominent Glaswegians over the centuries. Plus, it is easy to visit as it is immediately behind the Glasgow Cathedral. However, by European standards, it is not particularly old. The first burials were in the 1830's.
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Kelvingrove Gallery
Glasgow Necropolis
Glasgow Necropolis
Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral
Stirling Castle
Famous for its namesake castle, this town is home to Scottish royalty before the union with England, and has is one of the largest castles in the UK.
As with most medieval castles, they were built and expanded for centuries. Stirling was first mentioned in 1110, but much of what you will see on a tour is from its peak in the 16th century. You will visit the site of important figures like William Wallace, Robert The Bruce, and Mary, Queen of Scots.
It is quite easy to get there. Trains from Glasgow take 30 minutes and from Edinburgh 45 minutes. From the train station in Stirling, it is just a 15 minute walk up to the castle.
Isle of Arran
Off the west coast, not far from Glasgow and just a short ferry ride.
This is a wonderful place to get away and enjoy the outdoors. Drive the perimeter road seeing sites along the way like Auchgallon Stone Circle, Lamash Stone Circle or Lochranza Castle; or hike up Goatfell, Or, just enjoy one of the many small villages on the island.
