Scotland : A Destination Guide

Scotland occupies the northernmost section of the United Kingdom. But what you might not know is that it is made up of over 600 islands, including the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Scotland is divided into roughly 36 regions, each with its own character and cultural quirks. As a holiday destination, it offers entertainment, history and art. Scotland is one of the country’s most fascinating and unique locations, and while the weather may not always be warm, the welcome certainly is.

Getting to Scotland

Scotland can be incredibly easy and quick to get to. The journey might be longer if you take the motorway, but it gives you the chance to appreciate the changing landscape and stop off to visit landmarks along the way. The two main routes from the South are the A1 or the M6. The journey should take you between six and eight hours.

If you’d rather take the train, Scotland is served by regular and direct services from most major cities. However, there’s also the opportunity to fly. Edinburgh and Glasgow both have major terminals and there are regular flights from most English airports.

A dramatic country

The first thing that strikes any visitor is the landscape. The rolling hills, valleys, rivers, lochs and heather have been celebrated by artists, poets and writers throughout the centuries. While it might be at its most green and inviting in the summer months, the colder seasons offer a different and more dramatic environment for you to explore.

With its long and turbulent history, it’s no surprise that you’ll find ruined castles, impressive churches and ancient settlements across the country. The Ring of Brogdar is Scotland’s answer to Stonehenge, forming a perfect circle 104 metres wide, with 27 surviving megaliths.

Equally mysterious is Rosslyn Chapel, a 14^th century chapel filled with peculiar carvings and thought by some to be the resting place of the Holy Grail. If castles are more your thing, then take a ferry-trip to the Isle of Skye and discover the history of the Highlands through the story of Clan Donald. This is a 20,000 acre estate filled with spectacular walks, beautiful gardens and an informative museum.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and a hotbed of cultural diversity. The city is stunning, with atmospheric architecture and a spectacular skyline. Nearby, you’ll find King Arthur’s Seat and the imposing Edinburgh Castle. It’s well worth making the journey to the world-famous Edinburgh Festival to soak up a bounty of music, comedy, plays, art and food. However, if you’re intent on attending this event, book your holiday accommodation well in advance. The Festival is incredibly popular and accommodation goes fast. We offer a wide range of luxury, self-catering cottages close enough that you can lose yourself in the sights and sounds of the celebrations, but far enough away that you can leave them behind when you’ve had your fill.

Eating and drinking in Scotland

Self-catering doesn’t mean you’re tied to your cottage for meals. There are an incredible number of restaurants, bars and cafés where you can sample food from every corner of the globe. If you want a taste of Scotland then there are plenty of restaurants serving local delicacies and produce. Stac Polly, in the centre of the city, is well worth a visit. This is a small, boutique-style restaurant that serves delicious and traditional dishes with a modern twist. Be sure to try out the Haggis bon-bons!

Drinking is synonymous with Scotland and there are plenty of tours to distilleries across the country. If you’re a whisky buff, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice, but it can be worth deciding which distilleries tickle your palate first, and then arrange your accommodation. This means you won’t have far to stagger after you’ve spent an evening familiarising yourself with the local specialities!

Shopping and family attractions

There is also some superb shopping opportunities in Scotland. Glasgow is well served by a vibrant city centre where you’ll find designer labels and boutique-style stalls. There are also plenty of markets throughout the country, where you can buy local produce and hand-crafted goods made by local artists.

Scotland is a very family-friendly country. There are plenty of castles to explore, the Loch Ness Monster to try and spot and Bronze Age settlements to visit. But there are also plenty of attractions to keep even the most excitable youngsters occupied. Lanarkshire is home to M&D’s, Scotland’s main theme Park. With adrenaline-fuelled rides, miniature golf and an indoor tropical rainforest packed with birds, animals and insects, it’s a great day out for the entire family.

A trip to Scotland can be whatever you want it to be. Whether you want seclusion and scenery or the spectacle and excitement of city life, we have an extensive selection of luxurious and comfortable cottages in every corner of this astonishing country. The best thing to do is look at the attractions you want to visit and choose your accommodation accordingly. The best way to discover Scotland is to head north of the border for yourself. We’re sure you’ll have a bonnie time!