Scotland is a beautiful country with a rich history and cultural heritage. There are many reasons to visit this corner of northern Europe.
Here are a few of our favourites. But beware, once you have read this list you will, more than likely, find yourself hunting out cheap travel insurance, hotel and flight deals as you plan your own Scottish adventure. You have been warned!
Beautiful scenery
From the rolling hills of the border country to mountains and lochs in the north, Scotland is blessed with stunning natural scenery. Hike it, climb it, sail it or drive it. Whatever you do just get outside and enjoy it. Scotland is rightly famous for its fishing, particularly its salmon rivers; it is also the home of golf; and in the winter months its mountains become ski runs. However you choose to experience Scotland's great outdoors, it will exhilarate, refresh and inspire you in equal measure.
Historic cities
The area that has become Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, has been settled since at least the Bronze Age and today's city oozes history from every pore. As you stroll through the city, Edinburgh Castle, which dates back to the twelfth century, looms large and everywhere you look are historic buildings. Both the Old Town and New Town districts of Edinburgh have been given UNESCO World Heritage status. But it is not just Edinburgh that is steeped in history. Cities such as Glasgow, once known as the second city of the British Empire, and Aberdeen date back many centuries and have the architecture and stories to prove it.
Whisky
Scotland produces some of the world's best seafood, with its oysters, langoustines and salmon fetching high prices in the Michelin starred restaurants in London and beyond, but it is not for its food that it is known. Instead it is for its drinks, or more specifically its national drink -- whisky -- that it has become synonymous. Whisky distilleries are dotted around the country (though there are fewer in the southern lowlands than elsewhere) and many offer tours and tutored tastings for visitors. The individual styles and flavours of malt whisky are heavily influenced by the land they come from, so where better to learn more about the 'water of life' than at the very place that it is made?
The Edinburgh festival
The Edinburgh festival, held annually in late summer, is the largest cultural event in the world. It is a collection of arts and cultural festivals that take place simultaneously. This ensures an incredible diversity, with all tastes catered for, from comedy to theatre, literature to dance and much more besides. Shows take place throughout the day and late into the night. Some are high profile events with famous names and huge audiences. Other performances take place, free of charge in a small room above a pub with an audience of just a few. There really is something for everyone at the Edinburgh Festival.
Hogmanay
Seeing in the New Year is a big tradition around the world, but if the celebrations have a spiritual home, then surely it is Scotland, where the festival is known as Hogmanay. Hogmanay traditions vary around the country -- some of the best known include the swinging of fireballs in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire and the pagan fire festival "burning of the clavie" in Burghead, Moray -- but most involve singing, dancing and the odd drink or two. Edinburgh now has become one of the most popular places in the world to see in the New Year. In 2010/2011 an estimated 80,000 people descended on the city centre's streets to join in the celebrations. It is a wonderful event to be part of, but as with any large crowds the risk of petty crime is increased, so make sure you have good travel insurance before you join the fun.
