Up there in the north and with no certainty of sunshine, a vacation in Scotland might not be the most obvious option. But for many people, Alba (as it’s known in Gaelic) ticks lots and lots of boxes. For no reason was Scotland one of Rough Guides’ must-visit destinations in the year 2017. The travel guide selected the country for its “wildlife whisky, wonderful warm hospitality”. We have to agree with these three w’s and we have compiled ten compelling arguments to why you should consider self catering lodges Scotland for your next trip to Scotland.
Landscapes with the capital letter L
If they’re beautiful stunning, lonely, or just simply beautiful, Scottish landscapes take scenery into a whole new dimension. Wherever your penchant may lie mountain ranges, glens valleys, lochs, forests… It’s because Scotland provides them with aplomb. Best of all you can explore the entire range of these easily when you go to.
Curious contrasts
While they are in an abundance, Scottish landscapes also come with stunning contrasts. Take the white sands on Tiree’s island Tiree, for example – you could almost be on the Caribbean here. And the little isle has among the top numbers of sunshine duration in the UK as well. It is also possible to experience the dramatic black depths of some of Scotland’s lochs. Take a look at the stunning pink granite of the Angus coast.
Scotland does remote like no other region within the UK. Cape Wrath on the northwest corner is about as far as you’ll get anywhere. Except the island located in St Kilda, a good boat ride away from the mainland and inaccessible since the 1930s.
Too lonely? Then head for the cities. Glasgow and Edinburgh count among the most happening and lively cities locations in the UK with every urban activity you’d like to see.
Really wild wildlife
Forget common-all-garden animals like badgers, foxes and rabbits. Scotland also does wildlife like no other place within the UK. On land, it’s a land of red deer, pine martens and otters. From the air, there are ospreys to be seen as well as the ultimate prize for the twitcher, golden Eagles. In the sea, Scotland is an absolute paradise for dolphins whales, seals and those adorable puffins. Holidays at Scotland can be truly wild.
Deep-rooted history
The UK comes jam-packed with historic sites and monuments but in the realm of history, Scotland can also take things up a notch. From the Neolithic standing stones of Orkney and those at the Abbey on Iona that was where St Columba brought Christianity to Scotland as well as what remains from the Picts in Scotland, it is an area with an long-standing history.
In the past, we can look forward to the Jacobite Revolution, perhaps nowhere in the UK is more hauntingly ancient like Glen Coe, a battle site where you could almost sense the ghosts and spirits of the slain. And then there are the great historic sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow where the stunning urban design is also a story to tell.
King of the castles
Scotland’s landscapes come smattered with castles, and according to a recent we have counted around 2,000 of them. Some in ruins, others which are still in use, as well as numerous castles that you can live in. They’re all part part of the countryside. If you’re in Scotland don’t miss Eilean Donan’s on Skye – you’ll recognise it from numerous films; Dunnottar Castle perched on a breathtaking headland that overlooks the North Sea; the medieval fortress of Urquhart Castle near the equally famous Loch Ness; or Edinburgh Castle with its magnificent view on the top of Royal Mile.
Fine festivals
A lengthy (long) schedule of year-round festivals also makes Scotland an excellent destination for a holiday. Whatever it is, whether it’s sports, cultural culinary, musical, or historical, there’s a celebration for you in Scotland. Among the most famous are the Highland Games, celebrated between May and September throughout the country . It’s a great most popular place to view Scottish bagpipes, dancing and locals’ skills at throwing hammers, logs…
Edinburgh puts the spotlight on the world’s cultural stage in August thanks to its International Festival that includes the famous Fringe Festival. The popular military tattoo also runs during the Festival during which you can experience one of the top fireworks displays that you can find in the UK. If you’re looking for a fire-themed event you’ll love you’ll love the Up Helly Aa fire festival in Shetland is a must-see list. The Viking celebration of winter is regarded as one of the United States’ most bizarre events.
Capture it on camera
With its endlessly glorious landscapes and beautiful settings Scotland is not surprising to be a top location for film and television series. Some of these locations are the backdrop for some of the Harry Potter films and JK Rowling wrote her books in cafes in Edinburgh. The film King Arthur also showcases Scottish scenery as does the famous TV series Outlander. The UK’s most famous spy, James Bond, has also been to Scotland in a variety of films.
Hole in one
Scotland is the birthplace of golf. In recognition of these origins the country has numerous golf courses, the majority of which are private. Prestwick Golf Club established the Open Championship and St Andrews is home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. It is the body responsible for everything last detail of the game. Even if you’re not a golfer you can stroll the courses and take in their stunning locations.
Water is the lifeblood
The list of reasons for a visit Scotland could be incomplete without a nod to whisky, the Scottish drink per se, whisky. Many consider it to be the world’s finest liqueur whisky is an integral part of the landscape as well as culture. Include a visit to any distillery while your trip to Scotland and make sure you have an alcoholic drink after your dinner. The fiery water of life is not just amazing, but also helps with digestion!
Vacation in Scotland
In this area, Scotland moves the bar higher. From fun events and stunning accommodations there are very few places in the world can rival the variety of luxurious accommodation. Explore mansions, castles and palaces that are fit for the throne and offering accommodations like none other. Book your palatial property and plan for the trip that will last the lifetime.