MAIN Travel Destination Guides Europe Scotland

Many visitors to Scotland are motivated by a search for their family history, the lure of visiting the birthplace of golf, Harry Potter scenery up close and personal or finding the springs that create what locals call the water of life ... Scotch whisky.

What few suspect is that the home of St. Andrews golf course, Scotch whiskey tours, moody & mysterious landscapes, and the Loch Ness Monster, Scotland is a study in contrasts between wild & woolly and traditionally royal.

Nowhere is this more evident than in its capital, Edinburgh, where lively pubs, swinging night life and cutting edge art festivals vie for attention with its Royal Mile, the retired royal yacht Britannia, famous medieval castles and traditional Military Tattoo.

For art and architecture lovers, Glasgow wins in popularity for its singularly beautiful Gothic cathedral, plus Victorian and art nouveau building design at every turn - not to mention the prestigious Burrell Collection of art and the historic turn-of-the-century Tenement House.

Farther afield, the Scottish Highlands offer breathtaking beauty. For sport and nature lovers the Aviemore area beckons with scenic walks and mountain ski resorts, while the Inner Hebrides just off the western coast features mysterious ancient ruins and awesome landscapes.

One thing that can always be expected is that Scotland will catch you off guard.

The beauty... from the wind swept grandeur of the Isle of Skye to the loch regions that offer stunning landscapes, mountains where locals ski in the winter months. The breathtaking scenery in Scotland may be the world's best kept secret!

The food and drink... the wonders of the best Scotch whiskey, seafood restaurants that delight with freshly caught North Atlantic salmon and other culinary delights... haggis may be the food that is best known, but discover the new cuisine in Scotland for a real treat!

The welcoming people, the shopping, the ruins of medieval churches left empty by the Restoration, cultural experiences... expect to be amazed — Scotland will not disappoint.

More about Scotland travel around the Web:

Scottish Tourist Board - The official site with interactive maps, online hotel booking, sample itineraries including golfing vacations, outdoor adventure, walking tours, Scottish history, practical travel tips, weather information.

Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board - Online guide to Inverness, Loch Ness, Skye, and the Northern Highlands with facts & information on major attractions, Scottish history & cultural highlights, hotels & restaurants.

Edinburgh - The Official Site - The capital city with information on hotels, hostels and other accommodation, restaurant guides, major attractions, event calendar, annual fairs & festivals, interesting travel facts, weather info.

Glasgow Guide - There's something for everyone in this engaging guide to city pubs, restaurants, major architectural attractions & museums, pedestrian shopping areas, maps & practical travel tips, event calendar.

Aberdeen Internet Guide - Major attractions in Aberdeen and the Northeast including castles & historic sites, parks & gardens, family fun, plus hotel, shopping & restaurant guides, travel tips.

also see -> Scotland's 5 Star Luxury Hotels

also see ->Christmas in the UK