My Scottish Highlights

I just returned from an extended visit to Scotland.  It had always been a dream of mine to visit this land steeped in romantic tradition.  Its distinctive dress, national drink, famous bagpipe music and stormy history have intrigued me for years.

All and all, my vacation to Scotland was an amazing opportunity to see the homeland of my ancestors and to experience the country’s wonderful and rich culture.

Here is my alphabetical listing of some of the highlights of my trip, which I hope will inspire you to plan a trip of your own sometime soon!

• Arran – This Island, lying between Scotland’s southwest coast and the Kintyre Peninsula has been called “Scotland in miniature” because of its landscape of mountains, glens, and moors, its Neolithic remains and ancient castle.

• Burrell Collection – One of Europe’s outstanding art galleries located in Glasgow.  With free admission, you cannot miss a visit.

• Cathedral of St. Kentigern: Another highlight of Glasgow, this cathedral is Scotland’s only intact medieval cathedral.  Across the street is Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest house.

• Culzean Castle – Stunningly located on a cliff’s edge, this 16th century castle is a major showcase of 18th century style and artifacts.

• Edinburgh Castle – Standing high above the city is Scotland’s premier attraction.  This castle holds the oldest crown in Britain and the Stone of Destiny.

• Inverewe Gardens – A national treasure, these gardens, warmed by the Gulf Stream, contain an amazing array of plants, trees and shrubs from around the world.

• Iona – This beautiful and sacred isle, called the ‘Cradle of Christianity’ is where St. Columba began his mission and brought learning to all of Europe.

• Isle of Skye – Called the ‘Winged Isle’ by the Scots and the Vikings, this largest of the Inner Hebrides was once a stronghold o f the Lords of the Isles, and has some of Britain’s most dramatic scenery.

• Jedburgh Abbey – The best preserved of the Border abbeys, this impressive ruin was begun in the Norman style in 1138!

• Loch Lomand and the Trossachs – The meeting place of the Highlands and the Lowlands, Loch Loman’s bonnie banks stretch from pastoral southern shores to the craggy hills of the Trossachs.

• Palace of Holyroadhouse – At the end of the Royal Mile, this royal palace is the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and was once the home to Mary Queen of Scots.

• St. Andrews – The original home of golf – five courses here include the legendary Old Course.  Also here is the ancient St. Andrews University and ruins of Scotland’s largest cathedral.

• Stirling Castle – Remember the movie Braveheart?  Well, Wallace and Robert the Bruce won major victories for Scottish independence around this strategic location. The palace, within the castle, is Scotland’s finest example of Renaissance architecture.

Scotland is an amazing land of historic castles, stupendous scenery, beautiful gardens, breathtaking isles and unbelievable shopping.  Plan your next trip to this wondrous place and you will keep coming back for more.

Posted by on 03/30 at 02:48 PM

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