In 2017, the Rough Guides series of travel guide books names Scotland a must-visit destination, selecting the country for its ‘wildlife, whisky, and a wonderfully warm welcome’, and while we may be biased, we can’t help but agree!
Although travel is currently restricted due to the pandemic, there are hopes that by summer, the UK will be permitted to travel again, and many people will be looking at staycation holidays in the UK instead of risking travel abroad, in case of another outbreak.
We have compiled some of our favourite reasons why you should be heading north for a holiday this year.
Luscious Landscapes
Scottish landscapes take scenery to a wholes new level. Wherever your penchant may lie, be that glens, mountains, lochs, valleys, forests, and much more, Scotland has them all. And best of all, you can see all of them easily whenever you visit.
Curious contrasts
If you’re stood on the white sands on the island of Tiree you may feel like you’re on a Caribbean island. Or perhaps you want to look into the dark and dramatic depths of some of Scotland’s lochs or admire the bright pink granite on the Angus coast.
Few places can offer such a contrast of landscapes. You can escape from everything and everyone in Cape Wrath in the far north-west, or being among the vibrant hustle of cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Really wild wildlife
Scotland also does wildlife like nowhere else in the UK. This is a country of red deer, pine martens and otters. In the air, you can spot osprey and even golden eagles. Scotland’s waters are a haven for dolphins, whales, seals and puffins. Holidays in Scotland are truly wild.
King of the castles
At the last count, there were 2,000 castles in Scotland. Some might be in ruins, and some are still occupied, but there are many that you can stay in.
While you’re on holiday in Scotland don’t miss Eilean Donan on Skye – you’ll recognise it from countless films; Dunnottar Castle perched on a dramatic headland over the North Sea; the medieval fortress of Urquhart Castle near the equally mythical Loch Ness; or Edinburgh Castle with a fine outlook at the top of Royal Mile.
Fine festivals
Scotland has a packed calendar of events, ensuring that there is always someplace to visit, whether it’s cultural, sporting, gastronomic, musical or historic there’s a festival for you somewhere in Scotland.
Visit the Highland games to see Scottish dancing, bagpipe playing and locals’ prowess throwing hammers, logs, or the famous Fringe Festival in Edinburgh to see culture from all over the world. The Up Helly Aa fire festival in Shetland should be on your must-see list. This Viking celebration of winter ranks as one of the country’s most unusual events.
Water of life
No list of reasons to holiday in Scotland would be complete without a large nod to the Scottish drink per se, whisky. Classed by many as the world’s finest liqueur, whisky forms an intrinsic part of the landscape and culture.
Include a visit to at least one distillery while you’re in Scotland and don’t forget to enjoy a wee dram after your meal. The fiery water of life not only tastes good it does wonders for digestion!
If you’re looking for whisky holidays in Scotland, visit our website today.