Scotland Essential Guide

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Scotland.Essential guide.

www.visitscotland.com


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Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh

The warmest of welcomes awaits you

in Scotland at historic castles such asStirling, among the grand Highland

scenery of Glen Coe and Torridon, and

right out on the white sandy beaches

of the Outer Hebrides.

In winter, when snow dusts the

mountains, the year begins with

the warming cheer o a traditional

Hogmanay. Celebrations continue in

January in honour o Robert Burns at The

Big Burns Supper in Dumries, the worlds

largest Burns Night event with music,

literature and dance. Its the perect

setting to sample Scotlands national

dish, haggis delicious, rich and spicy.

Scotlands landscapes come alive with

wildlie during spring when its possible

to admire soaring puffins in the skiesand bottlenose dolphins swimming close

to shore. Inland, explore our stunning

National Parks and be amazed by the

glittering lochs, dramatic peaks and

dense orests.

Puffin on the Isle of May Smailholm Tower in the Scottish Borders

On Mull looking over to the island of Ulva


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Dont miss...

Explore Scotlands coastline andislands on a boat trip in spring and

try to spot some ascinating wildlie

Find your avourite dram at the Spirit

o Speyside Whisky Festival in May

Soak up the unique atmosphere o

Edinburghs vibrant summer arts

estivals.

Marvel at the colours o the season

on a walk through Per thshires Big

Tree Country in autumn.

Join in a traditional Scottish

ceilidh (Scottish country dance) in

celebration o St Andrews Day in

November.

Get swept away on a romantic

winter break to a dramatic Highland

castle.

Bring in the New Year in style at one

o Scotlands world-class Hogmanay

celebrations.

The Cairngorms National Park is wild,

mountainous and made or adventure, or

discover Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

National Park, a place o natural beauty

which has inspired many songs and

stories.

Summers long daylight hours lend

themselves to outdoor events such as

our unique Highland games. Its also a

great time to discover vibrant cultures

and the creativity o Scotlands islands.

Visit the Outer Hebrides to see Harris

Tweed, a luxury hand-woven cloth, be

made in the traditional way and hear the

ancient language o Gaelic be spoken or

sung.

The beautiul autumn scenery provides

the perect backdrop to events such as

the traditional music o the Perthshire

Amber - the Dougie MacLean Festival,

and whisky tasting at the Autumn

Speyside Whisky Festival. Prepare to

party as winter returns and the amous

estivities, including Winter Festivals, get

underway again.

Discover more about Scotland atwww.visitscotland.com

Why not head to atraditional Highland

games, held acrossScotland between May andSeptember each year?

Dakota Forth Bridge Hotel, South Queensferry

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Signal rock, Glen Coe


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Inspiring innovations, bold designs and

breathtaking architecture.

Scotland boasts a long list o important

scientiic contributions too, rom

penicillin to the television, and is

considered to be a world leader in many

ields o science and technology. Make

discoveries o your own at Glasgow

Science Centre, Dundee Science Centre

or Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, or at

science estivals held throughout the

year.

The Forth Rail Bridge, one o the industrial

wonders o the world, was recently

awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.There will be exciting celebrations in

late 2016 with the opening o the nearby

Queenserry Crossing, a new bridge which

links Edinburgh with Fie or the use o

vehicles, walkers and cyclists.

Scotland has produced some o the

keenest and most brilliant minds

around. Over the centuries, Scottish

scientists and engineers have shown real

ingenuity, producing some wonderul,

world-changing inventions. In the Year

o Innovation, Architecture and Design

2016, come and discover our inspiring

cities and landscapes, and experience

the places where creativity andinnovation lourishes.

Delve into the lie and legacy o one o

Scotlands avourite sons, Charles Rennie

Mackintosh. The distinctive art nouveau

designs o this amous architect,

designer and artist are known and

recognised world-over. From Hill House

in Helensburgh to House or an Art Lover

in Glasgows Bellahouston Park, Scotland

boasts many places which are prime

examples o his remarkable style.

See thousands o items which tell the

story o Scotlands achievements indecorative art, design, ashion, science

and technology. New or 2016, the award-

winning National Museum o Scotland in

Edinburgh is opening 10 new galleries ull

o ascinating arteacts.

The Sheila Fleet Jewellery Workshop, Tankerness, Orkney The Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh The Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk

Forth Rail Bridge from South Queensferry

year of innovation,

architecture and

design 2016

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Dont miss... Plan a day out to see The Falkirk

Wheel, the worlds only rotating boat

li, and The Kelpies, two 30 m high

horse head sculptures created rom

galvanised steel.

Visit the Charles Rennie Mackintosh

building, The Lighthouse in Glasgow,

now home to Scotlands Centre or

Design and Architecture.

Explore Dundee, the UKs irst

UNESCO City o Design, home tothe critically acclaimed Dundee

Contemporary Arts and the McManus:

Dundees Art Gallery & Museum.

Get unique perspectives and

experience Victorian innovation

at Camera Obscura attractions, in

Edinburgh, Kirriemuir in Angus and

Dumries in Dumries & Galloway

Discover Glasgows shipbuilding

heritage as you climb the Titan Craneand get stunning views o the River

Clyde.

Uncover Scotlands many architectural

highlights and visit internationally

renowned modern buildings including

the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh

and the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.

From March to October 2016, catch some

inspiring and inormative events during

the Festival o Architecture and step

inside intriguing structures and spaces

not normally open to the public during

Doors Open Days in September.

Choose rom a great range o

accommodation during your Scottish

break. From boutique hotels and unusual

castles to lighthouse keepers cottages,

eco-lodges and much more.

The country also produces antastic

and unique ine textiles including Harris

Tweed and cashmere, many o which

have eatured in the collections o major

international ashion houses such as

Chanel and Dior. Uncover the intricacies

o how these stunning abrics are created

by ollowing the Scottish Borders Textile

Trail, visiting a Harris Tweed mill in the

Outer Hebrides or picking up a memento

in gi shops across the country.

Discover more about our inventors and

innovators and ind engaging events and

projects covering science, technology,

ashion, design, architecture and much

more. www.visitscotland.com/IAD2016

Dundee Contemporary Arts centre Hill House, Helensburgh

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Scotlands great

cities - Edinburgh

Edinburgh is pure theatre, with its spires and battlements,

crags and classical columns. From Edinburgh Castle, lookover an exciting, cosmopolitan European capital city, whose

dramatic medieval and elegant Georgian architectures

have made it a World Heritage Site.

Edinburgh Castle is at the heart o

the nations story, symbolised by the

Honours o Scotland Scotlands CrownJewels as well as the amous Stone

o Destiny, the ancient crowning seat

o Scottish monarchs. Edinburghs Old

Town is centred on the upper part o

the Royal Mile, a historic thoroughare

linking the castle with the Palace o

Holyroodhouse. Though castle and

palace head a long list o heritage sites,

museums and art galleries, Edinburgh

is a compact city. Its easy to explore on

oot or via an excellent bus network.

Taste the best of Scottishproduce and dine at one

of the citys four Michelin-starred restaurants.

Explore the revitalised port o Leith with

its historic waterront and great choice o

top restaurants. Or take a walk through

Holyrood Park to discover another world,

the village o Duddingston tucked behind

Arthurs Seat. (One o Scotlands oldest

pubs is here too!) Back in the city, August

sees Edinburghs cultural lie at its mostvibrant. The Edinburgh International

Edinburgh Castle and old town from Calton Hill

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Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

are at the core o this high-proile annual

arts gathering.

However a year-round programme o

events means there is always a great

estival atmosphere in the city. Inspiration

and creativity have always thrived

in Edinburgh, UNESCOs irst City o

Literature. Its literary heritage stretches

back to beore the days o Sir Walter Scott

and encompasses contemporary writers

such as JK Rowling o Harry Potterame.

Get more inormation on Edinburgh at

www.visitscotland.com/edinburgh


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Why not... Step into the past at the

historic Edinburgh Castle or the

underground streets o The Real

Mary Kings Close.

Explore the grand Palace o

Holyroodhouse, the Queens royal

residence in Scotland.

Unravel the mysteries o the

beautiul Rosslyn Chapel just outside

Edinburgh.

Indulge in some retail therapy at the

designer stores on Multrees Walk or

shop or ine cashmere on the Royal

Mile.

Delve into Scotlands history at the

National Museum o Scotland.

Climb aboard the Royal Yacht

Britanniaor a majestic experience.

Admire contemporary and historic

artworks at one o the many ree art

galleries.

Edinburgh Festival street performer

The Royal Yacht Britannia John Knox House (Scottish Storyteling Centre), Royal Mile

Day trips from EdinburghThere is plenty to see within easy reach

o the city: or example, panoramicviews rom the Pentland Hills that

overlook the city; the neo-classical

elegance o stately homes such as

Hopetoun House; and the wild beauty o

the East Lothian coastline.

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The Forth Rail Bridge from South Queensferry harbour


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Scotlands great

cities - Glasgow

Scotlands biggest city, Glasgow is a

recognised centre for style, designand architecture. It is upfront, stylish,

full of life and vitality a shoppers

paradise as well as one of the

friendliest places you are ever likely tovisit.

unmistakable element o the citys style

is the work o Glasgow-born Charles

Rennie Mackintosh, a designer at the

oreront o Art Nouveau in Scotland.

The 21st century architecture o the

Riverside Museum displays a historic

transport collection: a reminder o how

Glasgow orged links across the world

with its ships and railway locomotives.

Glasgow means dear green place and

boasts over 90 parks and green spaces,

including the beautiul Botanic Gardens

in the citys west end.With Loch Lomond

& The Trossachs National Park just

under an hour away, you can ind the

perect balance between city

Peoples Palace and Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green Ashton Lane, West End Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Bells Bridge, River Clyde

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Oen called Britains inest Victorian city, Glasgows architecture relects its

distinctive personality. The impressive City Chambers is at its very heart, while

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses important art collections that

have made a major contribution to Glasgows cultural lie or over a century. An


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Why not... Spend a day at Kelvingrove

Art Gallery and Museum, home to

thousands o ascinating exhibits.

Take a trip down the River Clyde

aboard the PS Waverley, the last

sea-going paddle steamer in the

world.

Wander the streets o the

Merchant City or great shopping

and sophisticated restaurants

and bars. Dont miss the Riverside Museum

and the Tall Ship on the banks o

the Clyde.

Watch talented musicians

perorm at Celtic Connections in

January.

Experience a breath o resh air in

Pollok Country Park and get up

close to the Highland cows!

Take a Mackintosh City WalkingTour run by the Glasgow School

o Art.

and nature when you visit Glasgow. As

a retail centre, Glasgow is matched by

ew other British cities. Shop till you

drop at chic Princes Square, as well as

Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and

the Merchant City district which together

make up Glasgows Style Mile.

In a typical week, more than 120

separate musical events take place here

more than justiying its recognition as

a UNESCO City o Music. This non-stop,

all-year, high-energy music scene takes

place in venues that include traditionalScottish pubs, clubs, world class

auditoriums and dedicated perormance

spaces cleverly converted rom

distinguished city buildings. ran Mr,

with its exciting music programme, is just

one o them.

Glasgow has a wonderul dining scene,

with many ine establishments to try.

Head to Ubiquitous Chip in the West End

and discover a much-loved Glasgow

institution, or take in the beautiul

Mackintosh-designed dcor o the Willow

Tea Rooms while you tuck into aernoon

tea, a light meal which usually consists o

small sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea

its a delicious British tradition!

Get more inormation on Glasgow atwww.visitscotland.com/glasgow

Hutchesons Bar and Brasserie Stained glass rose motif,House for an Art Lover, Bellahouston Park

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A sense of space

Scotlands beautiful countryside offers

wide and varied landscapes to explore,whether by foot, bike, or boat. In

Scotland, everyone is entitled to their

right to roam, meaning that you are

free to explore the land, as long as you

consider other countryside users by

following the Scottish Outdoor Access

Code.

The country has an excellent range

o signposted paths and nature trails

through a variety o landscapes. You

can use Scotlands Countryside Ranger

Service, nature reserve wardens, walking

holiday operators and walking estivals

to join organised walking and wildlie

activities or a whole range o levels. I

you like a challenge, you could even take

on one o the 282 Scottish mountains

classiied as Munros which are all over

914 m in height.

Scotland also has a variety o officiallong distance ootpaths which can be

sampled in short sections over one

day. Most popular is the West Highland

Way between the outskirts o Glasgow

and Fort William. Walk the John Muir

Hams of Roe, Muckle Roe, Shetland Dalbeattie Mountain Biking Centre, Dumfriesshire Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, Aberdeenshire

Taking in the view at Sands of Wright, South Ronaldsay, Orkney

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Island hoppingIts easy to all in love with Scotlands

islands. Plan an island hopping trip

and visit a ew o them - each island

has its own unique character and

special charm.

Whether you choose to explore the

Outer Hebrides, a chain o islands off

the north west mainland o Scotland,

or visit the northern island groups o

Orkney or Shetland, there are many

incredible discoveries to be made.

Encounter sandy beaches, diverse

landscapes, enchanting wildlie,

prehistoric heritage sites and vibrant

island cultures.

Check out our islands atwww.visitscotland.com/islands

Way, a newly extended 134 mile trail

running rom Dunbar on the east coast to

Helensburgh in the west.

You can travel across the country by bike

using the National Cycle Routes, and

will ind plenty o paths and dedicated

mountain biking areas. Tentsmuir Forest

on Fies east coast is an ideal place

or a gentle aernoon ride, with picnic

spots and viewpoints along the way.

The Nevis Range by Fort William has a

great reputation or mountain biking,

and hosts the annual UCI Mountain BikeWorld Cup.

An important part o enjoying the

outdoors is encountering Scotlands

wildlie. On even short walks at places

like Glen Muick on Royal Deeside you can

expect to see red deer, widespread in

the Highlands. Many rare animal species

have been re-introduced to their natural

habitats, such as the sea eagles which

can be spotted rom the island o Mull.

Another re-introduction success is to be

ound on the Red Kite Trail round Loch

Ken in Dumries & Galloway where these

birds are thriving.

To admire Scotlands beautiul coastline

and spot puffins, seals and seabirds you

should take a boat trip. From Oban you

can enjoy an excursion to the amous

Corryvreckan Whirlpool at the north end

o Jura. Look out or whales and dolphins

on the way.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Near Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay

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Dolphin spotting

Caroline Warburton

Wildlie expert

Did you know that Chanonry Point

overlooking the Moray Firth in the

Highlands is one o the

best places in Europe

to observe bottlenose

dolphins? You can stand

on the beach and watch

them jumping out o the

water, right in ront o

you!

Insider tip


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Scotland is The Home of Golf and

boasts an unparalleled golfing history

which dates back over 600 years. With

high profile events including The Open

Championship, attractive courses

available for all abilities, and a range

of discount passes, Scotland offers the

ultimate golfing experience, whetheryou come to play or watch the sport.

With over 550 courses including

championship links courses like St

Andrews, Turnberry, and Muirield,

as well as local 9-hole greens, classic

parklands and challenging heathland,

Scotland offers diverse play or all

standards o goler.

Enjoy stunning views at coastal links

such as Machrihanish and watch out or

natural obstacles including the grazing

sheep that act as green keepers! The

Carrick, on the banks o Loch Lomond,

has excellent waterside views whilst onthe Banchory course watch out or the

River Dee which comes into play as a

water hazard.

The Trump Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire 1st hole, The PGA Centenary Golf Course at Gleneagles The Swilcan Bridge on the 18th Fairway, Old Course, St Andrews

Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club, Kintyre, Argyll

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Scotland - The home

of golf


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Dont miss...The newly renovated British Museum

o Gol in St Andrews is a must-see or

anyone visiting the spiritual home o

the game. Uncover the sports origins

and enjoy splendid views o the 1st

tee o the Old Course and West Sands

beach.

For more inormation on over 550courses across Scotland, special

gol passes and great deals, checkout www.visitscotland.com/golf

There are goling gems to be discovered

in all corners o the country. Play a round

on the lush links course o Machrie on

the Isle o Islay beore enjoying a dram at

a nearby distillery, or put your game to

the test on the esteemed championship

course at Royal Dornoch, set amidst

breathtaking Highland scenery.

Scotlands long daylight hours in

summer mean that late tee times are

possible. Courses are well maintained,

oen playable or most o the year, with

average ees as little as 40.

Follow in the ootsteps o todays goling

champions and tee off on the course

which hosted The 2014 Ryder Cup. Visit

the stunning Gleneagles or a round on

the PGA Centenary Course, and plan time

to relax at the 5-star resort and enjoy the

beautiul Perthshire countryside.

In July 2016, witness The Open

Championship, one o the most exciting

events on the goling calendar. The event

returns to Royal Troon in Ayrshire or the

ninth time, as world greats compete or

the Claret Jug on the historic greens and

airways o the clubs Old Course.

Carnoustie in Angus will once again host

the 2016 Senior Open Championship

in September, where experienced

competitors will be challenged with a

tough but air test on a championship

course.

M ac hrie Go lf Li nk s by Po rt E ll en, I sl e of Islay Stromne ss Gol f course l ooking over to the Isla nd of H oy, O rkneyFun at the 144th Open

Aqui ni is vidustiunt

ute conse sim fugiam ra

debit, omnitem corrovi

dellaboria ea di at.

Quisque volutpat

Quisque volutpat

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Scotland - a touring

adventure at your

own pace

The sheer variety of landscapes, towns and cities which

Scotland offers makes touring especially rewarding.

Lowland to Highland, east to west

without travelling great distances it

is easy to experience breathtaking

mountain scenery, romantic lochs and

glens and just enjoy the act that there

are so many attractions on the way

whatever takes your interest: castles,

standing stones, distilleries, gardens and

lots more.

Its easy to travel around Scotland. In

addition to motorways and good main

roads, there is an excellent network o

lightly trafficked rural roads notably in

the Borders and Galloway, Fie, Angus,

Aberdeenshire and Moray. I city based,

or without your own transport, then

several operators offer guided tours,

day trips or longer, to some o Scotlandsinest landscapes. Its a good way o

viewing areas such as beautiul Loch

Lomond or the rugged grandeur o Glen

Coe.

Public transport, with its integrated train,

erry and bus timetables, offers plenty o

options. For example, the unorgettable

rail journey rom Fort William to Mallaig

offers stunning island views. Then take

the erry to Armadale on Skye, bus to a

choice o island attractions , admiring

the awesome Cuillin Hills en route,

beore returning to Glasgow or Edinburgh

via the Skye Bridge and Inverness.

Altogether, a straightorward itinerary

but so rewarding.

Independent travellers with their own

transport have an excellent choice o

signposted National Tourist Routes

and themed itineraries. The Galloway

National Tourist Route takes in the

places associated with Robert Burns,

Scotlands amous poet, as well as

historic properties such as Threave

Castle. While touring, check special

discounts available through schemes

such as Historic Scotlands Explorer Pass

i visiting several historic sites.

Plan a tour o Scotland - ind outmore atwww.visitscotland.com/see-do/tours/touring

The Quiraing, Isle of Skye

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Take a trip throughthe beautiful Borderscountryside on the brandnew Borders Railway, nowrunning between Edinburghand Tweedbank with eight

stops along the line


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Balranald RSPB nature reserve, North Uist, Outer Hebrides

Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire The Borders Railway

Tourist trail

Wherever you tour, look out or thebrown Thistle Signs by the road that

point the way to all kinds o walks, trails,

attractions and adventures.

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The Isle of Harris

Donald John Mackay

Harris Tweed weaver

There are many beautiul beaches on

the Isle o Harris where I am rom, and

I live near one o the most magniicent

beaches in the world - Luskentyre!

It is situated on

the west coasto the island and

has beautiul

white sands and

turquoise waters.

Insider tip

The roof garden at New Lanark

The sign for Bunnahabhain Distillery, Isle of Islay

Hidden gems

Explore the lanes and wynds oquaint ishing villages such as Crail

in the East Neuk o Fie.

See thousands o seabirds on

a boat trip around Shetlands

dramatic Noss cliffs.

Experience a sense o tranquillity

on the peaceul Isle o Iona off the

west coast.

Sail at a gentle pace across Loch

Katrine on the steamship SS SirWalter Scott.

Bring your camera and capture the

stunning views o Loch Shiel at the

Gleninnan Monument.

Plan a walk through the beautiul

Glen Clova in Angus .

Stroll along the untouched white

sands o Traigh lar Beach in the

Outer Hebrides.

Soak up the rugged landscapes o

the north Highlands on the new

driving route, the North Coast 500.


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UNCOVE

R

YOURS

COTL

AND

Uncover all that Scotland has to offer. Drop into

one of our VisitScotland Information Centres and

get the best advice on everything there is to see

and do. Get top travel tips, tickets for events, tours

and activities, book the perfect accommodation

and even pick up that special Scottish souvenir.

Whatever you need, our friendly expertsare here to help you make the most of

your time in Scotland.


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Lunan Bay, near Montrose, Angus View from McCaigs Tower, Oban Melrose Abbey, Scottish Borders

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Your trip to ScotlandThere are a hundreds o ways to ill your holiday in Scotland with scenicsplendour and great things to see and do. Step on board a historic boat,take a train ride through a ormer ilm set, or taste stunning local oodand drink - there are many places to visit in Scotland, whatever your

interest.Tourist attractions in Scotland include charming castles and countryhouses, ascinating museums and riendly wildlie parks. But thats notall, there is also a stunning variety o coasts and beaches, hill and lochs,and i youre lucky, you may even spot the Loch Ness Monster, Nessie!

Enjoy antastic ood and drink in caes and restaurants and go behindthe scenes at whisky distilleries on a tour, or plan a amily-riendly dayout around ree attractions. Unleash your wild side with adventureactivities or look out or local wildlie during a quiet stroll or cycle along

one o the national cycle routes.

Whatever you are interested in - rom arts to ancestry; castles to cities;wildlie to whisky - there are lots o ideas to inspire you. Whether youancy a three-day trip with Royal connections, a tour o Malt WhiskyCountry or are looking or the nearest sporting attraction, youll indthe perect itinerary or Scotland to help you plan your trip.www.visitscotland.com/see-do/itineraries

These 12 routes will direct you off the

main trunk roads and motorways to

discover Scotlands diverse landscape,

towns and villages and ind great things

to see and do on the way. The routes are

easy to ollow, vary in length and are

well signposted with distinctive brown

and white signs.

Angus Coastal Route

Starting in Dundee it takes you 58 miles

(93 km) through Angus and north to

Aberdeen, a stunning city o glittering

granite. Along the way you will discover

the spectacular coastline dotted with

picturesque seaside resorts. Youll also

enjoy sandy beaches, championship

gol courses, nature reserves, country

parks and a ertile countryside reaching

inland through the Mearns and the Vale

o Strathmore to the Angus Glens and

the Grampians.

Argyll Coastal Route

A 149 mile (238 km) journey rom Tarbet

on the bonny banks o Loch Lomond,

you will travel up through Argyll and

on to Fort William in the Highlands.

Turning north, youll pass the lovely

Crinan Canal and reach the bustling port

town o Oban. From Oban, cross the

impressive Connel Bridge and journey

on up through Ballachulish to Fort

William.

Borders Historic Route

Discover the dramatic scenery o the

Scottish Borders on a 95 mile (142

km) journey between the English city

o Carlisle and Scotlands capital,

Edinburgh. You will travel through

an area which has been at the heart

o Scotlands history and culture or

centuries.

national tourist routes

NORTH COAST 500

Scotlands answer to Route 66,

this 500 mile coastal route spans

the north coast o the Highlandstaking in the best bits o this

glorious region.

The route starts in the northern

city o Inverness, then weaves

along the west coast to

Applecross and then northwards

towards the bustling towns o

Torridon and Ullapool. From

there, youll venture to some

o the most northerly coastal

points in Scotland, passing by

Caithness and John o Groats

beore heading south again

through Dingwall and inally

back to Inverness.

www.northcoast500.com/


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national tourist routes

The Kelpies at the Helix, Falkirk Sango Bay, Durness, Sutherland The Queens View, Loch Tummel, Perthshire

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Clyde Valley Tourist Route

Follow the River Clyde through

contrasting landscapes which are rich

in history by turning off the M74 at

Abington (or Hamilton i approaching

rom the opposite direction) andollowing the signs along the 42 mile (67

km) stretch o roads including the A73,

A72 and A702.

Deeside Tourist Route

Starts in Perth and runs north or 107

miles (171 km) to Aberdeen. You will

travel around Blairgowrie, then the

Highland landscape takes over and

the route climbs 2,182 (665 m) on the

A93, Britains highest main road. Pass

through Glenshee, which is home to one

o Scotlands ive snowsports centres,

beore descending to Braemar. As

you drive through Royal Deeside, you

will pass Balmoral Castle, a summer

residence o the Royal Family. Follow

the route through the delightul villages

o Ballater, Aboyne and Banchory

beore inally reaching Aberdeen.

Fife Coastal Route

This popular route stretches 85 miles

(136 km) around the north east coast

o the Kingdom o Fie. Follow the route

north rom Edinburgh or south rom

Dundee. From Edinburgh, cross the

iconic Forth Road Bridge. Following the

signs west will take you urther into the

Forth Estuary to the ancient capital o

Dunermline and the Royal Burgh oCulross. The coastal route can also be

ollowed east rom the Forth bridges

through the picturesque villages o the

East Neuk with their distinctive red pan

tiled roos, arts scenes and unspoilt

beaches. Keep ollowing the route and

you will reach St Andrews.

Forth Valley Tourist Route

This is a 40 mile (64 km) route romEdinburgh to Stirling. In West Lothian,

you can take a look around the

historic Linlithgow Palace. Next on the

route is the bustling town o Falkirk

and as you enter Stirlingshire, you

will see the rolling Ochil hills in the

distance with the villages and towns o

Clackmannanshire beneath them on

the way into Stirling, the city where the

Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle

sit proudly atop the hills.

Galloway Tourist Route

This route stretches 96 miles (154

km) rom Gretna, through the lush

countryside o Dumries & Galloway and

into Ayrshire, in the very heart o Burns

country. As you travel you will pass

through Gretna Green beore continuing

on to Dumries, a quaint market

town. At Dalbeattie you can join theSolway Coast Heritage Trail to visit the

abundance o castles, abbeys, gardens

and harbours urther west. Next on

the Galloway Tourist Route, youll ind

Castle Douglas, Dumries & Galloways

Food Town. From here you can venture

through the expansive countryside o

the Galloway Forest Park.

Highland Tourist RouteFrom Aberdeen, ollow the 118 mile

(189 km) Highland Tourist Route to

Inverness. The route takes you through

the lovely valley o Upper Donside and

the heather-clad slopes o the Lecht.

Travel into Speyside, the heart o

whisky country and Scotlands Malt

Whisky Trail distilleries. The last lap o

the route takes you through Grantown-

on-Spey, and then on to the city oInverness, the capital o the Highlands.

Moray Firth Route

A 80 mile (128 km) semi-circle trip

rom Inverness around three o the

most beautiul inlets on the east coast

o Britain - the Beauly, Cromarty and

Dornoch irths - as it heads north into

the heart o the northern Highlands.

North & West Highlands Route

Starting at the thriving ishing village

o Ullapool, the 140 mile (224 km)

route winds its way north through

the magniicent mountain country o

the northern Highlands, passing the

picturesque villages o Achiltibuie,

Lochinver and Kinlochbervie as it

makes or Durness in the ar north west

corner o Scotland. From Durness, the

route heads east through graduallysoening scenery to John o Groats.

Perthshire Tourist Route

This 45 mile (72 km) route through

Perthshire begins just north o

Dunblane and takes you to Ballinluig

near Pitlochry. Descend rom here to

the charming Abereldy and skirt the

ast lowing River Tay on the A827,

rejoining the A9 near Pitlochry.

www.visitscotland.com/travel/

around-scotland/national-tourist-

routes


21/36Page 19

The Castle of Mey, 5 star visitor attractionby Thurso, Caithness

Youll be surprised where our

search for quality takes us.

o it is clean, tidy and an acceptable standardoo it is a good, all round standard

ooo it is a very good standard, with attention to detail in every area

oooo it is excellent furnished using high quality materials, superb food where provided and friendly, professional service

ooooo an exceptional standard where presentation, ambience, food where provided and service are hard to fault

Accommodation establishments awarded gold stars have consistently achieved the highest levels of excellence

within their star grading.

We want you to feel welcome find establishments that pay particular attention to your specific needs:

DWalkers C Cyclists Anglers Bikers Classic Cars

Golfers Children Field Sports Groups Ancestral Tourism

Because we care www.green-tourism.com

The Green Tourism Business Scheme operated by GBUK assesses the level of sustainable practice.

Businesses that work in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way are graded:

Bronze, Silveror Gold

Taste Our Best food and drink award

One way to ensure that youll enjoy Scottish food and drink of exceptional quality is to look for places that are part of

Taste Our Best, our food and drink quality scheme.

We assess the presentation, quality and service of food in every kind of eating establishment throughout Scotland.

The Taste Our Best award also ensures that you will have a choice of quality ingredients of Scottish provenance and

the freshest seasonal produce.

Quite simply, it takes us the length and breadth of Scotland to visit thousands of

different properties every year and grade them on the things we know matter to

you. Things like the overall quality on offer and warmth of welcome to help you make

a more informed choice. VisitScotland Quality Assurance. Quality you can trust.

THESIGN

OFQUALITY

For more information on Quality Assurance please contact us on Tel: 01463 244111, Email [email protected]

or visit www.visitscotland.com/qa. For any feedback or comments you may have on star awarded properties please

email us on [email protected]. VisitScotland, Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3BJ.

Call into any VisitScotland Information Centre for further information www.visitscotland.com/wheretofindus

o


22/36

Places to stay

Where you stay is often as important as what you see. You

name it, weve got it. Everything from 5-star hotels andexclusive lodges to bed & breakfasts, backpacker hostels

and camping grounds by mountain streams. What about a

castle, a lighthouse, a farm, or even a wooden wigwam?

Inverlochy Castle, Lochaber

Page 20

For inormationon VisitScotlandQuality Assured

properties throughoutScotland visit www.visitscotland.comoror inormation andadvice to help you planand book your nextholiday [email protected]

Inns and restaurants with roomsEnjoy a traditional stay in a cosy inn, where you can relax with a drink in the

bar and tuck into a home-cooked meal. Restaurants with rooms provide

accommodation along with wonderul dining options.

Hotels, guest houses and bed & breakfastsWhether you preer the sleek and sophisticated style o a modern city centre

hotel, or the grand setting o a ine country house, Scotland has it all. Meetriendly locals and discover world-amous Scottish hospitality at the many

guest houses and bed & breakasts, or even stay in a armhouse.

Self-cateringWhen it comes to sel catering, theres a huge choice on offer. Scotland hascharming traditional cottages, spacious modern chalets and trendy city

apartments. The rental is arranged in advance and is normally on a weekly

basis. Serviced apartments are essentially sel-catering apartments where

other services (such as cleaning) are available.


23/36

Youll be surprised where our search for quality takes us.VisitScotland, under the Scottish Tourist Board brand, runs the star

grading schemes. We visit thousands o different properties every

year and grade them on the things we know matter to you. Things

like the standard o hospitality, service, and customer care to help

you make a more inormed choice. Look out or establishments

carrying the VisitScotland quality award.

Castles and stately homesIt is possible to stay in a castle or historic house

in Scotland. Choose rom a range o high quality

serviced or sel-catering properties.

Camping and caravanningCamping, caravanning and campervan enthusiasts

will appreciate Scotlands wide range o well-equipped

caravan and camping parks. Hire a holiday home or

arrive with your own touring caravan, campervan or tent.

HostelsScotland has an extensive network o hostels either

belonging to the Scottish Youth Hostels Association

(SYHA) or to independent or privately owned companies.

Unusual places to stayDid you know you can stay in lighthouses, traditional

brochs, armhouses or even on a boat whilst you visit

Scotland? Make your holiday one to remember and ind

quirky accommodation options.

Page 21

Our Welcome SchemesThese tell you about establishments which

pay particular attention to the specificneeds of visitors. As well as our Walkers

Welcome and Cyclists Welcome schemes,

there are schemes for anglers, bikers,

classic cars, golfers, children, field sports,

groups and ancestral tourism.

Access all areasSpecific details on businesses that have

accessible facilities and features can be

found on our website

www.visitscotland.com

Because we careThe Green Tourism Business

Scheme operated by

GBUK assesses the level

of sustainable practice

businesses are achieving, with Bronze,

Silver and Gold awards.

Visitwww.green-tourism.com

THESIGN

OFQUALITY

Find accommodation and moreinormation at www.visitscotland.com/accommodation


24/36

A flavour of

Scotland

Scotland is truly a feast for the senses, so why not indulge

your taste buds on your visit and sample our world-classproduce?Grass-ed bee rom Aberdeenshire,

venison rom the Highland hills, shellish

rom the west coast these are just

some o the many delights youll ind in

Scotlands natural larder. Tuck into the

best o Scottish produce and enjoy our

many great eateries and delightul oodie

experiences.

Haggis is the best known o Scotlands

traditional dishes and sometimes

appears as a starter or as part o a main

dish. To sample Scotlands tradition o

soup making, try Cullen Skink, a ish

soup made rom smoked haddock and

potatoes. Oatmeal, a traditional Scottish

staple, means porridge, oatcakes and

desserts including cranachan (toasted

oats, honey, whisky, cream and berries).

Other examples o authentic tastes

include Scottish cheeses, such as Lanark

Blue and Ross-shire Caboc; smoked

ish, most notably the Arbroath Smokie

or delectable smoked salmon; clootie

dumpling (made with dried ruit and

spices); and a range o bakery goods,

including the buttery, close relative o the

French croissant!

Uncover a foodie paradiseon the Isle of Arran, anisland known for its beers,whisky, cheese and icecream.

Visit a Scottish armers market, where

local producers sell direct to consumers.

From Kelso in the Scottish Borders to

Lerwick on Shetland, regular monthly

markets can be ound where you canmeet and buy direct rom the people that

produce Scotlands wonderul ood and

drink.

Whet your appetite and ollow one o

the many tasty ood and drink trails. You

can discover the treasures o the sea as

you ollow the Seaood Trail through

Scotlands west coast, or satisy your

sweet tooth on Scotlands Chocolate

Trail.

Over the year there are some great ood

and drink events, such as the Crail Food

Festival in Fie or the Tarbert Seaood

Festival in Argyll. In the spring, try

Scotlands national drink at the Spirit o

Speyside Whisky Festival, or enjoy other

Whisky Month events in May.

Treat yoursel and book a table in one

o the many ine restaurants and enjoy

delicious Scottish produce, preparedwith skill by our talented ches.

Discover more about Scotlandsdelightul ood and drink at www.visitscotland.com/tastescotland

Arbroath Smokies being prepar ed by Iain R Spink at Auchmithie, Angus

Page 22


25/36

Artisan br ead stall

Seafood platter at Ee-Usk, Oban

Farmers MarketsYoull ind these throughout Scotland, as armers

and producers sell their resh local produce, such

as ruit, game and cheese.

The Famous Grouse Experience, Perthshire

WhiskyYou cant visit Scotland without trying whisky why not head to a distillery to see how this

amber-coloured spirit is made, and sample ine

malts at the source?

DiningTry one o Scotlands award-winning restaurantsor an exclusive culinary experience. With 14

Michelin-star restaurants across the country,

youll be spoilt or choice.

Look out for the Taste Our Best logo

Taste Our BestMake sure you enjoy Scottish ood and drink o

exceptional quality by looking or places that

are part o Taste Our Best, our quality assurance

scheme.

Page 23

Insider tipKing scallops on Mull

Guy Grieve

Ethical Shellisher

You may think Im biased, but in my

opinion a seared dived king

scallop, one o my avourite

Scottish oods, is hard to

beat. The scallop is bestwhen it is prepared simply:

with salt and pepper, garlic,

butter and sunlower oil.

Dont miss...

Make sure you sample haggis,Scotlands national dish its spicy,

moist and moreish!

Learn about the wonders o the

whisky-making process at one o

the many distilleries.

Grab some succulent seaood

rom the Lobster Shack in North

Berwick or try resh oysters

straight rom the shell at Loch

Fyne Restaurant & Oyster Bar. For the ultimate indulgence, book

a table at Restaurant Andrew

Fairlie at Gleneagles, Scotlands

only two Michelin-star restaurant.

Tuck into a traditional ish supper

o battered ish and chips, a meal

thats best enjoyed by the sea.

Sample mouth-watering cheeses

rom independent producers on

the Scottish Cheese Trail. Enjoy a delicious and decadent

aernoon tea, complete with

sandwiches, scones and cakes, in

an elegant country house hotel.


26/36

Scotland on

Screen

Scotlands spectacular landscapes,

quality of light, its people and itsstories have long been immortalised

on the silver screen. For many, its

been the next best thing to being here

but the only way to really appreciate

the magic and beauty is to see it for

yourself.

The dramatic hills o Glen Nevis and Glen

Coe were the setting or Braveheart,

the portrayal o one o the countrys

most iconic igures, eaturing Mel Gibson

as William Wallace and detailing the

struggle against English occupation in

the 13th century. Highlander,starring

Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery,

eatured these same landscapes

alongside romantic Eilean Donan Castle,

also recognisable or its appearance in

the James Bond movie The World Is

Not Enough. More recently Glen Coe

provided the backdrop to dramaticscenes or Skyfall.

The breathtaking train chase scene

rom Harry Potter and the Chamber of

Secretseatures the Hogwarts Express

Balmoral Castle, by Braemar, Aberdeenshire Calton Hill, Edinburgh The Da Vinci Codefeatures Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin

Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven

Page 24


27/36

and a lying Ford Anglia car crossing the

historic Gleninnan Viaduct in the west

Highlands. Experience the same magical

journey with a trip on The Jacobite steam

train between Fort William and Mallaig.

Michael Fassbender took the title role

in 2015s eature length ilm version o

Shakespeares classic play Macbeth.

The dark tragedy is suitably set against

the stark and desolate backdrop o the

Quiraing, a dramatic landslip on the

impressive Trotternish Ridge on the Isle

o Skye.

In 2015, Dunnottar Castle in

Aberdeenshire also appeared on

the big screen in horror ilm Victor

Frankenstein, starring James McAvoy

and Daniel Radcliffe. Some movie magic

was used to transorm the dramatic

clifop castle into an eerie and sinister

setting.

Scotlands sparkling coastline has alsobeen eatured in well-loved ilms such

as Chariots of Fire, ilmed on the West

Sands beach at St Andrews, and Local

Hero, ilmed on Camusdarach beach

in Morar. More recently, Oscar-winning

biopic The Queenwas ilmed at the

Balmoral Estatein Royal Deeside while

The Da Vinci Codeshowcased Rosslyn

Chapel, just outside Edinburgh.

Scotlands beautiul but compact capital

city has proved the perect location

or a number o projects, including

animated eature The Illusionist, which

brings 1950s Edinburgh to lie, and the

adaptation o David Nicholls best-selling

novel One Day. Starring Anne Hathaway

and Jim Sturgess and detailing their lives

as riends and lovers over 20 years, the

ilm eatures iconic locations such as

Calton Hill and the Georgian architecture

o the citys New Town.

Scotland has inspired ilm makers or

generations, Scotland was the land that

inspired DisneyPixars Brave. The story

ollows the lame-haired heroine Merida

battling to change her ate, although

Braveis set in a ictional medieval

Scotland, Pixars animators were deeplyinluenced by the real countrys sheer

rugged landscapes. Highland games,

standing stones and clan culture are just

a ew o the irmly Scottish sights in this

stunning lighthearted adventure.

OutlanderThe award-winning TV series

Outlander, based on Diana

Gabaldons best-selling novels was

ilmed at a number o stunning

locations across Scotland. Doune

Castle has had a starring role in the

hit show, as well as the enchanting

Fie towns o Culross and Falkland.

Discover more at

www.visitscotland.com/outlander

Page 25

Towards the Palace, Culross, Fife


28/36

Scotlands

Cultural spirit

What makes Scotland so distinctive? There are some things

that are uniquely Scottish but, in truth, theres no singleelement that defines the country. Rather, its a subtle blend

of our many different ingredients that have been added to

the mix down through the centuries.Scotlands culture certainly involves

reaching out. Thats why, or instance,

Glasgows Celtic Connections (held in

January) showcases both native talentand perormers rom across the Celtic

areas o Europe and beyond, while

the city becomes the centre o the

world o piping during the Piping Live!

International Piping Festival.

While high proile events such as the

Edinburgh International Festival, along

with the Fringe, Book and Film Festivals

and the stirring Royal Edinburgh Military

Tattoo, inevitably command attention,

other parts o Scotland also stage

prestigious cultural events. For example,

the Perth Festival o the Arts every May

brings a huge choice o music and other

art orms to this picturesque Scottish city

on the River Tay. The annual Braemar

Highland Gathering in September is

Scotlands premier Highland games

because o the attendance o Britains

royalty but is only one event in a games

programme right across Scotland.

Its easy to dip into Scotlands traditional

music in inormal settings. Musical

get-togethers called ceilidhs are

oen advertised locally in advance,especially in smaller places. Ask your

accommodation provider or check with

your local VisitScotland Inormation

Centre. Folk music sessions in local pubs

can even happen spontaneously, while

at city venues such as Hootananny in

Inverness or Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh

regularly-changing programmes make it

easy to sample the vitality o Scotlands

musical culture.

Find out whats on in Scotland in2016 on page 28

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Page 26

In 2016, join us as wecelebrate the Year of

Innovation, Architectureand Design and be partof some thrilling events,festivals and projectstaking place across theyear.


29/36

T he wo rl d s l arge st wi nt er m usic f esti va l, G la sgo w B la ir Athol l H ighla nders t ug -o -w ar

Celtic ConnectionsEnjoy a huge variety o sounds rom home-grown

talent and international perormers at this popular

annual music estival held in Glasgow during

January.

Highland gamesI youre in Scotland during the summer, dont miss

the chance to see traditional sports like tug-o-war

and caber tossing at a Highland games.

World Pipe Band Championships, Glasgow Iain Macfarlane playing in the Market Bar, Inverness

Piping Live! and the World Pipe Band ChampionshipsScotland has a rich piping heritage, and you can watch some o the best bagpipers in the country perormat events such as Piping Live! and the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.

Folk musicFrom the evocative sound o the bagpipes to thelively music o the iddle, immerse yoursel in

traditional Scottish olk music at live music nights.

Revellers at a ceilidh participate in an energetic Strip the Willow

Ceilidh dancingGet a taste o traditional Scottish dance at a

ceilidh - try dancing the Dashing White Sergeantor

the Flying Scotsmanto the sound o a traditional

ceilidh band.

Page 27

Gaelic music

Kathleen MacInnes

Gaelic Singer

Gaelic is still very much part o

everyday lie in places

like South Uist where

I grew up. For a taste

o Gaelic culture,

head to the HebCelt

Festival in the Outer

Hebrides where youre

guaranteed a warm

welcome and a good

time!

Insider tip


30/36

Inverness Music Festival

Inverness

27 February - 9 March

An array o competitions includinginstrumental, speech, dance and vocal.www.invernessmusicfestival.org

MARCH 2016

StAnza

St Andrews, Fife

2 - 6 MarchScotlands international celebration opoetry.

www.stanzapoetry.org

Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Glasgow

10 - 27 MarchAn exciting programme o the very beststand-up, comedy theatre, ilm andworkshops and kids events.

www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Edinburgh

26 March - 10 AprilTwo week estival inspiring people to

discover the world around them.www.sciencefestival.co.uk

APRIL 2016

Orkney Ceilidh Weekend

Orkney

8 - 10 April

A weekend ull o traditional dance workshopsand ceilidh.www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/OTDA

126th Melrose Sevens

Scottish Borders

9 AprilThe worlds oldest Rugby Sevens tournamentwith teams rom near and ar.www.melrose7s.com

JANUARY 2016

The Ba',

Kirkwall, Orkney1 January (also 25 December)Historical amous ootball match with around400 players.www.bagame.com

Celtic ConnectionsGlasgow

14 - 31 JanuaryCelebrating Celtic music and it's connectionsto cultures around the worldwww.celticconnections.com

Big Burns SupperDumfries22 - 30 January9 days o celebration - with music, theatreand comedy to commemorate Scotland'smost amous poet.2014.bigburnssupper.com/

Up Helly Aa

Lerwick, Shetland26 JanuaryA Viking estival involving a torchlightprocession and the burning o a galley.www.uphellyaa.org

FEBRUARY 2016

Scottish Snowdrop Festival

Across Scotland

February - March

Scotlands gardens and woodlands displayan array o this delicate white lower.www.visitscotland.com/snowdrop

Glasgow Film Festival

Glasgow

17 - 28 FebruaryA showcase o movies rom around theworld.www.glasgowfilm.org/festival

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Moray Speyside, Highlands

28 April - 2 May

Celebrate Scotlands national drink witha weekend packed ull o whisky-inspiredevents.www.spiritofspeyside.com

MAY 2016

Arran Mountain Festival

Isle of Arran

13 - 16 MayGuided tours and hikes through Arranspicturesque hills and mountains.www.arranmountainfestival.co.uk

Islay Festival of Music and Malt

Argyll

20 - 28 May

Experience the unique taste o Islaysheritage, culture, and hospitality, as well astheir world-amous whisky.www.islayfestival.co.uk

Perth Festival of the Arts

Perth

19 - 29 MayCultural estival eaturing classical music,opera, rock, jazz, olk and visual art.www.perthfestival.co.uk

Events

Spectators enjoying the 144th Open in St Andrews

Edinburgh Festivals

The Enchanted Forest, Perthshire

Page 28

UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William


31/36Page 29

JUNE 2016

Taste of Grampian

Inverurie, Aberdeenshire

4 June

Discover and sample the wide range ohigh quality ood and drink products romAberdeenshire.www.tasteofgrampian.co.uk

UCI Mountain Bike World CupFort William, Highlands

4 & 5 JuneAn amazing event showcasing some o thebest mountain bike action and talent romacross the world.www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

Edinburgh International Film Festival

Edinburgh

15 - 26 June

Established in 1947, the Film Festival isrenowned around the world or discovering

and promoting the very best in internationalcinema.www.edfilmfest.org.uk

Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

Portsoy, Aberdeenshire

25 & 26 JuneA creative maritime estival eaturing boatbuilding, restoration and sailing along withcras, music and arts.www.stbfportsoy.com

JULY 2016

Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish

Open 2016

Castle Stuart, Inverness

7 - 10 JulyThe worlds best golers compete in one othe most keenly contested championshipson the European Tour calendar.www.aamscottishopen.com

2016 Open Golf Championship

Troon, South Ayrshire

10 - 17 JulyThe worlds greatest golers will gather to dobattle or the amous Claret Jug.www.royaltroon2016open.com

Hebridean Celtic Festival

Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

13 - 16 JulyA mix o indigenous Gaelic music romhome-grown musicians and a vast arrayo world-class perormers rom across theCeltic nations.www.hebceltfest.com

Edinburgh International Jazz and BluesFestival

Edinburgh

15 - 24 July

World class jazz and blues music rom avariety o bands, singers and musicians.www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

AUGUST 2016

Skye Highland GamesPortree, Skye

2 & 3 August

Piping competitions on the irst day and onthe second day, traditional Highland games.www.skye-highland-games.co.uk

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Edinburgh

5 - 27 AugustA unique and memorable celebration omusic, dance and military pageantry inEdinburgh Castle.www.edintattoo.co.uk

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Edinburgh

5 - 29 August

The worlds largest arts estival - acelebration o arts and entertainmentacross the city.www.edfringe.com

Cowal Highland Gathering

Dunoon, Argyll

25 - 27 AugustThree day traditional Highland games.

www.cowalgathering.com

Largs Viking Festival

Largs, Ayrshire

27 August - 8 SeptemberViking heritage is celebrated where themain attraction ois the living history Vikingvillage, along with parades and events.www.largsvikingfestival.com

SEPTEMBER 2016Blas Festival

Highlands and Argyll

Various dates in SeptemebrA unique cultural celebration o theGaelic language and music o the ScottishHighlands.www.blas-festival.com

Braemar Highland Gathering

Braemar, Aberdeenshire

3 September

Traditional Highland gameswww.braemergathering.org

OCTOBER 2016

Royal National Mod

Stornoway, Outer Hebrides

14 - 22 October

Celebrating our Gaelic linguistic and culturalheritage, Scotlands premier Gaelic estival.www.ancomunn.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2016

St Andrews Day

Across Scotland

30 November

A day o celebrations or Scotlands patronsaint.www.visitscotland.com

DECEMBER 2016

Hogmanay

Across Scotland

31 DecemberThere are numerous New Year celebrationsthat take place throughout Scotland.www.visitscotland.com

A small selection of Hogmanaycelebrations listed below:

Edinburghs Hogmanay

Edinburgh

www.edinburghshogmanay.com

The Flambeaux

Comrie, Perthshirewww.comrie.org.uk

Stonehaven Fireball Festival

Aberdeenshirestonehavenfireballs.co.uk

Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland


32/36

A lifetimes ancestral research is no substitute for actually

visiting Scotland. To walk in your ancestors footsteps is

no clich but an unforgettable experience easily realised,

thanks to Scotlands extensive genealogical resources.Track down your clan tartan, touch

the walls o your amily castle, or see i

your ancestors were listed in the Poor

Law records a reminder that not all

Scots were living the high lie! Take that

irst step to explore your past and your

Scottish homecoming will be a personal,ascinating journey.

Begin your search at one o the archives

which are located across the country,

such as the ScotlandsPeople Centre in

Edinburgh, or browse through trade

directories, newspapers and registers

which date back to the 18th century at

Glasgows Mitchell Library. Many ancient

records and old censuses have now been

digitised, so getting started couldnt

be easier. There are also excellentarchives at local registrars offices

and libraries throughout Scotland. In

addition, you can enlist the services o a

proessional genealogist who can help

you research your roots. Some specialise

Caescessidis. Aximperitrum etistinticio compes hore

Dus. Sunt porpori dollace rchilibus t Iciisqui od quodi aditasi minctotatae reperum quatur sam Met aute perions erianim a net la ne pos aut off iciis sentio

Page 30

Come walk in the

footsteps of

your ancestors

Dunrobin Castle, Golspie

The Memorial to the Massacre of Glencoe The Heritage Hub , Hawick The Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen

in a particular area o Scotland, and

might even take you to your ancestral

homeland.

I youve got a Scottish surname, why not

see i theres a clan society that you can

join? Many o Scotlands clans meet eachyear or a clan gathering to celebrate

their ancestral heritage. Oen therell

be a spread o cultural events, rom

banquets and ceilidhs to historian-led

walks.


33/36

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ute conse sim fugiam ra

debit, omnitem corrovi

dellaboria ea di at.

Quisque volutpat

Find out more >

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Quisque volutpat

Temque optiur? Hent. Onet eos et quas denihitiurion net aut am qui doluptat laborererit re

experem cor serro moluptatum aces. net aut am

qui doluptat laborererit re experem cor serro

moluptatum

Find out more >

Page 31

Start your ancestral

journey

To help you plan your own personal

journey to Scotland visit our website

to ind out more about your clan,

tartan and ancestral home. We offer

a number o different downloadable

itinerary suggestions to help you

plan your trip to Scotland and ollow

the story o your clan by visiting

castles, museums and battle sitesacross the country. We also have a

range o businesses including

accommodation providers listed on

our site who are part o our Ancestral

Welcome Scheme, giving you the

assurance that they can guide you

in terms o local sites related to your

clan, events taking place, and even

who may be able to help urther your

genealogical search during your stay.

Visit

www.visitscotland.com/ancestryto ind out more.New Register House, Edinburgh

TartanWith its colourul threads in traditional

patterns, tartan is Scotlands mostamous textile. Take a trip to the Clan

Tartan Centre in Leith, Edinburgh, where

you can search their database o 50,000

names and take away a certiicate

showing your clan name.


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Your Travel Guide

Getting to Scotland is simple and straightforward

and once you get here, some of the worlds mostbreathtaking landscapes are within easy reach.

The A87 road on the edge of Loch Cluanie, Highlands Barra airport, Traigh Mhor Beach, Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides

The Glenfinnan viaduct on the West Highland Line

Page 32

Ardrossan to Brodick, Isle of Arran


35/36

Depending on where you are coming

rom you can choose rom a selection

o non-stop lights, or a wide range o

connections through hub airports within

the Middle East or Europe including

London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankurt and

Dublin. There are also a number o erry

route options to the United Kingdom i

you are travelling rom mainland Europe

or rom Ireland.

London is around an hours light to

Edinburgh or Glasgow, and Scotlands

other main airports enjoy regular

service rom London and other UK cities.

Onward travel rom Scotlands airports

to the nearby city centres is quick and

well co-ordinated.

The journey rom London by train takes

around 4 hours 30 minutes to Edinburgh

and 5 hours to Glasgow and takes you

directly into the city centres.

Travelling around the country is

effortless too, thanks to an extensive

road network, excellent rail links and

comprehensive bus system. Theres

also an efficient erry service, taking

passengers to and rom Scotlands many

islands.

View from Isle of Raasay looking towards the Isle of Skye

Page 33

For urther travelinormation please visitwww.visitscotland.com


36/36

www.scotland.org

Cover main image: Caerlaverock Castle, near Dumries Damian Shields, VisitScotland, all rights reserved

Photographic credits: VisitScotland. Kenny Lam;Paul Tomkins; Richard Elliot; Airborne Lens; Alan McAteer;Richard Campbell; Devlin Photo Ltd; Iain Sarjeant;Glyn Satterley; tomek_emigrant / Dollar Photo Club;Damian Shields.

Product No. N16SMIEN

Published by VisitScotland, Edinburgh EH6 6JHVisitScotland is the national tourism organisation oScotland. VisitScotland 2015/16

No material may be reproduced rom this publicationwithout prior permission o VisitScotland.

VisitScotland is committed to ensuring that ourenvironment, upon which our tourism is so dependent, issaeguarded or uture generations to enjoy.

The inormation contained in this publication is assupplied to VisitScotland and to the best o VisitScotlandsknowledge was correct at the time o going to press.VisitScotland can accept no responsibility or any errors oromissions. November 2015.

Scotland Essential Guide

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