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10 of my favourite things to do and see when on vacation in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

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10 of my favourite things to do and see when on vacation in Scotland

Scotland is my home, and as such, I am passionate about all it has to offer.  Whether you are interested in history, art, music, theatre, adventure or sport there are so many different things to do and see.  In a country that is steeped in history, every village, town or city has a story to tell with locals longing to tell it.

It is impossible to pick the 10 ‘best’ so here I have chosen my favourite!

1.       Edinburgh Castle

You can’t leave Scotland without visiting the iconic Edinburgh Castle.  Built into rugged rocks in a very dramatic setting, it is arguably Scotland’s most famous castle and tourist attraction.  Home to the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny it also hosts the magnificent firework display at the end of the Edinburgh International Arts Festival in August.

 

2.       Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow

Home to Glasgow’s extensive modern art collection, the Gallery of Modern Art has more visitors than any other art gallery in the country.  Here you will find temporary exhibitions of local, national and international artists all housed within the 18th Century neo-classical building.

3.       Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

If you enjoy art, here you will find Scotland’s national collection of fine art dating from the early Renaissance up until the end of the nineteenth century.  It is considered one of the best collections in the world and includes artists such as Raphael, Velazquez and Vermeer as well as the well-loved impressionists. 

4.       Eilean Donan Castle

Instantly recognised, this iconic Scottish castle is pictured on all sorts of Scottish merchandise and is one of the most visited attractions in the Highlands.  It is situated in the most breath-taking surroundings at the meeting point of three great sea lochs.  Having been restored as a family home between 1912 and 1932, it is fascinating to wander around the castle viewing the various artefacts and learning all about the castle’s wild history.

5.       Glamis Castle

Home to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, Glamis Castle is steeped in Scottish history.  It is the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth.  It is a wonderful day out to really immerse oneself in Scottish stories and enjoy the majestic architecture of this wonderful castle and to leave feeling richer for having visited.

 

6.       The Highland Chocolatier, Grandtully

If you like chocolate, this is one place not to be missed!  Award-winning artisan chocolatier, Iain Burnett trained under Master Chocolatiers of the Belgian, Swiss and French schools.  His small dedicated team of chocolatiers are trained in-house to meticulously hand-craft chocolates.  They provide top chefs with gourmet truffles of an artisan quality that can’t be found elsewhere.

7.       The Kelpies, between Edinburgh and Stirling

Designed by Scottish sculptor, Andy Scott, these dramatic horse heads are the largest equine sculptures in the world.  Made out of stainless steel, these horses seem almost ‘alive’ as you drive past them.   As part of The Helix, Scotland’s newest parkland, 27km of recreational space, this is a great fun place to visit, particularly for children.

8.       The White Beaches of the Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides offers a truly remote and beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  With its gorgeous white sandy beaches, wild hill land and rocky outcrops, the Outer Hebrides comprises 200 gorgeous islands off the north west coast of Scotland.  There is an abundance of wildlife, culture, castles and galleries.  From standing stones to iron age dwellings there is so much to see showing off its intriguing past.

9.       Golf at The Old Course, St Andrews

It is the dream of many to play golf at the oldest and most famous course in the world.  This 18 hole links course is stunningly situated on the edge of St Andrews in Fife and is home to The Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker which are recognised across the globe.  A round of golf here is a great way to create real memories of time in Scotland.

10.   The Edinburgh International Festival

If you find yourself in Scotland during August, a visit to the Edinburgh Festival is a must.  The City is transformed into a cultural centre of the best performers in art, theatre, dance and music.  This has grown enormously since its birth in 1947, and alongside it, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has developed being popular with the unknown, up and coming artists performing their stuff in the hope of being recognised as the future of the performing arts.  The Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs throughout the festival and is a magnificent display of music, ceremony, theatre and dance held at Edinburgh Castle.

This is just a taste of the many things to do in Scotland, if you fall in love with it, a two week vacation won’t be nearly long enough!

Jonathan Townsend-Rose

Hebrides, Scotland
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White sandy beach, Hebrides, Scotland
Colin Hart

Eilean Donan Castle, Scottish Highlands

Jonathan Townsend-Rose

Jonathan qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1980 and has spent over 30 years managing prestigious historic, sporting and agricultural estates throughout England and Scotland. This has given him a rare insight into the workings of these magnificent properties as well as a good understanding of the challenges involved. In 1999 he founded Loyd & Townsend Rose (LTR), a company specialising in luxur...(Read More)

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