Scotland -- A world of rugged nature and an amazing history.
Scotland -- A world of rugged nature and an amazing history.
The quiet nature serves as a contrasting background of battles with invaders and tyrants.
The first thing one notices in Scotland is its natural beauty.
Both the Highlands and Central Scotland are home to craggy mountains, rolling farmlands dotted by grazing sheep, and the still waters of lochs (lakes). We agreed with a poll conducted by Rough Travel Guides which included Scotland among the “Most beautiful countries in the world.”
Contrasting with that, tranquility is a history that is replete with battles against a parade of invaders and tyrants. And during pauses among those clashes, high-spirited Scottish warriors sometimes fought among themselves.
Castles in Scotland were built before Columbus sailed
Some chapters of that history come alive at the countless castles that dot the landscape, some of which were built well before Columbus set sail for the New World, and charming towns, each with its own unique stories to relate.
Castles are everywhere in Scotland
Stirling Castle in a city of the same name is known as the “Gateway to the Highlands.” Its oldest structures date back to the 14th century, and the Royal Palace looks much as it did when completed in the 16th century. One ceiling is adorned with original wood-carved medallions that depict images of kings, queens, and other notables.
Doune (pronounced Dune) Castle dates back to the 13th century. The quintessential fortress-like façade appeared in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and, more recently, in the OutlanderTV series.
Small Scottish towns with big appeal
The past also lives in cities and towns, including even the tiniest hamlets that make up in allure what they lack in size.
Inverness sits astride the Ness River.
The river’s source is the loch, where the famous fabled monster resides. This town is welcoming, with inviting walks, inviting, cozy restaurants, and small shops.
A personal favorite was the Victorian Market.
It retains much of its original ornate splendor from 1891. Historic photographs line the walls, and independent purveyors – a butcher, fishmonger, watchmaker, and 30 others – add to the ambiance.
Dunblane stands on the banks of the Allan Water (River Allan), which previously powered factories and mills.
Exhibits at the compact but outstanding Dunblane Museum trace the area’s history. I found the collection of beggars’ badges, which, in the 15th century, identified disadvantaged people who had permission to plead for money.
The pleasant Darn Walk trail alongside the river links Dunblane with the Bridge of Allan, a 19th-century spa town that traces its history back to a hillside fortress built during the Iron Age.
The heart of Scotland’s capital is Edinburgh.
Contrasting with towns that are small in size but large in appeal is Edinburgh [pronounced Edin-borough], a magnificent city that, in many ways, is much more than just a pretty face. The Old Town area earns its accolade as “the heart of Scotland’s capital.”
Stretching a mile through the city center, its stunning architecture serves as a backdrop to an active street life. Entertainers attract crowds of passers-by, and street musicians add a background of music to the setting.
Edinburgh Castle overlooks the Royal Mile, as it’s known, from a hilltop which has served as a defensive fortress since ancient Roman times. At the opposite end of the road is the Palace of Holyrood, the official residence of the English monarch in Scotland. King Charles III spends one week in residence each summer. He was not there when we were so we couldn’t drop by for tea.
Edinburgh, Scotland’s collection of colorful “closes”
Another favorite site for us was Real Mary King’s Close, a narrow underground thoroughfare. It provides a realistic immersion in the past. In the mid-17th century, Edinburg was confined primarily within its security walls, and housing was built in small thoroughfares called closes, a Scottish word for alley.
These often were named for an occupant or the business or trade of residents, which accounts for signs identifying the Advocates, Bake House, and Old Fish Market closes.
Real Mary King’s Close is named for a merchant living there for a decade (1635-1645) and about 600 other people. The tour delved into Mary’s life, those of people from all social classes, and horror tales about Edinburgh’s most deadly plague.
The Trossachs: One of Mother Nature’s treasures in Scotland
Another site I suggest should be on a visitor’s wish list is the Trossachs. It has heavily wooded hills, yawning valleys, and rocky peaks. This landscape, in many ways, represents a microcosm of Highlands scenery.
While our visit was limited to a self-driving tour and hike, other activities included animal and bird watching, fishing, and a boat ride on a loch. History lovers may check out prehistoric sites, including rock markings, burnt mounds, and artificial islands once occupied by lake dwellings.
Reliving periods of history is one of many attractions inviting visitors to Scotland. In an area about equal to South Carolina's, its treasures include ancient history and architecture, some of Mother Nature’s most splendid handiworks, and friendly people eager to share their proud heritage with guests from abroad.
“Live Like the Locals” provides a unique approach.
Untours offers the advantages of independent travel, planning, on-site support similar to a tour, and other assistance.
Accommodations are never in hotels. We spent one week in a comfortable flat (apartment) in Inverness, in a building that had been a church dating to 1837, and another in a former woolen mill overlooking the small river that had powered it.
We received a wealth of helpful pre-trip information, use of a rental car, and a first-day briefing and mini-tour at each location from the on-site Untours representative, who was available to provide help and information throughout our stay, along with other perks.
We could save money by cooking meals in the kitchen of our flat, which we enjoyed, or going to nearby restaurants.
For more information about Scotland, log onto visitscotland.com. To learn more about Untours, go to untours.com or call 888-868-6871.
Victor Block
Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won many writing awards.
