Myths and mountains, lochs and legends -
Scotland’s stunning scenic splendour acts as a magnet for visitors
from all over the globe. Superb as it is, Scotland’s charismatic
charm is more than just visual.
Rich in history and heritage this ancient nation can trace its
origins back over 14 centuries when the ‘Scots’ tribe
from Ireland who had carved out their new Kingdom of Dalriada from
land held by the Picts in the 5th Century, eventually
gave their name to the united nation of Picts and Scots - Scotland.
Prehistoric sites can be found in almost every corner of Scotland,
including the outer islands (Orkney has a particularly rich concentration
of bronze age ruins), and ancient standing stones have long been
a fascination for curious visitors.
Several new archaeological attractions have opened recently, including
Kilmartin House, in Argyll. Close to Dunadd, the ancient capital
of Dalriada - the birthplace of Scotland. Kilmartin House brings
6000 years of history to life with imaginative audio visual displays,
exhibitions and a range of prehistoric artefacts from Argyll, the
original ‘coastline of the Gael’ (Earraghaidheal in Gaelic).
Across the country in Grampian region, Archaeolink at Oyne around
25 miles north of Aberdeen, is a £4 million interpretative centre
which looks set to become a major visitor attraction for the north
east. Set in 40 acres around Berry Hill, an iron age enclosure,
the Centre applies state-of-the-art technology to Aberdeenshire’s
wealth of Stone Circles, Symbol Stones and ancient hill forts.
Far from being stuck in the past, Scotland boasts cosmopolitan
cities throbbing with life and vitality. Vibrant arts and culture,
magnificent architecture, superb shopping and exciting night-life
are all there to be enjoyed.
Getting around is easy with a modern transport infrastructure and
communications befitting a nation whose sons invented the telephone,
television and tarmacadam! Indeed, air, rail and ferry links are
on the increase and competitive economy fares have encouraged many
new visitors, but don’t worry, beyond the city boundaries space,
peace and tranquillity are still the order of the day and you don’t
have to go far off the beaten track to find solitude and wilderness.
The glorious natural environment remains one of Scotland’s
most attractive features offering endless options for sports, including
walking, cycling, sailing, riding and climbing.
The home of golf and the Highland Games, Scotland is an outdoor
enthusiasts dreamland. But you don’t have to be active to appreciate
this wealth of natural brilliance.
Travelling by car is simple and enjoyable; and where but Scotland,
would you find main roads bordering world-famous beauty spots, such
as Loch Lomond and Loch Ness?
You can take your car by ferry to most of Scotland’s numerous
islands and a new Irish ferry service to Campbeltown has opened
up the Kintyre Peninsula - an area of outstanding natural beauty
- made famous by Paul McCartney’s memorable ballad - Mull of
Kintyre.
Kintyre’s coastline, characteristically for Scotland’s
west coast, is riveted with ruined ramparts and crowned with castellations.
The stone walls bear witness to Argyll’s bloody past, for this
area has seen numerous battles, often between rival clans, with
a massacre at Dunaverty Castle on a scale more heinous than Glencoe.
For all their feuding, the clans gave Scotland some of its most
recognisable icons. Kilts, bagpipes, Highland Games and dancing
- all survived and flourished despite the ban imposed following
the Jacobite defeat at Culloden in 1746. Scotland’s relationship
with England these days is more coridal. The historic ‘Stone
of Destiny’ - the stone which pillowed Jacob’s head as
he dreamed his dream, later became the property of the migrating
Celtic tribe who eventually settled in Scotland in AD 498 - was
stolen from Scone by Edward 1 of England in 1296.
Seven hundred years later the Government of Great Britain returned
his ceremonial seat for the inauguration of Scots’ Kings to
Scotland and it can now be seen on display in Edinburgh Castle.
The lavish history and heritage of the oldest Kingdom in Europe
is matched by its majestic landscapes and superiative scenery. Friendly
and welcoming, the Scots are proud of their country and you’ll
find them eager to share its many delights and attractions.
Failte don Scotland.
Contributed by: The Scottish Tourist Board
This article first appeared in Which Course? magazine
