Scotland is a land of contrasts and incredible natural beauty. Tourists visit Scotland for a number of reasons, it is a popular holiday for Brits looking for a break beside placid Scottish lochs, hill walking and climbing and bagging Munros. Both mountainous and coastal scenery is spectacular. Find out about Scotland's fishing heritage by exploring former fishing villages and harbours where a huddle of granite cottages are linked by winding narrow lanes that lead down to the sea. The magnificent cliffs of the Buchan coastline on the north east, especially Buller's of Buchan near Cruden Bay are unforgettable. There are more sea birds whirling, sweeping and nesting around the Scottish coast than anywhere else in Britain. For people who enjoy walking coastal paths and spotting birds and animals, the north east of Scotland between Aberdeen and Banff in Aberdeenshire is amazing. There are ruined castles, a village buried in the sands near Balmedie, shipwrecks, lighthouses and fabulous long sandy beaches backed by dunes.
The west coast of Scotland and its islands is equally beautiful in a different way. The islands offer an experience of solitude and calm with pristine shores where seals rest and mysterious mists settle on cool days. Find holiday cottages and comfortable places to stay on the west coast of Scotland. The Isle of Skye, Mull, the Hebrides and the Orkneys are all effectively nature reserves because of low populations. Go further out to the Isle of Lewis for a truly tranquil experience and gentle people. Take a boat trip to explore the islands from the sea and if you are fortunate spot dolphins and seals.
Inland in Scotland, there are the uplands, hills and mountains of the Highlands and Cairngorms, the home of golden eagle and herds of deer. Popular tourist destinations are Pitlochry with its lakes, salmon ladder and hills, Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, and Braemar and Ballater near Royal Balmoral in Perthshire, where Britain's Royal family have a home where they can relax and fish the River Dee.
City breaks to Edinburgh and Glasgow are great for art and culture as well as shopping, entertainment and nightlife. Some of the best restaurants you will ever eat in are in these cities. People also visit these cities for specific annual events such as the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh which is a spectacle of marching bands, bagpipes and tartan, Hogmanay or New Year's Eve parties and general mayhem.
Everyone has heard of Gretna Green just inside the Scottish Borders, north of Carlisle, the traditionally romantic place for people to elope to and marry at the Blacksmith's Forge. An industry of romantic breaks has built up in the area. The Scottish Borders are a good location for a self-catering holiday if you enjoy walking in the countryside. The Galloway Forest Park and the Lake District lie north and south of Carlisle, the Northumberland National Park to the east, all excellent destinations for walking holidays.
Scotland is the perfect destination for anyone who adores nature and countryside. It's cities offer a close-up encounter with the Scots and their culture and anyone who really knows will tell you that Scotland is amazing. Rent a self catering holiday cottage in Scotland and create your own Scottish experience and memories.
