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SCOTLAND

INTRO
THINGS TO DO
TOP FESTIVALS
TOP MUSEUMS
Food & Drinks
WHAT TO PACK
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TRAVEL IN SCOTLAND

Famously friendly, often wet and always lively, Scotland has given the world many things: single malt whisky, Sherlock Holmes and the game of golf to name but a few. Here you'll find impressive fortifications like Stirling Castle and Eilean Donan, awe-inspiring landscapes like Loch Lomond and Glen Coe, stunning religious buildings like Glasgow Cathedral and Melrose Abbey and ancient archaeological sites like Skara Brae. Add to that beautiful, cosmopolitan cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, throw in a pinch of Europe's most spirited nightlife, and you start to see what makes Scotland travel such a compelling experience for so many people.
Fast Facts
Language: English
Currency: Pound Sterling
Electricity: 240v
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa for Scotland.
Dialing Code: +44
Time Zone: (GMT)
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From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.

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THINGS TO DO IN SCOTLAND

From ancient architecture to jagged mountains and mythical monsters, Scotland has a host of attractions to offer visitors. Here's our run down of the top 5 attractions in Scotland.

EXPLORE EDINBURGH

Built around the stunning centrepiece of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's ancient capital is one of the world's most picturesque cities, and you're never far from a vista that will stop you in your tracks. Hit the shops at Princes Street and check out Holyrood Palace, then visit the world famous Botanical Gardens and hike to the top of Arthur's Seat for impressive views of the city and the Pentland Firth.

See all trips that visit Edinburgh

TOUR THE ISLE OF SKYE AND HIKE THE CUILLINS

Scotland is a land of incredible natural beauty, but perhaps nowhere will take your breath away quite like the Isle of Skye. Take a scenic drive around its stunning coastline, hike in the jagged and spectacular Cuillin hills and visit the charming fishing village of Portree, famed for its colourful houses and its warm welcome.

FOLLOW THE FAMOUS MALT WHISKY TRAIL

Known in the Gaelic as uisge beatha, or 'water of life', Scotland's most famous export is known and enthusiastically consumed around the world. The Speyside region is one of the country's chief producers, and the well beaten Malt Whisky Trail leads you to some of its most famous distilleries, including Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet, with stunning scenery along the way.

HUNT FOR MONSTERS AT LOCH NESS

Long, deep and oh-so-mysterious, Loch Ness is one of the biggest Scotland attractions. Circle its scenic, forested perimeter, keeping a close eye out for its most famous (and notoriously camera-shy) resident, then stop for lunch and a thirst-quenching Scottish ale at the Dores Inn, a shore-side location with the best backdrop for that essential Loch Ness selfie.

VISIT FORT WILLIAM AND CLIMB BEN NEVIS

Overlooking the picturesque town of Fort William and the Inner Hebrides, 1344m Ben Nevis is comfortably the UK's highest peak. Thanks to a multitude of climbs of differing grades it's a Mecca for mountaineers, but various unchallenging routes allow less experienced hikers to reach the summit with relative ease. Come here on a clear day and you can see all the way to Northern Ireland!
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN SCOTLAND

Scotland is home to a big range of festivals taking place throughout the year, so whether you're looking for culture or cutting-edge dance music you'll find something to please. Read on for our pick of the top 5 Scottish festivals.

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

The world famous Edinburgh Festival is actually a collection of individual events taking place for the whole month of August - during which the city's population doubles! The Festival sees the Scottish capital into a world hub for performers of dance, music, comedy and street theatre. A unique atmosphere, and a real must-do.

For more information on the Edinburgh Festival, click here.

TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL, BELLADRUM

Held in the stunning Belladrum estate in the Scottish Highlands near Inverness, this annual festival is host to an excellent blend of Scottish and international artists, with the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, The Proclaimers and King Creosote treading the boards.

For more information on the Tartan Heart Festival, click here.

T IN THE PARK, STRATHALLAN

T in the Park is Scotland's major music festival, a hedonistic hoedown held annually at Strathallan Castle in the beautiful Perthshire countryside each July. It attracts some proper pop and rock heavyweights, so join the gleeful Caledonian throng and getting ready to singalong to Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Mumford and Sons and the like. Och aye!

For more information on the T in the Park, click here.

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY, FAIRLIE

The stunning grounds of colourfully painted 13th century Kelburn Castle are the setting for this delightfully eccentric festival, held annually in June. Expect an excellent lineup of music, theatre, art installations and more, and all without a corporate sponsor in sight.

For more information on the Kelburn Garden Party, click here.

CELTIC CONNECTIONS, GLASGOW

Held annually in January, this celebration of Celtic music is one of the biggest Glasgow festivals. It takes place over a 2-week period at a number of venues around the city, featuring hundreds of traditional Scottish and international folk music performances, workshops, talks and ceilidhs.

For more information on Celtic Connections, click here.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN SCOTLAND

Looking at the line-up of museums in Scotland makes one thing abundantly clear: this city is overflowing with artworks and inspiration. Read on for our pick of the country's cultural offerings.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND, EDINBURGH

Explore the art, design, science, technology and Scottish history, all in one building in Edinburgh. Over 40 galleries of this museum contain items from all over Scotland and beyond, including the taxidermy remains of Dolly the Sheep, Viking brooches, ancient chessmen and Queen Mary's clarsach.

MUSEUM OF EDINBURGH

The museum located in Huntly House focuses on the history of the city and the crafts and industries for which it became so well-known. In exploring the Museum’s maze of 16th century buildings, you will see iconic items, beautiful objects and learn fascinating facts and gruesome tales. The entry is free, by the way!

SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY, EDINBURGH

As one of Scotand’s top free tourist attraction, this museum houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art from the early Renaissance to the end of the nineteenth century. Spend some time strolling around this peaceful setting and you’ll find masterpieces from Raphael, Velázquez and Vermeer to Monet, Cézanne and Van Gogh.

HUNTERIAN MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY, GLASGOW

The Hunterian at the University of Glasgow is one of the world's leading university museums and galleries and one of Scotland's greatest cultural assets. Located in Glasgow's west end, The Hunterian first opened in 1807, making it Scotland's oldest public museum. Stroll through its galleries to find some world’s treasures including the first-ever ultrasound machine and extensive collections of European and Scottish art.

KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM, GLASGOW

Situated beside Glasgow's beautiful Kelvingrove Park, this museum and art gallery is home to one of the finest art collections in Europe. Among its treasures you'll find everything from ancient armour and weapons to French Impressionist masterpieces. Even better, entry is free!

For more information on the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, click here.
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FOOD IN SCOTLAND

Ok, so it's true: Scotland has been known to batter the occasional Mars Bar, and the odd slice of pizza may have found its way into the deep fryer. But despite these culinary aberrations, Scottish cuisine increasingly fails to live up to its artery-clogging stereotypes. Just look at the country's larder: wonderful free-range meats, incredible seafood and the choicest of freshwater fish, as well as traditional cheeses like Caboc and Crowdie, the perfect accompaniment to Scottish oatcakes and counterpoint to a powerful single malt whisky. Add to that a thriving modern dining scene with a glut of young Michelin starred chefs and you can see that Scottish food is a worthy part of any good Scotland travel 2015 adventure.

HAGGIS

Scotland's famed national dish is traditionally made from sheep's stomach stuffed with onions, oatmeal and various unmentionable meat products, but don't let that put you off. Served with neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes), it's truly delicious and a Scotland food must-try.


 Best eaten at - Arcade Bar, Haggis & Whisky House, 48 Cockburn St, Old Town, Edinburgh

CULLEN SKINK

This hearty, creamy soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions is the country's favourite, and a common staple of restaurants in Scotland. Grab some crusty bread and get stuck in!


 Best eaten at - Babbity Bowster, 16-18 Blackfriars St, Glasgow

ARBROATH SMOKIE

Hailing from the town of Arbroath, this delicious preserved fish is a towering figure in the world of Scottish food. A salted, dried and smoked haddock, it's a Scotland travel 2016 must-try.


 Best eaten at - Iain Spink’s Original Smokies, Forehills Farmhouse, Carmyllie, By Arbroath

CRANACHAN

This indulgent traditional dessert contains raspberries, whipped cream, oatmeal, honey and - naturally - whisky. A further glass of the Scottish national spirit will help wash it down a treat.


 Best eaten at - The Old School Restaurant, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye

FISH SUPPER

Such is the name given to fish & chips in Scotland, and it's extremely popular here. Order it in Edinburgh and they'll offer you 'salt & sauce', not salt & vinegar - the sauce is a delicious blend of brown sauce and vinegar that everyone should try!


 Best eaten at - Marchmont Takeaway, 98 Marchmont Rd, Edinburgh
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WHAT TO PACK?

what-to-pack
Mosquito repellent - The Scottish midge is the stuff of legend. It's particularly prevalent in northwestern parts of the country, so don't be caught out without bug spray!

A raincoat and umbrella - The weather in Scotland is notoriously changeable and often dreich (cold and damp) so be prepared for wind, cold and rain no matter what time of year you visit!

An adapter plug and transformer - You'll need an adapter for Scotland's UK-style 3-pin plug sockets. The power here is 240V, so appliances running on 110V will require a step-down transformer if they're to keep from going 'BANG!'

Comfortable walking shoes - Whether you're pounding the streets of Edinburgh, climbing Arthur's Seat or exploring the Cairngorms National Park, sensible footwear is a must here.

Alka Seltzer - From the Glasgow club scene to the Edinburgh bars, opportunities for drinking the local firewater are never far away in Scotland. It's a killer combination, so prepare for a hangover or two.

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