Scotland: A piece of heaven

Scotland, a part of the British Isles is an enchanting and enticing 'piece' of heaven on earth. Soaib Grewal takes you there.

Scotland is a land of mystery, tranquillity and beauty. It fills you with a certain sense of adventure. Memories of this glorious land still fill me with joy and never ending bliss. My visit to Scotland was one of the best vacations ever. Given a chance, I would go there again and again. Scotland has a very strong ethnic feeling. Scots are proud of their past full of clans, wars and all other jolly good things. The people of Scotland are mostly descendents of Scots, Picts and Celts. They have an individual identity that they like to keep. Scots for that matter are quite different from the English.

Brief Geography
Scotland ranges from rugged mountain terrain to rolling meadows. It mainly comprises the Highlands and Inlands. The Highlands in my view have some of the world’s most beautiful hills and mountains. Scotland is ‘very green’ There are lush green fields and trees all over.

Our Trip
I decided to go to Scotland by road as I was told that the way by road was beautiful. And trust me it was immensely beautiful. It did get tiring but it was worth the effort.

I began my trip from London in the heart of England. My first stop was to be Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The way to Edinburgh was simply beautiful.

Traveller’s tip: Stop at the services when on the road. These rest areas have everything a traveller would need like food stores, restaurants, the works….

Edinburgh
Time taken from London – 6-7 hours with occasional stops.

Edinburgh is a boiling pot of cultures. People of so many different communities reside in this bustling metropolis. This town is modern in all ways and perspectives, but has such strong ethnic values. Here you find huge multi-story department stores selling clothes of the latest fashions and most well known brands, and next to it are antique stores and stores stocking traditional items. Edinburgh has a lot to see and so do try to stay here for more than a day. Edinburgh is dotted with huge multi-storey buildings. These have incidentally been constructed in the 18th-19th centuries. The buildings were made so due to the lack of space.

The most famous attraction has to be the Edinburgh castle. This castle is situated on a hillock which can be seen from anywhere in the city. The castle is the oldest in the entire Scotland. The castle houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, and the One O' Clock Gun. The castle now hosts a war museum. Another great place to go would be St. Giles Cathedral. It has been beautifully made in pure Gothic style.

Edinburgh also boasts of the royal Scottish museum. The museum hosts ‘Dolly -- the sheep’, which is the first animal to be successfully cloned. I came across a peculiar kind of museum in Edinburgh, called the ‘Childhood Museum’. This museum had anything and everything to do with children and childhood. If you are an art lover then you’ll definitely adore the Queen’s gallery.

Where to eat: You’ll find many types of eateries in Edinburgh ranging from cafes to posh restaurants.

Traveller’s tip: Buy a ticket on any of the tour buses in Edinburgh. These buses are a great way to explore the city as well as a great way for travelling as the tickets can be used multiple times.

Aberdeen
Time taken from Edinburgh: 2-3 hours.

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city. The scenery near Aberdeen is one of the most stunning in Scotland. This city is a centre for art; the Aberdeen Art Gallery has very good masterpieces of 19th century art. It also holds exhibitions on a regular basis. If you enjoy flora then do visit Duthie Park—the Europe’s largest indoor garden; it has a wide variety of plants. The maritime museum emphasizes Aberdeen’s intimate connection with the sea.

Nature lovers will find heaven in the areas surrounding Aberdeen. You can, visit one of the many Distilleries nearby to get an inside look into how the world’s finest Scotches are made.

Where to eat: Aberdeen has something for everyone. But I do recommend going to ‘The Lemon Tree’; it’s a restaurant as well as a centre for arts. It has live performances daily.

Where to shop: Union Street is the place for shopping addicts. It has over 800 shops, where you can shop till you drop.

Traveller’s Tip: Buy a map if you are travelling by road. Plan the route you are going to take before hand because many roads lead to the same place, so choose the one which best suits you.

Inverness

Time taken from Aberdeen: 1 hour

Inverness is the capital of the Highlands. It’s situated on the beautiful River Ness. A few miles away from Inverness is the world famous Loch Ness. Loch Ness has long been associated with the mysterious Loch Ness monster. The myth has become a Scottish trademark legend. Scientists have not yet found evidence to weather the monster is real or a hoax. While you explore the Loch you should consider visiting ‘The Loch Ness 2000 Expo’. It’s a quaint centre, where you can learn the history of the monster as well as much about the Loch. That the Monster real or not it is up to you to decide. Loch Ness is a beautiful natural getaway. One can really bond with nature here. Overlooking Loch is Urquhart castle. It is one of the largest castles in Scotland. Travellers Tip: Carry along snacks while travelling by road because there are long stretches without amenities, especially in the suburban parts of Scotland.

Mallaig and Stirling Inverness was my last major stop. I departed for London via Mallaig and Sterling. On the way I witnessed true Highland beauty. Glorious snow clad mountains towering over the roads. Mallaig is a beautiful seaside town. The beautiful sea follows you all the way. Those who wish to venture out to The Hebrides or the Isle of Skye can take a ferry from here. Stirling was my last stop in Scotland. It is the Heritage capital of Scotland. Many great wars were fought here. The best place to visit is the magnificent castle. The castle is situated on a cliff top; the view is breath taking. It is the birthplace of many great Stewart rulers including Mary, the Queen of Scots. You can also see the Wallace monument, made in tribute to the Scottish war hero William Wallace, with whose help the Scots defeated the English in 1297 B.C.

In the wise words of Jules Renard-“On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of It.” Scotland is definitely ‘a piece’.

Travelers Info
Climate-Scotland’s climate varies from place to place. But it is generally on the cold side. Scotland like the rest of the British Isles is prone to rain showers. So carry warm clothes as well as a waterproof jacket.

Must buy-
Shortbread, its heaven.

Scotch Whiskey is on top of the list. Scotland is famous for it.

Fudge made in Scotland is some of the best in the world.

Plaid, buy anything in Plaid especially scarves in tartan patterns.

Trivia
Scots are known for their native rustic humour and craze for alcohol the world over. Here are some select quips:

Scottish proverb - "Never drink whisky with water and never drink water without whisky".

"Alcohol is your trouble," said the judge to the drunk Scot. "Alcohol alone is responsible for your present predicament." The Scot looked pleased as he said "Thank you, judge. Everyone else says it's my fault!"

Dr MacGregor checked over his patient and said with a puzzled frown. "I can't really tell what the trouble is. I think it must be due to drink." Mark said, understandingly "Ach, that's all right doctor. I'll come back when you're sober."

"The Scots do not drink... During the whole of two or three pleasant weeks spent lecturing in Scotland, I never on any occasions saw whisky made use of as a beverage. I have seen people take it, of course, as a medicine, or as a precaution, or as a wise offset against a rather treacherous climate; but as a beverage, never." Stephen Leacock.

Callum decided to call his father-in-law the "Exorcist" because every time he came to visit, he made the spirits disappear.