Scotland: sights

Regions and landscapes

Lowlands
The Lowlands is the rolling, rolling lowland south of the big cities, which consists of Ayrshire, Dunfries, Galloway and the Borders. In these regions offer the visitor many historical sights and opportunities for active holidays. "Lowlands" is a somewhat misleading name, because the so-called "lowlands" includes mountains of up to 700 meters altitude. The beautiful landscape of Victorian country houses, convent ruins, castles and green valleys has been praised by the Scottish poets and is today neglected by the country’s visitors in the wrong for the Highlands.

Central Scotland
Central Scotland lies between the southern hill country and the Highlands in the north. Also the Central Belt with the metropolises Edinburgh and Glasgow lies in this region, a fertile lowland with occasional hill ranges. The regions of central Scotland are Stirling and its surroundings, the peninsula Fife, Angus and Dundee. Highly recommended is the historic center of the old imperial city of Stirling, which consists almost entirely of buildings from the 16th – 18th centuries. But East Neuk, the easternmost tip of the island of Fife, also attracts with its fishing ports, beaches and cliffs. Along the coast of Angus there are more port and tourist resorts and the castle ruins of Dunnottar Castle. In the hinterland is Pictavia; here are the legendary Piktensteine ​​of St. Vigean’s, Meigle and Aberlemno.

Highlands
The Highlands are characterized above all by strong scenic contrasts. It includes mighty mountain ranges, southern bays, beautifully situated inland lakes, estuaries, castle ruins and magnificent castles. In the Highlands are also the cities of Aberdeen, Perth, Invergordon and Inverness and several tourist centers such as Fort William and Pitlochry.

The country is very sparsely populated and the inhabitants extremely hospitable and helpful. Impressive is a trip to the peaks of the Gairngorm massif, where there are many rare animal and plant species. Blair Castle with its bagpipe players and soldiers is one of the great Scottish castles. The mysterious highland Loch Ness is a must for every visitor, just as beautiful is the picturesque Loch Assynt in the northwest and the famous Inverewe Gardens are an outstanding plant paradise. One can undertake a scenic tour of Speyside to the distilleries of the Whiskey Trail or Scotland’s most beautiful scenic road, the "Road to the Isles", Drive from Fort William to Mallaig. The peninsulas Moidart and Ardnamurchan captivate through wild, lonely mountain landscapes.

Auction in Lairg
Once a year, a huge auction of animals takes place in the village of Lairg in the northern Highlands. For this purpose, about 15,000 sheep are brought from their breeders and nan only one day auctioned. This auction is a huge festival that is visited by numerous spectators. In total, around 6.7 million sheep live in Scotland

Scottish Islands
Belong to the Scottish islands the Orkney Islands, the Shetland Islands and the Outer and Inner Hebrides. For details, see above under: Islands

Region around the Glencoeschlucht
In the region around the Glencoane gorge in the Scottish Highlands, which is one of the most beautiful regions in Scotland, a massacre of the members of the MacDonald clan took place in 1692. The clan chief and 37 men, women and children were killed, while about 200 residents managed to escape to the mountains. The deed raised much less indignation in Scotland over the assassination of many, but rather because the Campbell clansmen were guests to the Mac Donalds for several weeks.

The political background of the act was that after the rebellion of the Scots in support of the deposed King James II the English King William III. was anxious to ensure that the Scots would not rebel again. All Scottish clan leaders were therefore promised an amnesty as soon as they met William III. until 1 January 1692 sworn allegiance; otherwise they would be considered traitors. Alexander MacDonald of Glencoe, the clan chief of the Mac Donalds, had not made the oath of allegiance until that date. Thereupon the order came to his and the clan members assassination.

Royal Deeside
The beautiful valley of the river Dee inspired the queen from the nearby castle Balmoral to make one of her summer residences. A detour through the valley leads past salmon-rich rivers through the royal town of Ballater and partly into the Grampian Hills. A visit to Crathes Castle and Gardens, the seat of the royal foresters, is highly recommended.

Some cities in Scotland

Edinburgh
For details see above under UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Paisley
The small university town of Paisley has become famous for the tie pattern named after her. Paisley is only 8 miles from Glasgow and has its own university since 1992, which now has 10,000 students enrolled.

Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands with about 130,000 inhabitants. Inverness is known as the fastest growing European city: It was not until 2000 that the Queen granted her city status. Tourism in the Scottish Highlands is an important pillar of the city’s economy, which has declared itself the capital of the Highlands. Especially worth seeing is the Inverness Castle, a castle that was built in 1847. The river Ness flows through the city and you can make a trip to the Ness Islands.

Perth
The city of Perth is located on the banks of the River Tay. From the 12th century Perth was the capital of Scotland, with the important Scone Palace very close by. There are several interesting museums in Perth, including the one "Perth Museum & Art Gallery". St. John’s Kirk is one of the oldest buildings in the city and was built in the middle of the 12th century. You can make excellent bike rides along the river and climb Kinnoul Hill, which offers a magnificent view of the picturesque landscape.

East Kilbride
East Kilbride is located in South Lanarkshire, 15 km from Glasgow. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city had only 900 inhabitants. However, due to its proximity to the industrial metropolis of Glasgow, it has become a commuter city, home to around 80,000 people. Since the city as such only looks back on a 100-year history, it has hardly any historical buildings. She is from "The Town Center", Scotland’s largest shopping center.

Greenock
Greenock is located in the Inverclyde district on the banks of the Clyde River in western Scotland. Greenock was a major shipbuilding site and had several large shipyards. In addition, there were sugar refineries in the area from 1850, the last of which ceased operations in 1997. Greenock has a beautiful promenade, called Esplanade, which has a beautiful view of the countryside north of the Clyde. There are two beautifully located golf courses near the city center.

Ayr
The small town of Ayr is a bustling market and seaside resort and is the capital of the coastal Ayrshire on the Firth of Clyde in southwest Scotland. The city has one of the most important ports in the region due to its convenient location. There is also a famous racecourse in Ayr, where the Scottish Grand National and the Ayr Gold Cup are held.

Stirling
Stirling is located about 45 km northeast of Glasgow, right at the beginning of the Highlands. In the surroundings of this once strategically important place are a total of 15 Battlegrounds. The Castle of Stirling, which stands above the city on a volcanic rock, is the largest castle in Scotland and was long used by the Stuarts as a residence. South of the castle is the 1270 built Church of the Holy Rood, in which Mary Stuart was crowned Queen of Scotland at the age of nine months. Another worth seeing building is the townhouse built by William Alexander Argyll’s Lodging, one of the best preserved Renaissance buildings in Scotland. The cultural center Tolbooth was built between 1703 and 1706 as a court, town hall and prison. In the course of the renovation, modern architecture and historic buildings were successfully combined. This is in the northeast of Stirling Wallace Monument: a widely visible, quadrangular tower designed to commemorate the victor of the battle against the British invaders.

Gretna Green
The marriage laws of Scotland were and are, compared to those of England and most European countries, liberal, and thus since 1754 generations of those willing to marry have benefited from the possible here "Runaway Marriages". Thus, the marriage age is also without consent of the parents at 16 years. In 1967, z. For example, former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, his first wife in Gretna Green. In the town there is a museum that shows the history of marriages – accompanied by many documents and sculptural figures – also in German. A special exhibit is the anvil of the village smithy in front of or on which the willing to marry took their marriage vows and do so now and then.
The place is located in the south of Scotland just before the "border" to England and can be reached from the M74 motorway from Glasgow to the south.

Glasgow
Since Glasgow became European Capital of Culture in 1990, both its outward appearance and its cultural offer have changed very much for the better. Having been primarily known as an industrial city in recent decades, Glasgow has now developed into a vibrant scene for live art, as well as performing and fine arts, which is gaining more and more recognition both nationally and internationally. Tourist highlights of the city include the medieval Glasgow Cathedral and the Burrel Collection. A detailed description of the city can be found at Glasgow.

Aberdeen
The port city of Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland and is mainly known for its oil industry and its fish trade. There is the largest fish market in Scotland. Also worth seeing are the beautiful main building of King’s College, founded in 1495, the city’s first university, and St. Andrews Cathedral, which is the mother church of the American Episcopalians.

Dundee
Dundee is the fourth largest city in Scotland and is located on the River Tay. Throughout its history, the city has been devastated and looted by the English many times, leaving little to see in its history today. Dundee is a modern city with a charming promenade along the river. The city’s attractions include Dudhope Castle, a 16th-century castle, and the old cemetery "The Howff", which was created by a decree of Mary Stuart.

Special buildings

Edinburgh Parliament House
Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-225 2595
The Parliament building was built in the 17th century. Until the year 1707 and the Union of England and Scotland, the Scottish Parliament met in this building in the Old Town. Attractions inside are the great hall, which is still used by lawyers, numerous valuable paintings and the extensive Signet library.

National Library of Scotland
George IV. Bridge
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-623 3700
Fax 0044- (0) 131-623 3701
Website: www.nls.uk
The National Library is a true treasure trove for all Scotland lovers: here, visitors can find out all about the history, culture and science of Scotland, in millions of books, manuscripts, maps and plans that can be used here on the most diverse topics by the public.

Piping Center
30 – 34 McPhater Street
The Piping Center is a museum, a school, a venue and a shop in one. Everything revolves around the bagpipe.

Provands Lordship
3 Castle Street
This is the oldest house in the city, whose interior dates back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Galsgow Herald Building, today: The Lighthouse
Mitchell Street
Part of Glasgow Herald’s former newspaper building has become a modern visitor center for architecture and design, "The Lighthouse", rebuilt.

Martyrs’ School
Parson Street, G4 0PX
Tel. 0044- (0) 141-271 8301
This hidden architectural jewel is one of Glasgow’s oldest buildings and was built by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The red sandstone building is characterized externally by the balance between wall and window area, large parts of the interior are open to the public. Here you can admire the fine tile work and the spectacular roof scaffolding.

Clyde Auditorium
Queen’s dock
Postal address and tickets:
SECC
G3 8YW
Tel. 0044- (0) 141-248 3000
Fax 0044- (0) 141-226 3423
E-mail: [email protected]
On the north shore stands the most famous of the newly created, futuristic buildings of Clydeside. The Clyde Auditorium was designed by Sir Norman Foster. Because of its similarity to a huge steel armadillo it will too "Armadillo" is called. The concert hall was often compared to the Sydney Opera House, although Norman Foster did not build it with this intention. The Clyde Auditorium has quickly become one of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings and a city landmark.

Barrowland Ballroom
Gallowgate
Tel. 0044- (0) 141-5524601
Meanwhile somewhat run-down institution for rock and pop concerts.

Glasgow Tower
This tower on the River Clyde is the tallest freely rotating building in the world. Unfortunately, however, the foundation was built on sandy ground and now threatens to sink slowly but surely.

The Lighthouse
This center for architecture and design houses frequently changing exhibitions, the Mackintosh Center, which is equipped with a lot of interactive technology, and the Mackintosh Panorama Tower. The Lighthaus is a stunning synthesis of the Mackintosh-designed Glasgow Herald building and a modern glass construction of Page & park.

Waverley Station
Tel. 0845-7484950
The Waverley Station is the main train station of Edinburgh and is located on Princes Street in a narrow ditch between the Old Town and the New Town. It was built in 1846 and is set among factory-glass-like glass roofs. The award-winning shopping center is right next to the underground station, as there is a legal building ban in this area of ​​the city. From the east, long-distance trains from England travel along the East Coast Main Line and commuter trains from Newcraighall and North Berwick to Waverley Station. From the west, the trains come via the West Coast Main Line and just about all traffic from all parts of Scotland.

Glasgow School of Art
The Glasgow School of Art was built between 1897 and 1909 by the well-known Glasgow designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The architecture of the building is highly controversial. Depending on the lectures, guided tours are possible there.

Bridges and lighthouse

Forth Rail Bridge
This railway bridge crosses the Firth of Forth and connects Edinburgh with the Fife peninsula. The bridge is the main link between the Scottish Lowlands and the Highlands. At the southern end of the bridge is South, north to North Queensferry. After seven years of construction, the Forth Rail Bridge was officially opened in 1890. It consists of three 110 m high diamond-shaped truss girders, to which the four smaller viaducts connect. It is about 2.5 km long and directs the train traffic about 50 meters above the water, so that the shipping traffic can continue to drive unhindered. At the time of its opening, the bridge was the largest in the world. To date, is considered one of the most stable bridges ever.

Forth Road Bridge
The highway bridge over the Firth of Forth was built between 1958 and 1964 and is located as well as the Forth Rail Bridge between South and North Quensferry. The bridge consists of just under 47,000 tons of steel, if you count the approximately 50,000 km of wire rope, on which the 2.5 km long bridge is hung. Before the bridge was opened, the ferries had to transport more than 600,000 cars and 200,000 trucks a year.
Since April 2001, the Forth Road Bridge is a listed building.

Bridge over the Atlantic
The Bridge over the Atlantic connects in a high triangle arch the island rope with the mainland. It is probably the most photographed bridge in Scotland: In early summer, the gray walls are covered all over with purple flowering alpine plants.

Lighthouse Sgeir Bhuidhe
Near the dreamy pier in Port Appin in the southwestern Highlands is the lighthouse Sgeir Bhuidhe, who even made it to the BBC news: protesters against an imminent demolition painted him in 2001 with pink and yellow-colored swabs, meanwhile he was whitewashed and received in the October 2005, a yellow coat of pink swabs overnight.

Castles and palaces

Scone Palace
It is said about Scone Palace that it reflects the history of Scotland like no other place. Already 1,500 years ago, Scone was the capital of a Pictish royalty and a major seat of the Old Celtic Church. In past centuries it was the home of parliaments and the coronation of the Scottish kings. The last king crowned here was Charles II in 1652. It housed a replica of the Stone of Destiny and Shakespeare made it immortal in his drama MacBeth.

Scone Castle sits high above the River Tay in the Highlands near Perth. The castle complex fascinates with various sights such as the abbey and the gardens, the maze, the library, the ambassador’s room, the octagon and the Lennox room. The castle has been owned by the Counts of Mansfield for some 400 years. The castle includes about 133 km 2 of land, of which 20 km 2 forest. Parts of the castle are inhabited by the Mansfields, the remaining parts are open to the public. It should be mentioned that David Douglas (1799-1834), after whom the Douglas Fir got its name, lived and worked here.
Perth
Scotland
PH2 6BD
Tel. 0044- (0) 1738-552300
E-mail: [email protected]

Craigievar Castle
Craigievar Castle in the hinterland of Deeside is perhaps the most famous Dee-Castle and is considered the highlight and archetype of the Baronial style. The growths of the crown of turrets and battlements is separated from the trunk by a multi-tiered frieze. The building, which delights in the interior with the Renaissance apartments distributed over five floors, is located in a park open to visitors all year round.

Kildrummy Castle
Kildrummy Castle is known as the noblest ruin in Scotland. It was built by Norman barons in the 13th century, modeled on the French Chateau de Coucy, and besieged and stormed several times during its history. The Kildrummy Castle Gardens are romantically overgrown, the small streets of the area lead through wide valleys and field landscapes. Nearby is Corgarff Castle, a 16th century towerhouse with Georgian barracks and a star-shaped artillery wall from the occupation after the Jacobite riots.

Blair Castle
The white-plastered, battlements are located in the central Highlands near Perthshire. It was built in the Scottish Baronial style between the 15th and 19th century and is now owned by the 11th Duke of Atholle. Probably every Scotland traveler will visit Blair Castle for a good reason; The property has been renovated with a lot of money and taste and attached to it a restaurant and shop complex. The rooms inside the castle are representative and partly decorated with stucco ceilings, and all kinds of curiosities are on display. Blair Castle is set in a spacious park that offers plenty of family fun for the whole day. There is a baroque garden, peacocks, an adventure playground, deer enclosure, pony rides and of course hiking trails through the old trees.

Culzean Castle
In the southwestern lowlands of Ayrshire, this castle is one of Scotland’s most visited attractions. The castle was designed by architect Robert Adam: between 1780 and 1800, he transformed the old Tower House of the Earl of Cassilis into a magnificent neo-gothic building. It towers over the cliffs of the west coast and fascinates in its interior with room suites with Adam mirrors, stucco ceilings, the oval staircase and the weightless salon with sea views. The National Trust has renovated the castle, the Adam Viaduct and the landscaped park with great effort.
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-2439300
www.nts.org.uk

Dunnottar Castle
Perched on a cliff above the sea, 2.5 km from Aberdeen, are the ruins of the castle, protected on three sides by the water and on the landward side by a cleft. The keep is very well preserved and the remains of the palace and the chapels give a good idea of ​​the former size of the castle.

Drumlanrig Castle
This late Renaissance courtyard was built to plans by Sir William Bruce. Here lived the Dukes of Queensberry and later Buccleuch. The red sandstone castle with Douglas fortress sits enthroned above the gardens of a country park and contains a collection of paintings that is second to none.

Caerlaverock Castle
Some consider this castle ruin to be perhaps the most beautiful in Scotland. It is surrounded by a moat and was built in the 14th century on a nearly triangular ground plan. It is located in the southwestern lowlands near Dumfries.

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh’s Old Town on Castlehill is the city’s landmark. Legend has it that the Picts built a castle here in the fifth century. Edinburgh Castle has been superbly preserved and has been permanently inhabited for over 1,000 years. For many years it was used as the residence of kings. The castle dominates the image of the city center, and the silhouette of the castle rises high above the houses. The Military Tattoo takes place every summer on the Esplanade Square and in the Half Moon Battery a cannon is fired every working day at 1pm. Other attractions include the bronze statues of national heroes Robert I the Bruce and William Wallace, the Water Tower, the Scottish National War Monument, the Royal Palace with the Kronsaal, the casemates with the Moon Meg Cannon and the 1090 built St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Castle Hill
Edinburgh
EH1 2NG
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-668 8800

Palace of Holyroodhouse
This palace is the official residence of the Queen in Scotland. The spectacular background is the mountain Arthur’s Seat. The interior of the palace witnessed many significant events in Scotland’s vibrant history and even the most dramatic episodes, such as that of Scottish Queen Mary’s secretary, Rizzio, who was murdered.
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate
Royal Mile,
Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-556 5100
opening hours
Daily from 09:00 to 18:00
Closed from 19 June to 8 July
Email: [email protected]
www.royalcollection.org.uk

Urquhart Castle
This old castle is located on a small headland on Loch Ness. The castle is uninhabited and in a very well preserved condition. The beginnings of the castle date back to the 6th century. Noteworthy is the architecturally very sophisticated information center with souvenir shop, bookstore, café and toilets. In front of the castle, which used to serve as a fortified castle, is a slingshot, with which 14 kg heavy stones could be fired about 140 m wide and quite accurately. From the tower of the Castles you have a fantastic view over Loch Ness.

Culzean Castle
The Culzean Castle is romantically located on a rocky shoreline amidst a large park, which was opened in 1969 as the first public country park in Scotland. The castle itself was built between 1777 and 1792 by the Scottish architect Robert Adam and is particularly appealing through its attention to detail and its excellent coordinated interior decor.

Museums

Museum of Edinburgh
This old building from 1570 impresses without the exhibition inside. Many of the exhibits date back to the Romans, and here is the "National Covenant" and you can have a look at the collar and bowl of the famous dog Greyfriar’s Bobby.
Huntly House, 142-146 Canongate
Edinburgh, EH8
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-529 4143

Museum of Scotland
This museum, one of the most famous in the country, is located in the Old Town of Edinburgh. It includes historic Scottish artifacts, fossils, jewels, geological exhibits and much more. Bensin and Forsyth designed the museum, which opened in 1998 and also houses many exhibits previously exhibited in the Portrait Gallery.
Chambers Street
Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-247 4422

Royal Museum
Next to the Museum of Scotland is this impressive atrium with tall Victorian galleries. The museum is full of interesting exhibits from various fields such as geology, anthropology, taxonomy and Chinese art. There are also the world’s oldest steam engine, giant whale skeletons, fossils and industrial artifacts. Furthermore, the visitor can see many stuffed animals in glass showcases, including the sheep Dolly, the world’s first mammal produced by a cloning process.
Chambers Street
Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-225 7534
Mon, Wed – Sat: 10am – 5pm, Tue: 10am – 10am, Sun: 12am – 5pm

Edinburgh Museum of Fire
One of Edinburgh’s most remarkable museums is housed in this Victorian-style red sandstone building. The detailed exhibition vividly tells the story of Britain’s oldest fire department. Exhibits include historic uniforms, steam engines, fire equipment and machinery, some of which are more than 200 years old.
Lauriston Place
Edinburgh, EH3 9DE
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-228 2401

John Knox House Museum
It is believed that the church reformer John Knox died in 1572 in this house, which now houses a museum that provides detailed information about the Scottish Reformation. The building is one of Edinburgh’s oldest homes and was built in 1450. Also interesting is the audio reenactment of a debate that John Knox is said to have led Mary, Queen of the Scots.
43 High Street
Edinburgh, EH1 1SR
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-556 9579

Museum of Childhood
Founded in 1955 by City Councilor Patrick Murray, this museum was the first of its kind. It is divided into many small rooms displaying toys such as dollhouses, circuses, model trains and other accessories. Not only for children, a visit to this interesting and lovingly designed museum is recommended. In addition, mostly temporary exhibitions are offered and there is an attractive souvenir shop.
42 High Street
Edinburgh, EH1
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-529 4142
Mo – Sa: 10am – 5pm, Sun: 12am – 5pm

Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Works by Scottish artists from the 16th century to the present day are exhibited here and tell the story of the land through the depicted faces: kings and rebels, poets, philosophers, heroes and villains are shown here; There are also works by major European artists such as Matisse, Picasso and Dalí.
Queen Street
Edinburgh, EH2 1JD
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-624 6200
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nationalgalleries.org
Daily 10am – 5pm

Edinburgh Dungeon
For more insensitive minds, the vaults offer plenty of interesting facts: the visitor is introduced here to the sinister and brutal aspects of Dublin and Ireland’s history.
31 Market Street
Edinburgh, EH1 1QB
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-240 1000
Email: [email protected]
www.thedungeons.com

Edinburgh National Gallery of Modern Art
In 1984, this art gallery was opened and is one of the most important in the city. Highlights include watercolor paintings by Rennie Mackintosh and works by numerous world-famous artists such as Bonnard, Kirchner, Magritte, Matisse, Miro, Picasso and Vuillard.
Belford Road
Edinburgh, EH4 3DR
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-624 6200

Royal Scottish Art Academy
Next to the National Gallery, this art academy is housed in a neoclassical building from the early 19th century.
The Mound
Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-558 7097

Scottish Art Gallery
The oldest commercial gallery in Scotland was founded in 1842 and exhibits excellent contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics and gemstones.
16 Dundas Street
Edinburgh, EH3 6HZ
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-558 1200

Edinburgh Art Gallery
This gallery is one of the city’s most famous and is housed in an attractive Georgian house in New Town. A large selection of oil paintings are exhibited here, as well as contemporary art, often works by leading Scottish artists.
18a Dundas Street
Edinburgh, EH3 6HZ
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-557 5227

Burrel Collection
The Burrel Collection in Glasgow was assembled by the shipowner William Burrell (1861 – 1958) and housed in a building opened in 1983. It houses an impressive collection of paintings (including a self-portrait by Rembrandt), tapestries, sculptures and particularly beautiful stained-glass windows from the 15th century.

British Golf Museum
The British Golf Museum in Dundee shows the beginnings of Scottish national sport, which was developed on St. Andrews beach in Dundee and was already played by Maria Stuart with preference.

St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
2 Castle Street, G4 0RH
Tel. 0044- (0) 141-553 2557
This is the famous Museum of World Religions in Glasgow. It explores the importance of religion in the lives of people around the world and in different eras. The building stands next to the medieval Bishop’s Castle and was opened in 1993 as a museum.

McLellan Galleries
270 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3EH
Tel. 0044- (0) 141-565 4137
The gallery was built in 1856 and named after its creator Archibald McLellan. After his death, the Glasgow City Corporation acquired the building and it was henceforth used as an exhibition space.

Museum of Transport
1 Bunhouse Road, G3 8DP
Tel. 0044- (0) 141-287 2720
This Kelvin Hall museum is one of the most famous transportation museums in the British Isles. It was founded in 1964 and carries out many important national and international exhibitions. On the basis of vehicles and vehicle models, the history of transportation is told here.

Historical, ships

The Standing Stones of Callanish
Five thousand years ago, rich Stone Age clans of the Outer Hebrides established a vast place of worship – over 20 stone circles related through lines of sight and "Standing stones"There is peninsula and water labyrinth around Callanish. The stones were deliberately designed by their builders to the position of the moon at winter and summer solstice. The main complex was created in the form of a Celtic cross and consists of several 3 m high stones and a 4.7 m high monolith. The stone circles of Callanish are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Royal Yacht Britannia
100 Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-555 5566
The old royal yacht is located at the Ocean Terminal and can be visited there. After 44 years in the service of the kings, the yacht retired and soon became a city landmark. On board you can admire the Royal Apartments, as well as the small cabins of the Admirals. Every day the yacht is cleaned to the tiniest item and a visit gives the feeling of walking in bygone times.

HMS Unicorn
The HMS Unicorn is the oldest warship in the United Kingdom and still goes to sea. It is located on the Victoria Docks in Dundee.

Churches and memorials

Elgin Cathedral
Elgin Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedral ruins in Scotland and is located in the market center Elgin on the north coast. The Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and was reduced to rubble by order of Alexander Stuart, an illegitimate son of Robert I, in 1390. Previously, the Gothic cross basilica was considered "Lantern of the north".

Ruthwell Cross
This monumental image cross is embedded in the floor of the small church of Ruthwell, in the southwestern Lowlands. It is richly sculpted, dates from the 7th century and represents one of the most valuable works of art of the "dark age" is.

Melrose Abbey
The Gothic Cistercian abbey of the market town Melrose in the Borders was built on the ruins of an 1136 built by David I abbey. The sculpture jewelery is a true attraction. Next to the abbey is the walled Priorwood Garden, which also houses a cemetery.

St. Giles’ Cathedral
St. Giles’ Cathedral, or the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is at the center of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. With its two crown towers and the Thistle Chapel, the mother of the Presbyterian Church is a remarkable sacred building. The church was built around 1120 and was the church of John Knox during the Reformation, hence its name "Cradle of Prebyterianism". Especially worth seeing and magnificent are the colorful glass ornaments, the impressive Rieger organ and the famous Thistle Chapel.
Royal Mile, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH1 1RE
Tel: 0131 225 9442 Fax: 0131 225 9576
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stgilescathedral.org.uk

Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel Trust, Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Edinburgh, EH25 9PU
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-440 2159
This beautiful medieval chapel is located outside the city and is one of the oldest churches in the area. It was built in the 15th century, with impressive wood carvings inside.

Canongate Kirk Church
Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN
Tel. 0044- (0) 131-226 5138
Cannongate Kirk is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful churches in the city. It was built in 1688. The Royal Family visits this temple when she is in Edinburgh.

St. Nicholas Kirk
The St. Nicholas Kirk in Aberdeen is one of the largest parish churches in Scotland. Especially worth seeing is the facade, which was built in 1830. The western part of the church was built in the Italian style, the choir in Gothic Renaissance style.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Aberdeen
St Andrew’s Cathedral in Aberdeen is the Scottish Episcopal Cathedral. Bishop Samuel Seabury was consecrated here, and on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of this consecration, the cathedral was renovated in the 1930s.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow
Glasgow’s St. Andrew’s Cathedral is a Catholic religious building in the center of the city. It was built by architect James Gillespie Graham and completed in 1817. It was built in Gothic style on the north bank of the Clyde River on Clyde Street.

St. Mungo’s Cathedral
Castle Street
In the middle of the East End, the old Glasgow, is this sacred building, blackened by smog. Already in the 6th century, the holy mongoose is said to have built a church here, which was the nucleus of Glasgow. In the beautiful crypt under the choir, the city and church founder is buried today; once this tomb was a much visited pilgrimage destination. The present church was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and is visible from afar with its tapered crossing tower. In front of the church is the fascinating Necropolis, a Victorian megalopolis city. Here are obelisks, Celtic crosses, Neoclassical round temples, mossy columns and sinister family tombs.

Memorial to the victims of Lockerbie
Located in the cemetery of the Lockerbie community, Dryfedale Cemetry in the south of Scotland, off the M74, approximately 120 km southwest of Glasgow, is the simple but poignant Garden of Remembrance for the victims of the bombing of a Pan America Jumbo jet Flight 103 on December 21, 1988, which was to fly from London to New York. In the attack, all inmates of the Jumbo and eleven inhabitants of the village were killed, a total of 270 people were killed. The responsibility for this attack had taken Libya and paid to the survivors high compensation.

Stone of Destiny (stone of destiny)
The Stone of Fate is a mythical coronation stone of the Scots. He was in the Westminster Abbey in London / England and was only returned on 15 November 1996 by Queen Elizabeth II to the Scots. Incidentally, Elizabeth was the last queen to be crowned on the stone in 1952. Since then, he has been at Edinburgh Castle with the Scottish coronation insignia, crown, scepter, sword and crown jewels. An imitation of the stone is by the way in front of the castle of Scone.

On the stone the first Scottish king Kenneth I. Mac Alpin became the king of kingdom of alba in 843 AD" crowned. The last coronation of a Scottish king on the stone took place in 1292, when John Balliol was crowned king. Just four years later, in 1296, Edward I (1239-1307) invaded Scotland from England and abducted the coronation stone he considered an important symbol of Scottish sovereign rights to Enland. There he was later installed in the 1301 coronation throne.
The significance of the stone for the Scots was and is not least reflected in the fact that in 1950 four Scottish students stole the stone from Westminster Abbey and brought it to Arbroath Abbey, from where it was returned to London only four months later.
One of the myths he came from the Holy Land, in which he is said to have already used Jacob as a head pad. He is said to have come from the Holy Land via Egypt, Sicily and Spain to Ireland, where St. Patrick is said to have blessed him as the coronation purpose of the future kings.

It is indeed possible that the stone was already used in the ceremonies of coronation during the existence of the Irish Kingdom of Dalriada in the period from 400 AD to about 850 AD. When the king of Dalriada, Kenneth I., extended his dominions to Scotland, the stone might have reached Scotland in this way. But whatever it may have been, the more riddles surround the stone, the more mystical and interesting it becomes.

universities

University of St. Andrew
This Scottish university is the oldest university in Scotland and is located in the 17,000-inhabitant town of St. Andrews on the east coast of Scotland – about 50 km as the crow flies northeast of Edinburgh.
Classes began here three years before the Unicversität was officially founded by a papal bull in 1413. Around 7,200 students study at the university, about one-third of whom are from outside the United Kingdom.

It should be mentioned that here Prince William and Kate Middleton studied art history and got to know each other here. On the so-called Raisin Monday, the freshers thank their mentors for their help with a pound of raisins, which in turn designed crazy costumes for the freshman with whom they paraded across the campus. At the end, everybody pats themselves with shaving foam. This centuries-old tradition takes place every year in October.
The university is divided into the following faculties:

• Arts (art)
• Divinity (Theology)
• Medicine
• Science (Science)

Scapa flow

Scapa Flow is a kind of bay on the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland, formed by the following islands or. "framed" becomes:
– Mainland
– Burray
– Flotta
– South Ronaldsay
– Hoy

The bay has become known worldwide, since here after the First World War, an unparalleled ship sinking had played:
The large battleships of the German Navy – a favorite project of Kaiser Wilhelm II – were hardly used after the battle in the Skagerack in 1916 for various reasons. After the end of the war, most ships were undamaged in various German ports. One last big one "heroic" Battle, which was contemplated by the Admiralty, failed because of the uprising of the sailors. At that time, the sailors saw no point in making themselves, in a militarily utterly senseless battle, victims of the prestige of their admirals.

As a result of the capitulation, 74 unarmed ships under the command of Vice Admiral Ludwig von Reuter had to leave Germany and await their future fate in the bay of Scapa Flow. The situation of the people aboard the ships, which stood there for months, was more than Precarious, especially as the admiral was in constant squalor with the influential soldiers’ councils. A shore leave was forbidden to the crews by the Englishmen.

To put an end to this situation and and to prevent the ships in "enemy hands" In accordance with the soldiers’ councils, the admiral made the plan to sink the ships themselves by opening the sea valves.
This happened on June 21, 1919, while the English watch ships had left because of an exercise from the bay. All but one ship, three small cruisers and eleven torpedo boats sank to the bottom of the sea.
When the English noticed the sinking, they came full steam into the bay and took some of the lifeboats, in which the crews wanted to go ashore, under fire. A number of unarmed sailors and officers were killed. Their still well-kept graves announce to the present day of the incidents. Except for seven ships later all sunken ships were lifted and scrapped.
It should be noted that this was economically very fortunate for the region.
The ships still lying there today – like the "Crown Prince Wilhelm" at a depth of around 35 m – are a popular destination for divers.

natural beauties

Ben Nevis
This only 1,344 m high mountain is the highest mountain in the UK and thus Scotland. It is located near Fort William in the west of the country. In good weather, the climb is just a bit of a strenuous trip. But because of the frequent fog, the ascent can become dangerous very quickly. There have already been a number of fatal accidents. The mountain consists of Magmagestein from the time 400 million years ago – in the Devonian. The mountain has a very steep 300 m high rock face, the highest on the British island.

Loch Ness
Although narrow, but almost 40 km long and a maximum of 800 feet = 344 m deep lake passes through the Scottish Highlands of Inverness to Fort Williams. The lake is legendary and world famous for the legend of the Loch Ness Sea Monster "Nessie", which has been providing new scientific speculations ever since the 6th century. The curious can ask for more detailed information at the Loch Ness Exhibtion Center. As stated above, a native Scot answered the question if the monster really existed: " With enough whiskey inside, everyone can see the monster."

Loch Tay
The Loch Tay is located in the central Highlands and winds narrow and double bent around the mountains. Tay is home to Croftna-Caber, one of Scotland’s largest water sports centers. The north shore of the lake is surmounted by the Ben Lawers massif, which consists of six Munros, which are extremely popular with hikers.

Hole awe
Loch Awe is the longest lake in Scotland at 39 km. At the head he sands to a Ried swamp, here are the ruins of the picturesque Kilchurn Castle from the mid-15th century. The view goes inland to the wild mountains of Glens Strait, Orchy and Lochy. From Lochawe in the summer a steamer goes to the castle. At 1126 m high Ben Cruachan you can enter the hollow mountain: Here works a storage hydropower plant, the water from a reservoir through turbines in the hole Awe fall.

East Lothian
The gently rolling countryside of East Lothian in the east of Edinburgh is bordered by the Firth of Forth and the Lammermuir Hills. Here are also the seaside resorts of North Berwick and Dunbar. There are many castle ruins such as the famous Tantallon Castle, which is worth a visit.
First, head into the lavish suburb of Musselburgh, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the East Loathian Coastal Trail. The Prestongrange Industrial Heritage Museum vividly documents Scotland’s industrial past. In Seton you can visit the late Gothic Kollegiatskirche, and the kilometer-long, dunes-lined sandy beaches around the seaside resort Gullane invite you to long walks. Also located in Gullane is the traditional Muirfield Course, which attracts golfers from all over the world. In the village Dirleton you can visit impressive castle ruins from the 13th century.

North Berwick is home to a marina, many sandy beaches and a renowned golf course, as well as a boat excursion to Bass Rock for seabird watching. The ruins of Tantallon Castle perch sandstone red over the rugged cliffs. On the main street of the estate village Tyninghame there are 20 picturesque cottages; the road leads to Dunbar, which is particularly charming through the harbor area.
Inland, the pristine Lammermuir Hills lie in the far heathland and invite you to a hike. Over the River Tyne lies the medieval Hailes Castle.
In the small town of Haddington, the ensemble of riverside, the St. Mary’s Collegiate Church and the three-lane pedestrian bridge convince. Just outside Haddington, Lennoxlove, a 14th-century tower house, owes its name to the beauty of Frances Teresa Stewart, Duchess of Lennox.

At the foot of the Lammermuir Hills lies the picturesque village of Gifford with its white-plastered houses. In Glenkinchie near Pencaitland is the only distillery in the area, while in Newtongrange the Scottish Mining Museum is worth a visit. It is set in the midst of a bleak mining village set up for Victor Victoria’s Victoria Mine. A complete contrast is the late medieval Rosslyn with its Portuguese-style chapel.

Firth of Forth
An excursion to the shores of the Firth of Forth and its surroundings is definitely worthwhile. The agricultural and industrial landscape is not spectacular at first, but includes palaces such as the ruins of Linlithgow, one of Scotland’s most magnificent castles, Hopetoun House, and historic churches such as Dunfermline, where Robert the Bruce was buried.
In Dalmeny is the built in the 1st century parish church, which is one of the most beautiful Norman sacred buildings in Scotland with its richly decorated south portal and the precious wood carvings inside.

The pretty village of South Queensferry is modest between the two gigantic Forth Bridges, the 2529 m long Forth Railway Bridge and the much more intricate Suspension Bridge Street Bridge. In the village is the historic Hawes Inn, where Scott and Stevenson wrote their immortal stories. North Queensferry’s Deep Sea World features shark, cuttlefish, lobster and coral reefs in an underwater safari. Barely five kilometers west of the city, the prestigious Hopetoun House was built at the beginning of the 18th century: semicircular colonnades and pavilions join on both sides of the baroque mansion, while the magnificent rooms with stucco ceilings and furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries dominate the interior. Century. The collection of paintings in the castle includes paintings by Canaletto and Gainsborough. On the island of Inchcolm stands a well-preserved abbey from the 13th – 15th centuries.

In the town of Dunfermline, which was royal residence city since the Middle Ages, Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835. Later, he let his birthplace share its richness by, for example, setting up the spacious Pittencrief Park, which has nature trails and formal gardens, as well as several birdhouses. Founded in 1072 by Queen Margaret, the abbey church that towers over this verdant valley is home to the tombs of Scottish kings spanning many centuries.

On the peninsula Fife lies the picture-book town of Culross, where there is an ensemble of picture-book houses from the 16th century to admire. On the east coast of the peninsula, a coastal road leads through the enchanting landscape and the beautiful fishing villages. The offshore Isle of May is a nature reserve.
A few miles east of Dunfermline stands the former hunting lodge of the Stuarts, Falkland Palace. It was built in the 15th century.

Shetland Islands
This group of more than one hundred islands is located in the north of Scotland and until 1946 still belonged to Norway, which has strongly influenced the culture of its inhabitants. The Shetland Museum in the capital Lerwick bears witness to cultural and scenic features, and the Iron Fort Stone Fort Mousa Broch is another worthwhile attraction.

Western Isles
The Orkney Islands were part of the Norwegian Kingdom until the middle of the last century. Due to the abundance of prehistoric treasures from various eras located on the islands, they have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Apart from the 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral, it features Maes Howe, Britain’s most imposing stone-age tomb, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Bronze Age Ring of Brodgar, and the Stone Age village of Skara Brae .

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond is considered the most beautiful of the Scottish lakes and its beauty has been sung in numerous Scottish folk songs. At the southern end of the lake, in Balloch, is the National Park Gateway Center, which is the gateway to the National Park. The visitor center provides information about the flora and fauna of the national park. You can also go for walks on the shore or canoe and boat trips on the lake, which is 40 km long and 8 km wide.

On the eastern shore is the small sports port of Balmaha, followed by a beautiful small pebble beach from which you have a good view of the mountains of the Highland Line, which runs at this altitude right through the lake. Several small islands lie at this point of the here in the south very wide lake, for example Inchcailloch, the "Isle of the old women". On this island you can see a ruin from the 14th century. From Balmaha you can take a road along the shore to the foot of the 974 m high Ben Lomond. It is one of the absolute favorite mountains of the Scots and is therefore climbed by many hikers, which amounts to a massive environmental hazard. The steep path, which leads to the summit and down in about four hours, is wide and visible to everyone, offering truly magnificent views of the beautiful Scottish countryside.

From Inversnaid a road leads along the small Loch Arklet to Loch Katrine on the Trossachs. Behind the tourist town of Aberfoyle lies the visitor center of the huge Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. The Trossachs Pier is located in the south of Loch Katrine, but teeming with tourists and facilities. It is worthwhile, however, to visit the beautiful little hole Achrey, on whose shore a small neo-Gothic castle stands. From Loch Venachar you can reach the 463 m high Ben A’an.

It looks wonderful when the fishermen drive north of Callandar in the evening light on the Loch Lubnaig. In the cemetery of Balquhidder the legendary Rob Roy is buried with his family. The Menteith is the only Scottish lake called Lake, and not Loch. In the middle of the lake is a small island, which is approached by boats. On the island stands the ruin of the Inchmahome Priory; Maria Stuart fled to this abbey before the courtship of Henry VIII.
The train goes from Queen Street Station about every 30 minutes to Balloch, in addition there are shuttle buses.
Tourist Information
Loch Lomond Visitor Center
Tel. 0044- (0) 1389-722199
Website: www.visitscottishheartlands.org

Isle of Bute
The town of Bute can be reached from Glasgow by boat, by train or by your own vehicle. In the summer, even the P.S. Waverley, one of the last paddle steamers in the world, still occasionally sets off on her way and also drives to the island’s capital, Rothesay, a beautiful Victorian village, reminiscent of bygone times. The buildings are colorful and are picturesquely nestled in the shallow bay. Rothesay Castle dates back to the 13th century and is idyllically situated on a small hill in the middle of a moat.
South of Rothesay lies the magnificent Mount Stuart Castle, which is served by a bus every 45 minutes from Rothesay. The third Marquess of Bute had the castle set up at the beginning of the 20th century, and there are splendid ceiling paintings to admire.
Isle of Bute Discovery Center
Tel. 0044- (0) 700-502151
Website: www.isle-of-bute.com

Mountain Range of the Cairngorn Mountains
The Cairngorn Mountains range is Britain’s most popular ski resort. At a height of up to 1,300 m, the ski area, which comprises a total of 28 pistes, can be reached mainly by chairlifts. The adjacent valley of the river Spey, originally used mainly for agriculture, has now become a well-known whiskey region.

Hebrides, Western Isles

Western Isles is the umbrella term for the Inner and Outer Hebrides of Scotland, which are of volcanic origin. The islands have been inhabited for 6,000 years and offer wondrous natural monuments, numerous waterways and wonderfully wide sandy beaches. The islands are still spoken Gaelic today.

Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides are located west of the Inner Hebrides and about 60 km west of the Scottish mainland. They extend in an arc of about 210 km from the Butt of Lewis in the north to Barra Head in the south. From the southeastern Inner Hebrides they are u.a. separated by the straits Little Minch and North Minch.
The ten largest islands of the Outer Hebrides are:
– Barra with a surface of 58.8 km²
– Benbecula with an area of ​​82 km²
– Berneray with an area of ​​10.1 km ²
– Eriskay with an area of ​​7 km²
– Great Bernera with an area of ​​21.2 km²
– Grimsay with an area of ​​8.3 km ²
– Lewis and Harris with an area of ​​2,179 km²
– North Uist with an area of ​​303 km ²
– South Uist with an area of ​​320.3 km ²
– Taransay with an area of ​​14.8 km ²

Inner Hebrides
The Isle of Skye, with an area of ​​1,656 km², is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides and can be reached via a motorway bridge. The island was used by mid-18th century Bonnie Prince Charlie, after his failed attempt to enforce the English crown, as a sanctuary.
The Inner Hebrides exist next to the island of Skye from the following larger islands:
– Ascrib Islands
– Crowlin Islands
– Isay
– Longay
– Pabay
– Rona
– Raasay
– Scalpay
– Soay
– Eilean Trodday
– Wiay

A great feature is the local "Hebridean Whale Trail" with its 25 whale watching sites, including the 105 km² island of Rum with the 810 m high extinct volcano Askival. In the waters of the Hebrides, you can see 24 species of whales and dolphins – including humpback whales, porpoises or orcas.

Land of whiskey

General information
Whiskey friends are particularly fond of Scotch whiskey. Incidentally, whiskey is being written in the US and Ireland.
Whisk (e) y is a from grain > The name is derived from the Gaelic term Ushkebar and means water of life. The use of the term whisk (e) y is attested for the first time for the 16th century.

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