If you’re planning a trip to Scotland in the near future, then why not pre-arm yourself with a little background information? By spending a few moments poring over the history of the country, you’ll give yourself an idea of what’s worth visiting. What’s more, you’ll be able to impress the family and get your kids enthused about the trip.
The rising popularity of staycation and the caravan holiday means that this corner of the UK is finally getting the appreciation from domestic tourists that it really deserves. Let’s look at this little country and what it has to offer.
Facts about Scotland
Let’s start with the obvious. Scotland is the home of the tallest mountain in the country, Ben Nevis. The summit is 1,345 metres above sea level, on the western end of the Grampian Mountains near to Fort William.
Scotland is also home to Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, the tallest waterfall anywhere in the UK. It’s accessible via a 6-mile hike, making it perfect for families with older children.
The unicorn is the official animal of Scotland. It tends to be depicted in chains, which is supposed to suggest the ability of Scottish kings to tame even the wildest of beasts.
Scotland has an extensive mainland, but there are also more than 790 islands surrounding, many of which are accessible by road.
The oldest tree anywhere in Europe is to be found in Scotland. It’s a twisted Yew in Perthshire. The plaque by the base says that it’s the oldest living organism anywhere in the continent – though this is now contested.
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, can boast of being the first city to employ a dedicated fire service. The rest of the world soon followed the city’s example.
Scotland is home to around six hundred square miles of lakes. If you’re looking to spend time on the water, or around it, then it’s difficult to beat. Plus, if you’re travelling to Scotland, you won’t have to put up with the same crowds that might be found in more southern alternatives like the Lake District in England.
Scotland’s sprawling and spectacular landscape makes it incredibly popular with modern golfers. It’s here that the game was first invented, with many now describing St. Andrew’s Links as the home of golf.
Learning the Language
Scots tend to speak English, but they have a number of distinctive phrases that you might wish to brush up on, just so you can understand what’s being said.
- Barry means great
- Bonnie means beautiful
- Braw means pleasant
- Scunnered means tired
If you want a more comprehensive list of Scottish sayings, then check this one out.
