09 Mar 8 Reasons Why You Should Discover Scotland
Whether you live in the UK, Europe, or any other part of the world for that matter, one country that you should spend some time exploring and discovering is Scotland. It’s a place that boasts plenty of history, rich culture, standout architecture, and breathtaking scenery. HFFH certainly hopes to explore more of it in the future – especially since it’s been classified as one of the most sustainable destinations to visit.
Scotland is one of those countries that some people don’t put on the top of their travel itineraries, which is a real shame because it has so much to offer. So with today’s post, we hope to give you eight reasons why you need to discover Scotland as part of your next vacation (when it’s absolutely safe to do so, of course).
The History
Scotland has a long and rich history, and there’s evidence people lived in the country some 8,500 years before the earliest recorded history of the British Isles. The country survived a Roman invasion and periods of internal conflict. And while Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, it does retain some governance over its laws. Travel through most parts of Scotland, and you’ll come across many examples of the country’s history through its architecture and even people’s regional dialects. Also, Scotland has made many global contributions in its history. For example, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, and both Scottish locals Robert William Thomson and John Boyd Dunlop invented the tire.
You can check out much of Scotland’s history in-person by visiting many city center landmarks or even embarking on The Jacobite Trail.
The National Animal
It probably won’t come as much of a surprise that Scotland, like most countries in the world, has a national animal. But, what might shock you is that Scotland’s national animal is a unicorn. Yes, that’s right: a mythical creature.
“Why is Scotland’s national animal a unicorn?” you might ask. Well, the unicorn has been a symbol of Scottish heraldry for several centuries. In many of Scotland’s largest cities, you’ll find unicorns adorning many coats of arms and on carvings at many historical venues. Whether you can actually spot one whilst visiting Scotland – well, that’s another story.
The Culture
There’s no denying that music plays an essential role in Scotland’s culture. Scottish music features a diverse blend of traditional and modern influences, and still retains an important place in today’s music. Traditional Scottish folk music, for example, has flourished ever since the late Middle Ages, and often includes instruments such as the bagpipe, bodhran, fiddle (violin), and harp, among others.
Of course, it’s not just the music that makes Scotland famous for its culture. Literature also plays a key role with texts from famous Scottish poets like Robert Burns. And there’s also art, sports, and folklore that enriches Scottish culture.
The Food
Whether you’re an omnivore, on a plant-based diet, or you happen to identify as a travel vegan, everyone can agree on the fact that Scotland’s food is delicious. Between the wealth of fresh and sumptuous salmon and hand-dived scallops from the Atlantic coast, and the samplings of modern-day vegan haggis recipes, there’s enough on offer in Scotland to keep all curious palettes satisfied. The vast landscape also provides plenty of space to grow organic fruit and vegetables, produce organic beef, and hunt for game like pheasant and deer. Still, it’s not just the meal ingredients but rather the quality that makes Scotland famous for its food.
Did you know that Scotland is famous for its many meals? Porridge, a familiar staple on many a breakfast table, originates from the country. There’s also potted hough, a cold-cut terrine, and cranachan, a traditional Scottish dessert.
The Architecture
Another reason to visit Scotland is to check out the country’s architecture. You might not think it, but Scotland has a rich blend of historical and modern architecture for you to admire. The country’s earliest known architecture dates back to around 9500 BC, and there’s also plenty of castles in the country, which first made an appearance in Scotland in the 12th century thanks to the introduction of feudalism – initially made of wood and later replaced by stone constructions. Some of the country’s most famous modern architecture examples include the Forth Railway Bridge in the east, and the IMAX Cinema at the Glasgow Science Centre, so for all architecture appreciators – Scotland might just be the perfect destination.
The Scenery
Scotland undoubtedly features many beautiful cities for you to explore. But when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of modern-day Scottish cosmopolitan life, you won’t have to venture far to enjoy the countryside. The scenery away from major cities and suburbs is breathtaking. It’s still great even if you go for a drive or a walk in the countryside on a rainy day. You may wish to explore it on foot, or even better, go by bicycle to truly capture the scenery during the summer months.
If you travel along the coastal areas, you’ll discover an array of beautiful beaches that are seemingly like hidden gems within the country. One of the sunniest seaside locations to visit in Scotland is, without a doubt, Tiree in the Inner Hebrides (so make sure to add that to your itinerary).
Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve)
Hogmanay is the Scot’s word for “the last day of the year”. As you can imagine, most nations worldwide are in the party mood as they celebrate the beginning of the new year, and in Scotland it’s no different. Hogmanay is a fantastic experience and it isn’t only about partying, but also partaking in traditional customs, such as joining in and singing Auld Lang Syne – a poem by the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns – and the Scottish tradition of “first-footing”, where the first person after midnight (on January 1st) crosses the threshold of a friend or neighbor’s home, gives them a symbolic gift. The gift-giving also serves as a way of wishing them good luck, so it’s a wonderful tradition worth taking part in during your trip to Scotland.
Whisky
Last, but by no means least, you should visit Scotland to immerse yourself in the country’s whisky history and culture. Whisky is a world-famous distilled alcoholic beverage, and Scotland is the world’s largest producer of it…although some historians believe whisky first originated in Ireland and was actually brought over to Scotland, where local ‘Scotch Whisky’ blends then got developed.
The country contains a host of whisky distilleries, some of which you can tour to learn more about the process. Of course, if you’re a whisky connoisseur, you can usually sample some whisky during a guided tour as well.
That about rounds it up!
Are there any reasons we forgot to mention? Are you a Scottish local who can give us some tips for travelling there? Please feel free to add them in the comments below.
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