From the countryside to the castles, Scotland is waiting to be explored
BY SHAFQUAT ALI
Scotland is as colourful as it gets – dark, overcast skies, crystal blue lochs and the highlands in hundreds of shades of green! Put simply, it’s is a country that’s simply waiting to be explored. The best thing about Scotland is that no matter where you are, one is never too far away from nature.
Barely an hour’s drive from the main cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, its capital, you can soak in the nature in all its glory. As dramatic castles nestle between its towering mountains and lochs play hide and seek with sandy beaches, there’s a certain romance about the Scottish countryside that grows on you.
Not surprisingly, brides and grooms from around the world flock to picturesque castles and stately homes for that fairytale wedding.
The appeal of Scotland is that you can get married in a wonderful castle, on a beach or even on a mountain top. And the best part is that it not only has castles which you can admire but, in Scotland, there are castles for rent to suit every budget.
Not surprising then that a lot of people now choose to get married inside a beautifully-preserved private castle with its own chapel. But for those who have already exchanged the wedding vows and – better still – for those who haven’t, Scotland is one of the most romantic locations in the world. And it’s not just about romance, in Scotland, history follows you everywhere. And nowhere does it come more vividly to life than in Edinburgh.
Also known as the Athens of the north in reference to its architecture and 19th century intellectual life, the historic centre of the capital city is divided into two by the broad green swath of the Princes Street Gardens.
To the south the view is dominated by Edinburgh Castle, which lies perched at the top of Edinburgh High Street also known as the Royal Mile, and the long sweep of Old Town trailing after it along the ridge. Meanwhile, to the north lies Princes Street which is home to its shopping district, and the New Town.
For anyone who wishes to go back in time, a walk around the Old Town, which has preserved its medieval plan and many reformation-era buildings, is a must.
After seeing the Edinburgh Castle, attempt The Royal Mile, which got its popular name for the succession of streets which form the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of Edinburgh. As the name suggests, it stretches for a mile from Edinburgh Castle. In between, there are loads of tourist attractions including a host of museums.
It may be Edinburgh’s biggest attraction but there is certainly more to the city than The Royal Mile. In fact, there are far too many to list.
Less than an hour’s drive away is Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, located on the River Clyde. Glasgow may not have the architecture of Edinburgh nor, for that matter, throw up half that many festivals but it has its own charm that makes it one of the most exciting destinations in Europe. Distinctively stylish, it boasts high street names, designer boutiques, giant malls and specialty shopping.
It also has a unique blend of dazzling architecture, internationally-acclaimed museums and art galleries, fabulous shopping and vibrant nightlife. What’s more, Glasgow also has one of the richest art collections in Europe with more than a dozen options to choose from.
Of course, no account of Scotland will be complete without a mention of its friendly people. And that the men wear skirts (kilts) doesn’t make them any less masculine!