Visiting Scotland in th UK

Scotland has a first class reputation as a tourist destination.  In fact over 200,000 jobs within the country are attributed to the tourism industry.  Tourists spend around four billion pounds per year and so it is a great boost to the economy.  The main tourist season is from April to October.  Scotland has unpredictable weather even in summertime.

Scotland is well known for its beautiful unspoiled lush countryside as well as historic sites such as standing stones, castles, museums and battlegrounds.  Many visitors are attracted to Scotland as the birthplace of golf.  Ancient golf courses such as St Andrews, Troon and Carnoustie attract vast amounts of avid golfers.  Fishing and in particular salmon fishing is another very popular attraction.  Scotland has many clean rivers and lochs as well as an extensive shoreline.

The majority of visitors to Scotland come from other countries within the United Kingdom while large amounts travel from the United States, Germany, France, Canada and Australia.

Because tourism plays such a large part of the economy the country is well served with hotels of all types.  Many tourists are also attracted to Scotland bed and breakfasts which offer a unique way to meet the locals.  Breakfast is an important meal in Scotland and visitors may be faced with new fare such as porridge and black pudding.  Scotland has an increasing reputation as a culinary center with many restaurants offering traditional Scottish meals such as Haggis and Cullen Skink and produce.  Scottish beer and whisky are must try experiences.  Also worth sampling are traditional fish and chips often eaten out of a newspaper while wandering the streets.  Haddock is the main fish and is very tasty.

The major cities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow generally attract visitors all year round.  These cosmopolitan centers offer visitors with a plethora of historical and cultural attractions.  The Edinburgh festival which takes place during August and September attracts visitors interested in cultural events such as theater, movies, books and music.  New Years Eve or Hogmanay  as it is known in Scotland attracts visitors who are interested in a truly Scottish experience.

Yet another truly Scottish experience is the Highland Games.  These are held in many small towns and villages during the summer months and feature traditional events such as athletics, hill races, cycling, highland dancing, and heavy weight events.  All in all there are so many attractions for tourists visiting Scotland.