One of the most important and one of the toughest selections an individual can make is between leasing and Building a house. This may all fall into what stage you are at present standing in your life. Renters have an enormous adaptability, they can move whenever the obligation is, and they aren’t stuck with a mortgage before the house is sold. The main thought when you allow for Building a home is you will be fit for many industrial benefits from your investment. Householders benefit from many tax inducements,eg property tax along with mortgage interest deductions. Being a first time home Builder you must notice that your taxes are absolutely deductible. If you dwell in your house for two out of five years, a capital gain exclusion law will let you deduct a fortune of your takings off capital gains. This implies lower tax for house owners.
Over years property always gains, this isn’t like an auto or a ship, the home worth will always increase. Excluding some major dips in the market. This could be an element that is considered when contemplating the benefits of Building a New Home in the Scottish Highlands. It is a superb statistic. In Britain, about twenty-five % of new detached houses are self-built.
This doesn’t , naturally, mean that you do all the work yourself – but it means being in control from design to construction. A sort of bespoke answer to your accommodation wants.
Think about your standard payments on your place as rent. By doing this it’ll help you pay off your home. Each cent that you put against your house loan, it increases the equity on your house. Firstly, you may have a place to fit your approach to life – you will have 6 kids and a live-in mother-in-law. This set-up would have space and privacy implications that might not be found in a developer-built estate house. Self-build will give you more for your cash. As an example, after you complete your dream house it should be, often valued between 25% & thirty % more than the cash you have spent. Selecting your fave location is also a powerful factor with many and where is more pretty in the world, than indeed the Scottish Highlands. Building your own residence is a perfect dream for almost all of the people. It conjures up thoughts of perfection, elegance and excellence in a world where such qualities appear increasingly deficient. The downsides are few and far between, while the advantages are copious. There will be obstructions to conquer and compromises to make along the trail but these will pale into insignificance once the job is done and you are sitting in your new home, content and pleased with a dream satisfied. ‘If you would like something doing well, do it yourself.’ This proverb is true when applied to self-build. Nobody will supply more care or attend more entirely to your necessities, wants and standards than yourself. Builders must approach the development of home property in the confines of commercialism. They are limited by time and incentivized by profits. You are free to develop such restrictions according to need and so can identify the number of time and money spent on achieving the quality you want.
0.5 the battle when making a decision whether to build your own house is, quite simply, having enough want and aspiration. If these are available in sufficient quantities, all things can be done. Your own non-public abilities are supreme to the success of the venture and in lowering the price troubled. By taking a major and practical look at yourself, you can identify strengths that may help you in achieving your goal and recognize those areas where pro help is going to be needed.
Your property worth will be turbo-charged by the undeniable fact that you have selected to build the house yourself. The buying public are getting increasingly mindful of self-build homes and recognize that these dwellings often benefit from having a higher plan than others on the market. They have a desire to be made rigorously with better materials and, importantly, with attention to detail.
The worth is sometimes also enlarged as the property is an one off. Even though it may be comparative in size to neighbouring houses, it’s likely to have a style and appeal all of its own. The house you may finally live in will be one that meets all of your desires. Your house will satisfy everybody worried because you could have made it with your own requirements in mind. It will fit your method of life and the demands of you and your family like a glove. No other property will compare to the one you design and construct.
Only by building it yourself are you ready to prove you can get everything you were always desiring in a home. If you do decide to build or extend your new home in the Scottish Highlands then a great couple of builders to contact are Gary & Drew of Highland Builders. Click here to visit their website.
Are you tired of spending New Year packed into an expensive bar, waiting to get served, not being able to hear yourself think, let alone chat to your friends? Well maybe it’s time to take matters into your own hands, gather your friends together and head to the highlands for your Hogmanay celebrations this New Year’s eve!
Renting a cottage for a few days over New Year is an increasingly popular way of saying farewell to another 12 months, and is especially popular with those who have reached their late twenties and feel that they’re done with the hedonistic New Year’s Celebrations of their youth.
And it’s not difficult to see why hiring a cottage with a group of friends or family is so popular; rather than blowing all your money on one big night out, you’ll get to enjoy a long weekend of celebrations that can include other outdoor activities such as walking, fishing or cycling in the nearby countryside. It’s also a good opportunity to see a different part of the country that you might be unlikely to visit otherwise.
The Scottish Highlands and islands are especially popular with New Year revellers looking for holiday rental cottages. There are hundreds of properties across the lochs and glens to choose from, depending on how remote you want your new year to be.
The west coast of Scotland offers many secluded, rustic cottages and farmsteads, with crackling log fires and views of beautiful lochs. If you’re looking to get a New Year’s round of golf in, Fife is the place to go; head for a fisherman’s cottage overlooking a harbour for a traditional Scottish experience.
Winter sports fans may even be able to get a couple of days skiing in, although the unpredictable nature of the Scottish weather means that you probably shouldn’t set your heart on shooting down the slopes of Glencoe or Cairngorm, but you never know, you could get lucky! For those coming from south of the boarder who don’t want to travel too far north, the Scottish Borders are an ideal place to get a taste of Scotland without having to drive for so long.
Whatever part of Scotland you choose for your Hogmanay celebration, you should be able to find a rental cottage to suit your needs. From large houses that will sleep up to 20 people, to cosy couple’s cottages ideal for a romantic New Year, forget cramming into a crowded nightclub – this year, why not spend Hogmanay in the Highlands?
The Highlands and Islands of Scotland are the Scottish Highlands and added on are Orkney, Shetland and Hebrides. The Highlands and Islands are sometimes described as an area to which the Crofters’ Act of 1886 applies. This area contained of the regions of 7 of the counties of Scotland. These are Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, Inverness shire, Argyll, Ross and Cromarty.
The Highlands and Islands Partnership for Transport, was established in 2006, covering major part of the council areas of Argyll and Bute, Orkney, Western Isles, Highland and the Moray. Shetland is administrated by the separate Shetland Partnership for Transport.
Auskerry is located in south of Stronsay and has a population of thousands. It has been assigned a Special Protection Area due to its significance as a residing area for Arctic Tern and Storm Petrel.
Eday area covers 11 square miles or 28 km² and is the ninth largest island. The middle is moorland and the island’s main industries have been peat carving and limestone digging. It is connected to the Mainland of England by ferry that travels from Backaland to Kirkwall and by air.
East of Rousay lays Egilsay which is mostly rural with farmlands and is the only intact, but without a roof, round towered church in Orkney. It gets in touch indirectly with the Mainland by ferry and you have to go via Wyre and Rousay. It is believed that St Magnus was executed on Egilsay.
Only one family inhabits Gairsay, who have issued their own postage stamps, it was permitted because of lack of a Royal Mail service. North Ronaldsay is located 2.5 miles or 4 km north from its closest neighbor, which is Sanday. Its weather is changes quite frequently and harshly, with the surrounding sea waters are very stormy and unbelievable. Anything that is of significance are a bird sanctuary, Britain’s highest land based lighthouse tower and an unique dry stone wall that is built along the shoreline to keep away the seaweed from eating North Ronaldsay sheep off of the fertile land. It is also in touch with the Mainland by air and ferry.
Papa Stronsay is located in northern east of Stronsay and a fertile island, it was once an important centre for curing the herring fish, but was left all alone in the 1970s. It is a home to a Transalpine Redemptorist monastery, which is called Golgotha monastery since 1999.
Papa Westray also called Papay, whose only significance is a RSPB nature reserve that consists of terns and skuas. Knap of Howar, which is most probably the oldest kept intact house of northern Europe, a 12th century recently refurbished church at St Boniface Kirk and other Viking and Neolithic remains. It is also connected to Westray and the Mainland of England by air and ferry.
Rousay is the joint 3rd largest in area of 19 sq mi or 49 Km² Island that is about two miles or 3 km north of Orkneys Mainland. Farming, fishing, fish-farming, craft and tourism makes most of the revenue. There is one round road on the island, which is about 14 miles or 23 km long and most fertile land is present only in the few hundred yards between this point and the seashore. Otters and seals can be found in abundance as these are the many remains of past occupation.
Sanday is the largest among the North Isles and like most of the Orkney Islands fishing, farming and tourism are the main fountain of revenue. Other attractions here include the 5,000 year old Quoyness grave. Shapinsay is the 8th largest island in area at 12 square miles or 31 km². It is in touch with the Mainland by ferry that goes from Balfour to Kirkwall. Shapinsay is known for an ancient Iron Age Broch of Burroughston and the Dishan Tower, sea canyons and cliffs. It is also famous for bird watching including pintail, widgeon, shovelers and the Balfour Castle. Stronsay is the 7th largest island and Whitehall is the main village. Westray is the 6th largest island and it is joined by ferry and air if you have to go to Mainland and Papa Westray. Wyre is located in south east of Rousay with Cubbie Roo’s castle which was built in 1150 and is believed to be the oldest castle in Scotland.
If you want to enjoy a Scottish vacation in Skye and the Highlands of Scotland, you must first visit the capital city of the country: Edinburgh. Although Glasgow is the largest city in the country, in terms of both population and area, Edinburgh has the history and exudes a sense of times past in every street you walk.
A personal tour of the Royal Mile is a must for any traveler to this historic city. The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle, that overlooks the city from the top of a volcanic plug, right down the detritus left by the last ice age to Holyrood Palace, the ancient seat of Scottish kings and queens, and the one-time home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
However, there is more in the Royal Mile than just that. Underneath the current streets lies an underground town: the original town of Edinburgh, and one that is said to be haunted. The most famous Ghostbusters of the modern day have failed to prove that the spirits haunting this part of Edinburgh are figments of the imagination – in fact many have run screaming from the vaults underneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. None have dared to claim the hauntings to be false.
You can visit these vaults – if you are brave enough – but only under the guidance of Edinburgh’s experienced guides that know where it is safe to take you – and where you dare not visit for fear of your sanity. Edinburgh is the ghost capital of Europe, if not the world, and if it is your desire to meet them, then the choice will not be yours: it will be theirs at a time and place of their choosing. So sleep well during your Scottish vacation and do not awaken in the night!
On a lighter vein, once you have left Edinburgh you should head for Fort William, nestled under the highest mountain in Britain – Ben Nevis. Small by American standards, but high enough at 4,500 ft. One man pushed a piano up Ben Nevis right to the summit. It is said the remains are still there – the piano’s, not the man’s. You can take a gondola ride up there and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Grampian mountain range.
However, before you get there, you must stop at Loch Fyne on the way, since this loch is famous for its fish, kippers and oysters that you can taste at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. You will also pass Loch Lomond, the longest fresh water Loch in Scotland, and also the most beautiful. Stop in Luss, on the banks of Loch Lomond, for a pint of beer and a visit to the bagpipe and kilt shop – they will send your purchases back home for you.
When you are in Fort William, don’t miss Glencoe to the south. This was the scene of the massacre of the MacDonalds by the Campbells in 1692 – it is an eerie and dangerous place and still said to be haunted by the ghosts of the MacDonalds. The MacDonalds had acted as hosts to the Campbells that winter, feeding and entertaining them for a week, and then were slaughtered during one night on the behest of the English king. No Scottish vacation is complete without a visit to Glencoe.
Some scenes of the Harry Potter films were shot here, and you can also visit bleak Rannoch Moor close by, where many of the MacDonalds froze to death on that terrible night. There is still a feud between these two clans because of this betrayal, and the ghosts of the Macdonalds still walk the moor, waiting for any unwary Campbell to walk by. To this day no Campbell dare walk the moor or the Glen at night.
If your name is not Campbell, you can now get the ferry boat to the Hebridean island of Skye, and perhaps visit Dunvegan Castle, where the remnants of the Fairy Flag can be seen – the flag taken by the MacDonalds into every battle they fought. If you get the chance, travel round Skye and the other islands by boat and enjoy the beautiful Red Hills to the east of the island and the brooding Cuillan in the west.
You should then leave Skye over the new bridge that replaced the ferry from Kyleakin to the Kyle of Lochalsh, and head off down the Caledonian Canal route to Loch Ness. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see the Loch Ness monster. Not many are, but I have ridden its back and it’s an enormous beast. However, I have been sworn to secrecy or I will disappear.
If you like your drink, or just a wee dram, stop off at one of the distilleries on Speyside. The Spey is the river that meets the Atlantic at Inverness, and is one of the purest rivers in Scotland. The whisky it produces is like nectar, and Glenlivet, Glen Grant and the Macallan are just three of the most famous of the 38 single malts distilled in this area. Each of them allows you to visit the distillery and taste the product. Don’t stop at them all or you will never reach your next hotel!
If you are lucky enough to get this far after the Edinburgh Vaults, Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, you will pass through the ancient Caledonian forest which is the nearest existing forest to the prehistoric carboniferous forests that produced the coal, oil and gas that we now rely upon for power. It is said that unknown creatures walk this ancient forest at night.
So that is what a Scottish vacation involves: ghosts, mountains, murder and treachery and whisky. What could be a better way to spend a week or two than that! A vacation to Skye and the highlands, with a stop in Edinburgh is the ideal vacation for anybody with a sense of adventure and a desire to prove that they are not easily frightened. Just a word of warning: if you feel you cannot be frightened then Edinburgh will prove you wrong. You will be shaking in your shoes as you run screaming from the underground 17th century vaults.
Scotland’s wild cat; a preview for the wildlife / nature / conservation / cat documentary film Last of the Scottish Wildcats, exploring the imminent extinction of these beautiful cats that are also called the tigers of the Highlands. Full movie available to order on DVD now from British independent film company Coffee Films at coffeefilms.com/scottishwildcats; half of all profits to wildcat conservation!
Whilst much of England and Wales has been battered by torrential rains causing wave upon wave of flooding, Scotland – not normally renowned for great weather – has completely escaped the severe downpours and has been enjoying a notably drier summer than its Southern counterparts.
Each year between July and September, Edinburgh plays host the largest arts festival in the world, drawing crowds from all over the world to indulge in an eclectic collection of culture, music, films, books and comedy on show across various venues within the city. Commonly referred to as the Edinburgh Festival, the event it is in fact a collection of discrete festivals, which includes the Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh Film Festival and the Edinburgh Book Festival among many others. Despite the vast majority of performers at the Edinburgh Festival being amateur performers and students, some of today’s biggest names on the UK comedy and theatre performance circuits attribute the Edinburgh Festival as helping them make their breakthrough into the public eye.
Scotland isn’t just about festivals, however, and many visitors choose to combine a visit to the Edinburgh Festival with a Highlands and islands escape; and Scotland’s rugged beauty, low population density and diverse wildlife make it very popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Scotland’s outdoor sports aren’t just good – they are world class. In September 2007, the UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships will come to the small town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, offering a fantastic opportunity to witness the big names and Olympic champions of the mountain biking world, as well as to see the rising stars of the future tearing up the mud in a beautiful setting. There will be about 750 competitors from around 50 nations; and if you fancy your chances, you can even have a go at riding the downhill and cross country competition courses yourself.
For those that like their nature a little more relaxed, Scotland’s vast system of walking trails provide the ideal way to escape into the wilds and witness the beauty of the land for themselves. All lengths and difficulties of walking and mountaineering are catered for, from short strolls with the kids, to multi-day hikes into the wilderness.
Anglers and golfers flock to Scotland’s clean rivers and famous courses, while water babies can take advantage of Scotland’s vast coastline, with hundreds of inlets and islands perfect for exploring in a kayak. Such areas also offer a good chance of seeing Scotland’s marine wildlife, which includes whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Getting north of the border is now easier than ever, with internal and international flights arriving at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, as well as ferries to Scotland operating from Northern Ireland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands and Zeebrugge in Belgium.
So, from the biggest culture festival in the world to stunning lochs, ancient glens and rugged mountains, Scotland offers the best of urban buzz and serene retreats – which probably explains why it receives over 18 million tourists a year.
There are many reasons why people relocate anywhere, so why the Scottish highlands and Islands? I myself am not a native Scot, but like many others have fallen in love with the place. I may moan about the rainy, windy days but I can’t imagine living anywhere else!
I have experienced both sides of Scotland from one of the remotest islands to Scotland’s largest city. Both are equally beautiful in their own way and have character like nowhere else I’ve lived.
Living in the Outer Hebrides completely changed my life. I had no idea such places hidden away in the UK existed (although it was marked on the BBC weather map all along!) It’s a shame not many people get to experience Scotland in its raw form and only get to touch the tip of the iceberg on what there is to see. When you finally move to Scotland, you loose that ‘touristy’ feeling and you become connected to the place in a completely different way.
Scotland is littered with places where you might consider moving and it can only take that one visit before you have your heart set on a place. Whether you’re looking for the good life on a croft or wanting the fast pace of a city there is something for everyone. I’ve experience both and have loved every minute of it. If only I could take what I have in the city to the Islands, then it would be perfect!
Schools
If you have children it is important to bare in mind the difference in the school system. The primary schools can work in two ways depending on where you are. Children start primary school at the age of 5 until the age of 11 (P1 to P6) to which they then move up to Secondary school. However in some highland and island communities they might combine the primary school with the first 3 years of secondary school (to S3) and pupils then move up to secondary school at the age of 14 instead (S1 to S5).
It’s a much simpler system I feel and saves a lot of moving around. From seeing my brothers experience of moving from England to Scotland, it was a much smoother transition between the schools as in the highlands and islands in particular they tend to be more prepared for pupils moving from a different curriculums. Personally, I had more problems moving schools within the same county in England. One thing to keep in mind; Scotland doesn’t have GCSE’s or A-Levels. Instead they’ve got Standard Grades and Highers!
Housing
In some parts of Scotland buying a house is quite different compared to the rest of the U.K. For the different laws that surround buying a house it is best to get in touch with an estate agent within the area that you are interested in buying.
In the highlands and Islands it is very common to croft your own land. My family does this to rear their own animals on a two acre plot of land right next to a loch overlooking the sea. It is also popular for to rent their land out to local farmers for keeping animals or growing certain crops. It doesn’t make you a great deal of money, but it is great for the local economy in the long run and it’s so nice seeing baby animals prancing around in the spring!
In Scotland it is very popular to buy and build your own ‘kit house’. Overall this is a cheaper way of getting yourself on the housing market. I have seen 2 bedroom one storey houses going from 30,000 (excluding the price of land) which is great because you can design it the way you want!
In the cities however, in recent years I have seen the price of houses creep to level with the rest of the U.K. Though cost of living seems to be less than I’ve experienced in England, everything else is pretty much the same. Glasgow and Edinburgh are the most expensive, but there are a lot of online forums which you can join to find the best areas of the cities to rent or buy and the council tax hot spots.
The particular area of Britain happens to be one of its wildest. There is a very diverse range of species including animals, plants and birds; some of them actually being some of the rarest in Britain. The area itself includes many parks and centres that have rangers and guided walks so you can fully appreciate the diversity of the wildlife the area has to offer.
The Scottish Highlands is home to many land animals, aquatic creatures and birds. Too many to describe in full here. We shall however describe some of the more elusive and interesting animals from each group so you can have an idea of what is on offer.
First, the land animals:
Adder
The adder is a poisonous snake found in Scotland. It happens to be the only poisonous snake found here and it isn’t very dangerous unless provoked. They are somewhat difficult to find and tend to avoid humans. The snake is typically identified by a dark zigzag on their backs. The females can be identified as they are generally longer in length, have a duller colour and intimidating orange eyes. The snake can be seen on and around large bricks, stones and boulders. They are also known to be seen in moor land during the summer months.
Red Deer
The Red Deer is maybe the most famous Scottish land animal. It is the largest animal and the most common too. It is estimated that there are around 300 thousand Red Deer in Scotland to date, the majority of which can be found in the Scottish Highlands. The male and females of the animal spend the majority of their time in separate herds, but they do come together during the breeding season with the calves being born in June.
Red Squirrel
This is Scotland’s most recognised and most popular animals. Unfortunately, they are becoming overrun by the grey squirrel and this has resulted in fewer numbers of red squirrels. Regardless of this, the Scottish Highlands are still thriving with red squirrels but they can be quite difficult to spot. The best way to arrange a Red Squirrel encounter is of course trying to tempt them with food such as nuts and berries.
Secondly, we shall now cover the aquatic animals of the Scottish Highlands.
Bottlenose Dolphins
Although you can find bottlenose dolphins around the whole of Scotland, the colony at Moray Firth happens to be the most famous. This beautiful animal can be spotting swimming and jumping around in the sea throughout the summer months. A beautiful and amazing site for anyone to see!
Killer Whales / Orcas
Killer Whales or Orcas are they are known are one of the fastest and best predators in the ocean. They also happen to be one of the most common mammals on Earth. Male Orcas can grow to about 7 to 8metres in length and weigh over 5 thousand kg. The distinct colouration of the Orcas (the contrast of the black versus the white) and the sheer size of the animal is an amazing site to see.
Basking Shark
The Basking Shark is an amazingly huge animal, one of the largest in the world. It happens to be the second largest fish known to man, weighing up to 7 tonnes and reaching up to an incredible 11 metres in length. The animal is usually seen swimming close to surface with just its fin breaking the water, as the animal glides around catching plankton in its huge mouth.
Lastly, we shall now describe a few of the many varieties of bird to be found in the Scottish Highlands.
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is an impressive bird of prey that can be found in the Scottish Highlands. This bird of prey tends to inhabit mountains and high moor land associated with the Scottish Highlands. The beautiful bird with its broad wings and long time is a beautiful and elegant animal that can be seen soaring and gliding around on air currents in the sky.
Puffin
The Puffin is another beautiful bird that happens to be very unique. It has a black back, white underside, orange legs and very distinct and unusual brightly-colour break. The Puffin can be seen in the spring when the bird comes ashore to breed. Unfortunately the animal spends the winter far out in see. Grab the opportunity to see this bird when you can!
Kingfisher
The Kingfisher is another beautiful yet strangely coloured bird that can be found in-land as opposed to the coastal area of the Scottish Highlands. Its unmistakeable bright blue and orange feathers make this bird very original and a beautiful site to see. They fly very fast over water as low as possible in the hope of catching jumping fish. They can also be seen hovering above the water.
There really is a huge and diverse variety of species to be found in Scotland, although unfortunately this isn’t always recognised by some. Forget the kilts, the haggis and the bagpipes… just look at the wildlife!
“You tak’ the high Road an’ I’ll tak’ the low road” and we will enjoy a Scottish vacation together, in the Scottish highlands and in the lowlands of Bonnie Scotland. Most people visit Edinburgh and then claim they have “done Scotland”. Others head straight for the Isle of Skye or for Gleneagles Hotel or St. Andrews for a round of golf and then claim the same thing.
You don’t “do Scotland” in a day, or even a few days. Ten days to two weeks is what it takes to experience what Scotland has to offer, and even that is nothing more than a taste of more to come should you wish to return – and most do. So what is needed for you to see Scotland in all her glory? This proud country that has withstood the ravages of invading English, sometimes with great success and sometimes not?
One of the first things you will notice on your Scotland vacation, whether in the Scottish highlands or in the lowlands, is the pride of the people in their country and of their friendliness to visitors. Then you notice the scenery and everything else that makes Scotland what it is. Let’s start on your ideal vacation in Scotland with the type of service you should expect.
First, if traveling from a distance, such as anywhere in the USA, you must travel at least business class. It is 5 hours out and 8 hours back (due to the jet stream), so you will want to travel in comfort. Then you should have personal attention – your personal guide, individual car and chauffeur and first class rail travel. The accommodation in Scotland is generally excellent, but even that should be extra special just for you and your partner or friend.
Scotland’s capital city is Edinburgh, and is universally acclaimed as one of the most beautiful in the world. Its main street, Princes Street, is lined with stores and boutiques on one side, and by the gardens on the other where you cannot miss the famous Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a volcanic plug overlooking the entire city. The largest city in the country is Glasgow, about an hour drive away, designed largely by Sir Charles Rennie Mackintosh and home of the famous Burrell collection of art. Glasgow is second only to London as the largest retail center in the UK.
Having visited these two magnificent cities your Scotland vacation should now leave the lowlands of Scotland, and head for the Scottish highlands. The beauty of Loch Lomond, the longest inland loch in the UK, deserves its reputation, and you mustn’t miss it when visiting Scotland. Luss, on the banks of the loch, is a good place to stop for a pint of Scottish beer and to see how kilts bagpipes are made. The bagpipes are Scotland’s national musical instrument, though some my debate the term ‘musical’.
Scotland is steeped in history, and Inveraray Castle is close by on the sea loch, Loch Fyne. This is the ancestral home of the chief of the Campbells, the Duke of Argyle: more about them below! You should then head for Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain, and just south of there is the gloomy Glencoe, where in 1692 the Campbells were the guests of the MacDonald clan for the best part of a week.
By order of the English king, whom the Campbells supported, they massacred the MacDonalds one wintry Scottish night while they were asleep. Few survived – those that escaped immediate death later froze on the mountains or on Rannoch moor where survival was impossible on a freezing winter’s night. The Campbells have never been forgiven for this treachery, and Glencoe is still a dark and brooding place. It is well worth visiting, as is the Rannoch moor close by.
You should now head off for Mallaig and get the ferry over to the Isle of Skye. Before you reach Mallaig you will pass Glenfinnan, and the memorial on the site where Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed in Scotland to claim the Scottish throne – a venture that saw them as far as Derby before the whole campaign ended in tears and slaughter on the field of Culloden close to Inverness, away to the east of here.
Skye itself is a must for any Scotland vacation, and is a beautiful and mysterious island. Dunvegan castle is the seat of the Macleod clan, and still hold the remnants of the ‘Fairy Flag’ that the MacLeods carried into battle. They believed that the flag could call up a fairy army to help them when needed.
Now you must visit Loch Ness and see if you can spot the Loch Ness Monster – many have, and it is amazing how a few good Scottish malt whiskies (no ‘e’ in Scots whisky) make the monster much easier to spot. You pass the loch on your way to Inverness that every Scotland vacation should include in its itinerary. The ancient capital of the highlands, Inverness is just a short drive away from the aforementioned Culloden, where you can still see the mounds under which the clansmen were buried in mass graves after the slaughter. Fought on 16th April, 1746, it was the last battle on British soil, and the last in which claymores tried to defeat muskets and bayonets.
Other places you must visit while on vacation in the Scottish highlands and lowlands include Fife and St. Andrews, with its championship links golf courses, Stirling Castle, Falkirk and the Monument to William Wallace of ‘Braveheart’ fame and many other great Scottish historical sites. You must visit a distillery or two and try out the single malt whiskies, and Rosslyn Chapel is worth a visit. Close to Edinburgh, this has connections with the Knights Templar, and features in Dan Brown’s book ‘The Da Vinci Code’.
Then finish off back in Edinburgh, with perhaps a visit to the haunted vaults under the city or to Mary Queen of Scots’ home, Holyrood Palace. You can visit her bedroom and other apartments in the Palace, situated close to the new Scottish Parliament.
A Scotland vacation in the Scottish highlands and lowlands is the way to ‘do Scotland’ and after all of the above you can truly claim to have ‘done it properly’.
