Dumfries

scotland travel guide |travel scotland |bbc travel scotland |bbc scotland travel|best|

• Report rights infringement
• published: 31 Jul 2013
• views: 67

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DGXJXM4 Top ten things to see in Scotland 1. Loch Ness and the Great Glen A geological rift split the land from coast to coast, once dividing Scotland in two. Glaciers deepened the trench and the result today is a long glen of steep-sided, wooded mountains and dark, mysterious lochs. Castles and forts abound, bearing witness to the Great Glen's strategic importance and enhancing its dramatic grandeur with intrigue and nostalgia. And, of course, there's the legendary Loch Ness monster, elusive but irrepressible, and still attracting scientific interest -- keep that camera to hand. 2. Edinburgh Castle Dominating the city's skyline as it has done for over 800 years, this castle is a national icon and, deservedly, the country's most popular visitor attraction. Din Eidyn, "the stronghold of Eidyn", from which Edinburgh takes its name, was the vital possession in Scotland's wars. Varying roles as royal palace, barracks, prison and parliament have all helped shape this castle, home to the Scottish crown jewels and the fabled Stone of Destiny. 3. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Scotland's most visited collection is more popular than ever, since a 27.9 million pound refurbishment allowed even more of its fascinating collection of art and artifacts to be seen. Some 8,000 works of major international significance are displayed over three floors of gallery space. The diverse collection takes in world-wide ancient cultures, gives a comprehensive view of European and Scottish art across the centuries, and provides insights into 20th-century Glasgow life. Contrasting displays in open spaces demonstrate Kelvingrove's quirky sense of fun 4. Isle of Skye The product of violent geographical upheavals, the "misty isle" is justly famed for its towering, ragged mountains wild coastline. Add to these a colourful patchwork of crofts (farms), waterfalls, an exceptional whisky, a castle linked to the fairy world and the historical romance of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and you find on Skye all the ingredients that best symbolize the Highlands. 5. Glasgow Science Centre This £75-million millennium project is a pure delight. The heart of the centre is the Science Mall, a glass-sided silver crescent with three floors of hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and special-effect theatres. Adjacent to this is the world's only revolving tower and an IMAX cinema projecting gigantic 3D films. 6. The Cairngorms The highest mountain massif in the British Isles comprises a magnificent range of peaks, wild lochs and ancient forests, as well as bird sanctuaries, nature reserves and sports amenities. It is a region of exceptional scenery and habitats that have not been divided by roads. Activities take place on its fringe, but the heartland remains open only to those who travel by foot or on skis. It is this relative isolation that makes it so appealing both for the wildlife that inhabits the region and for the people who thrive on the testing terrain. 7.The Falkirk Wheel An engineering design wonder, this huge structure was built to connect the Union and Forth and Clyde Canals for east to west coast access for boats. The technical genius makes this a fascinating sight, and it's a great day out for the whole family, adults and children alike. 8.Edinburgh Zoo It has been open since 1913, and it's still one of the top Scottish attractions. Edinburgh Zoo gives you the opportunity to meet over 1,000 animals, and is the most exciting wildlife attraction in Scotland. Of all the things to see and do in Scotland, this is one of them. The highlight is the daily "Penguin Parade." 9. Culzean Castle Formerly a rather dull fortified tower house, Culzean (pronounced "Cullane") was transformed by the architect Robert Adam into a mansion of sumptuous proportions and elegance. The work began in 1777 and lasted almost 20 years, the Kennedy family sparking little expense in the decoration and craftsmanship of their clifftop home. Culzean -- a masterpiece in a land full of magnificent castles -- was gifted to the nation and fully restored in the 1970s. Its grounds became Scotland's first public country park in 1969. 10.Glasgow Cathedral In Scotland, round about AD550 St Mungo, the first Bishop of the British Kingdom of Strathclyde, founded a religious community around a small church, in an area that was to become known as Glasgow. The present stone building was built during the 13th century, on the site where He is believed to have been buried in AD612. information provided by Readers Digest http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-things-do-scotland for more great information on travel to Scotland go here now: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DGXJXM4