10 Things to do in Scotland for First Time Visitors
Scotland is often overshadowed by its southern neighbor, so much so that outsiders have been known to use England and the United Kingdom in an interchangeable manner. However, it is important to remember that Scotland is a nation with its own long, proud history, meaning that it has much to offer to interested individuals who are searching for sites of tourism interest.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Caste is one of the most notable features of Edinburgh’s skyline, which is inevitable because it sits on the well-named Castle Rock. In the present, it is the single most popular tourist attraction that can be found in the whole of Scotland, which makes sense because it houses the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Scone, and more besides.
2. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Edinburgh Castle is connected to the Palace of Holyroodhouse by the Royal Mile. In short, the Palace of Holyroodhouse has been the official residence of the Scottish monarchs since the 16th century, which is why it packs a lot of potential for tourists who are interested in the sites of historical events.
3. Skye
The Isle of Skye is the biggest of the Inner Hebrides, thus making it an excellent choice for people who want to see the multi-faceted landscape of said region in a convenient manner. Some examples include but are not limited to caves, beaches, waterfalls, and mountainous terrain, which are home to a remarkable range of wildlife.
4. Glen Coe
Glen Coe is one of Scotland’s most scenic glens, which is why it sees a regular influx of visitors who want to experience its natural splendor for themselves. Now as in the past, it serves as a popular place for people who are seeking to either hike or mountaineer.
5. Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a beautiful setting that is sure to please people who are looking for natural beauty. However, there are a lot of people who are more interested in the supposed Loch Ness Monster, which remains a subject of fascination in spite of a lack of solid evidence for its existence.
6. Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle sits at a strategic location between Edinburgh and Glasgow, so it should come as no surprise to learn that it has played an important role in Scottish history. In particular, the castle is a site of importance for Scottish independence, seeing as how it was close to the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, which forced England to recognize Robert the Bruce and his heirs as the rightful rulers of Scotland.
7. National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland came into existence when the Museum of Scotland combined with the Royal Museum, which is why the modern institution covers everything from science and technology to Scottish culture. Naturally, some of the National Museum’s exhibits are very well-known, with an excellent example being Dolly the Sheep, who was the first clone of a mammal created using an adult cell.
8. Scottish National Gallery
Some people will be interested in the Scottish National Gallery because of its collection of masterpieces from the Renaissance to the latter part of the 19th century. In contrast, other people will be more interested in the fact that it houses one of the finest collections of artworks created by Scottish artists, which makes sense considering the intended purpose of its existence.
9. Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh is a famous center for the study of plants. However, it is one of the finest gardens that can be found in the whole of the United Kingdom as well, meaning that it is a must-visit destination for people who appreciate beautiful landscapes shaped by human hands. Suffice to say that it is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, meaning that it can be considered an oasis of sorts.
10. Falkirk Wheel
Located in the town of the same name, the Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift meant to connect a pair of canals. It is the sole structure of its kind, thus making it worth seeing even without considering its unforgettable look.
