Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Edinburgh and Glasgow, two of Britain's most vibrant urban centres. Ancient ties to
Ireland, Scandinavia, France and the Netherlands mean that - compared with the
English at least - Scots are generally enthusiastic about the
European Union
, which has
poured money into infrastructure and cultural projects, particularly in the Highlands
and Islands. By contrast, Scotland's relationship with the “auld enemy”, England,
remains as problematic as ever. he
Scottish Parliament
in Edinburgh has helped to focus
Scottish minds on Scottish affairs and, by the time you read this, Scotland may even be a
separate nation if nationalists win an
independence referendum
on 18 September, 2014.
Even if that doesn't happen, Scots are likely to continue to view matters south of the
border with a mixture of exaggerated disdain and well-hidden envy. Open hostility is
rare, but ask for a “full English breakfast” and you'll quickly be put right.
Where to go
Even if you're planning a short visit, it's perfectly possible to combine a stay in either
Edinburgh or Glasgow with a brief foray into the Highlands. With more time, a greater
variety of
landscapes
in Scotland are available, but there's no escaping the fact that travel
in the more remote regions of Scotland takes time even with your own transport, and - in
the case of the islands - money. If you plan to spend most of your time in the countryside,
concentrate on just one or two areas for a more rewarding visit.
he initial focus for many visitors to Scotland is the capital,
Edinburgh
, a dramatically
handsome and engaging city famous for its castle and historic Old Town. Come in
August and you'll find the city transformed by the Edinburgh Festival, the largest arts
festival in the world. An hour's travel to the west, the country's biggest city,
Glasgow
, is
