Scotland

Scotland was built through centuries of turbulent times with a rich diversity of extraordinary people and culture. The country has a dramatic history spanning over 8,000 years. It is approximately two thirds of the size of England and Wales and is bordered with England along the Cheviot Hills.

Tartan, fine whisky, and golfing are some common associations of Scotland. Whisky has been produced in Scotland throughout history and is the countries national drink, and Tartan was used throughout history to define regiments and Clans of the highlands.

Southern Scotland is comprised of the Scottish Borders, East Lothian, Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire. During the long wars with England, southern Scotland was depended upon to defend the country from invasion. The Borders region has small quiet mill towns and north is the rugged coastline and sandy bays of East Lothian.

Across the Southern Uplands the landscape grows to be mountainous and fierce. The Galloway Forest Park, west of Dumfries offers spectacular scenery and further north is the Ayrshire coast with resorts and many good quality golf courses.

Central Scotland is created from sections of other Scottish regions including Loch Lomond and Fife. The Highland Boundary Fault is the dividing line between the remote Highlands and the largely populated Central Lowlands with beautiful mountains and forests stretching west from Callander and the Perthshire glens.

The West Highland Way, on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond is Scotland's most popular long-distance hike. A multitude of cycle and horse trails flow through the glens and forests. Scottish Salmon can be fished from the river Tay, and water-sports can be enjoyed on the Earn loch, with the Cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow at close proximity.