Writing about my Scottish homeland, I get asked frequently for my list of ‘must sees’ in Scotland. These will vary as the seasons go round – but here’s what I thought of today!
First of all, Edinburgh Castle would be permanently on any list. It’s iconic, lies at the heart of the capital, and even manages fine views all the way to the hills of the Trossachs. (Actually, the city of Edinburgh itself is a ‘must see’.)
Strathy Beach
If you like your beaches remote, cool and often deserted, then there are several on a Scottish ‘must see’ list. This one is at Strathy, on Scotland’s north coast.
Now, the Highlands are an essential experience of Scotland – so I’d take you to Glen Affric in the Fall, when the birchwoods turn to gold. It’s an easy excursion by road from Inverness. (It’s quite close to Loch Ness – but the setting is finer. And the monster is only a legend anyway.)
Then off to the old lands of the Viking: visit Skara Brae on Orkney – a Neolithic village buried long ago. The circular, stone houses re-emerged when a sand-dune blew away in a storm in 1850. It was first occupied an incredible five millennia ago. Nowhere else in Scotland is the sense of past and so strong. (Oh, and eat at The Creel Restaurant, St Margaret’s Hope, when you are there – that would make my top five dining experiences!)
Next, as a reminder of a temperate climate without extremes, you should see the gardens at Crathes Castle, west of Aberdeen, in Royal Deeside.
Finally, I’d like you to stroll to the top of the Knock Hill above Crieff, Perthshire. It’s only a few minutes, though high heels are not advised. You stand between Highland and Lowlands, with battle sites, cattle droving roads, signal stations from Roman occupation – in fact, all of Scotland’s story, written into the landscape spread before you. (Basically, it’s just a great view.)
The Jacobite Special Steam Services
The Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, passing the famous White Sands of Morar. Rated as one of the world’s great railway journeys. Another Scottish ‘must see’.
Edinburgh – Highlands – Orkney – Royal Deeside – Perthshire. Hey, ask me this again tomorrow and I might choose another five…..
Gilbert Summers is a native Scot who has written about his homeland nearly all his life for publishers and tourism organisations. But his website www.scotlandinaweek.com avoids the hype of the tourism brochure. It’s an honest account for the Scottish visitor, with lots of tips for places to see, as well as tour suggestions and even a recipe for scones as made by his wife’s granny, who got it from her mother, who, in turn….etc
