by Barry Mccormick

Created on: May 05, 2009

For a country that is not the biggest on the globe, Scotland has a wealth of culture, history and geographical beauty to discover. From the highlands to the borders, Glasgow to Dundee, Scotland is well and truly packed full of places that you simply must see. I may share a slight bias for my native land by saying it is one of if not the most beautiful places in the world, rain and all!

Do you like music and culture? Both Cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh have a lot to offer in reference to this. At the beginning of the year Glasgow hosts a nineteen day festival called Celtic Connections, where you can hear traditional Scottish Celtic music in concerts and even attend workshops on how to play and others of interest. Several of these events are free need to admission for them you simply turn up and enjoy. However there are some things which need paid admittance. But I would highly recommend this event, particularly if traditional music and culture interests you.

As well as this, throughout the year Glasgow has top locations such as the SECC and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Where there are innumerable concerts and activities that can be attended. Glasgow is also home to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama who themselves have a whole host of recitals and concerts to choose from.

Edinburgh is nice place to visit. The Fringe Festival is hosted here where you will find and be entertained by all forms of Arts. Music, Dance, Drama, Film, Art, the Fringe has it all, in August. If you can not make it during this time Edinburgh is filled to the brim with a whole host of tourist spots like Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament.

Both Glasgow and Edinburgh also have big beautiful parks which are worth going to have a walk around. There is a lot of hidden beauty in our cities which if you blink you may miss, they are so worth just having a walk around. Like every other city if you are looking for somewhere to party both of these cities host a whole number clubs and public houses where you can have a good time.

History along with the beauty of Scotland for me is the country's biggest clincher. Take a trip to Stirlingshire and visit the sixty seven metre high Wallace Monument. Here you will be surrounded by the beauty of Abbey Craig and learn about the truth behind a man of legend, William Wallace. This monument was erected in the nineteenth century and is open all year round for those who want to know and learn more of that time.

Another beautiful location is are the fields of Bannockburn. Where the Scots fought the English in an historical battle not long after the death of Wallace. Scotland is littered with places like this where you can go and experience the beauty and learn of the history, they are awe inspiring and intriguing. You can also visit, and even stay in some, castles. Edinburgh Castle is probably the most visited castle but I would urge you to go and discover the less known like Cubbie Roo Castle in Orkney.

Loch Lomond. A part of Scotland immortalised in song and for good reason. This 24 mile long lake in the central belt of Scotland is surrounded by the countries most beautiful surroundings. Around the loch there are lots of places to see and visit: Balloch and Luss among others. Ben Lomond over looks the lake and the mountain is worth a hike up itself. The West Highland Way in the surrounding areas of the loch and some parts I would recommend for a lovely scenic walk like around Rowardenan.

Scotland is simply an interesting and beautiful place to see. No matter what interests you, Scotland will be able to grip you.

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