Resorts and Attractions in Scotland, United Kingdom

Scotland – until 1707 an independent kingdom in northern Europe. Now it is an autonomous region conquered by England. Common borders with England.

According to Harvardshoes.com, the capital is Edinburgh. Language – English, Scottish Gaelic, Anglo-Scottish. Currency – pound sterling. Religion – Church of Scotland.

The climate is temperate oceanic. Temperature in winter +5*С, in summer +19*С. The southwest wind is characteristic, frequent storms on the coast and islands.

The western and eastern sea coasts of Scotland are connected by the Caledonian Canal, part of which is the famous Loch Ness.

Resorts and attractions in Scotland

Located seven miles south of Aviemore, the Alpine Reserve is suitable for all ages. Discover the amazing diversity of Scotland’s wildlife – pine marten, wild cat, red deer. Travel back in time and meet the inhabitants of old Scotland – wolves, lynxes, beavers and wild horses.

Unique places in the world.

Scotland, Edinburgh Castle

In the center of the Scottish capital, directly on the hill of the Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is located. It has a long (more than 1000 years) and rich history, most of which was the residence for the ruling monarchs, today it attracts the attention of many tourists.

History of the castle

It is not known exactly when the first settlement appeared on the top of the mentioned mountain. In the 7th century, near Yorkshire, the battle of the local king Dean Edin with the English pagan invaders took place. The winners were the Angles, who conquered the fortress that existed at that time on the site of the castle. After this battle, the city became known as Edinburgh.

The fortress played an important role in the formation and development of the state, as it was conditionally called the “key to Scotland”. In the 11th century, the fortress, transformed into a solid castle, was the home of Queen Margaret. After her death, she was buried on the very top of the mountain near the chapel, which is the oldest building on the castle grounds. In 1296, Edinburgh Castle came under the control of the English King Edward I, who attacked Scotland. But a few years later, the Scots again began to rule the castle, it was recaptured by Sir Thomas Randolph, who is the nephew of the ruler Robert the Bruce. By order of the king acting at that time, the fortress was completely dismantled, he did not want.

Already in the 15th century, when the Stuart dynasty began to rule Scotland, the castle was restored and significantly expanded, behind the scenes it became known as the royal residence. Over time, at the other end of the street, the spacious Holyrood Palace was built, where the Stuarts moved for permanent residence. And Edinburgh Castle was transformed into a large-scale military fortress, where one could hide during political unrest in the state.

In 1688, the castle was subjected to a long siege and was captured by England. But when in 1707 Scotland and England were united by signing a treaty, the Scottish scepter, sword and crown were returned to Edinburgh Castle as museum pieces.

Castle for tourists

The total territory of the fortress is equal in size to a medieval city. Sheer cliffs surround it on three sides, the entrance is open only from the eastern side, where tourists are led by a steep road. Every year, a festive royal parade of military bands marches along it – an amazing and large-scale spectacle.

The castle is represented by the royal palace, where a ceremonial hall, armory and barracks, the commandant’s house, utility rooms are open for tourists. In the castle you can see Skoon Castle, where the coronation of all Scottish rulers took place. The Crown Jewels of Great Britain are preserved in the Royal Treasury.

On the fortress wall there is a Clock Cannon, which fires at noon. The Scottish Armed Forces Museum offers a huge collection of medieval weapons.

Interesting facts

The first people appeared in Scotland about 8 thousand years ago.

Scotland is famous for its black and red plaid skirts.

The seas of Scotland are the most biologically productive in the world – the total number of marine species in them reaches 40,000.