A trip to Scotland is your chance to experience a wildly romantic and varied landscape. If you love cities and the countryside, and don’t mind the rain, Scotland is a fabulous destination, with something for everyone. From its historic and vibrant cities, to its stunning landscapes and enchanting islands in the north and west, Scotland is unforgettable once you’ve visited.
Scotland’s three main cities are Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Although Glasgow is the capital, it is Edinburgh in the south east, not too far over the border with England, that attracts the most international and local visitors.

The annual International Festival every August is the only time you will find getting accommodation difficult, so if you plan to go that month, make sure you make your arrangements well in advance. Otherwise, save yourself the crowds, and go any other month of the year.
Edinburgh has a rich variety of architecture and Edinburgh Castle is a must-see. The former home to the Scottish Royal Family, it is full of many of the great treasures of Scotland.

The whole of the city is steeped in history. There is nothing quite like walking the Royal Mile. (Especially if you haven’t good good shoes and sturdy legs!)

The city has many medieval and Georgian buildings, and is a vibrant, lively center with much to interest the tourist trying to cram in as much food, drink and culture as possible in a short space of time.
Glasgow, once very run down and poverty-stricken, has enjoyed a exciting revival over the last two decades. It is a fun and lively city, with a great amount to see and do. Alongside the many museums, art galleries, monuments and shops is Glasgow cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. It is also not far from the border with England, but is situated in the south-west, as opposed to Edinburgh in the south east.
The port city of Aberdeen in the north-east is built almost exclusively of silvery granite, which glistens the in sun or rain. Hence it nickname, the Granite City. There is a wonderful maritime museum alongside a prestigious art gallery, and impressive universities. It has a unique feel to it due to it being a transport hub for many of the oil rigs on the North Sea. It is also teeming with higher education institutions, making it a lively, youth-centered city despite the grimness of the weather.
For more suggestions, see: A Scottish Journey: romance, mystery, castles and ghosts Part 2