http://www.scotland.com/blog/ en 2009-06-11T13:30:57+01:00 hourly 6 2009-06-11T13:30:57+01:00 http://www.scotland.com/blog/celebrate-800-years-of-history-culture-and-heritage-with-perth 2009-06-11T13:30:57+01:00 en Editor Features The fascinating country of Scotland attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the globe each year, all of whom no doubt want to make sure that they get the most out of every moment of their trip. Many want to gain insight into the extensive history and rich culture of the country, as well as to enjoy its rugged natural beauty. A visit to Perth in 2010 will cover all these aspects and more. Perth was granted its Burgh Charter by King William "The Lion" of Scotland in 1210, and in celebration of the 800th anniversary of this noteworthy event, the town will be hosting a series of exciting events throughout 2010 – making it a really good time for tourists to visit and explore this charming town and its surroundings. http://www.scotland.com/blog/gilmerton-cove-edinburghs-mysterious-attraction 2009-05-18T13:40:50+01:00 en Editor Features Despite extensive historical and archaeological research, the origin and purpose of Gilmerton Cove remains a mystery. In the past Gilmerton was a mining village accommodating the families of local limestone quarrymen and coalminers, but is now a suburb on the outskirts of the vibrant city of Edinburgh in Scotland. Gilmerton Cove consists of a series of underground passageways and chambers beneath the suburb’s streets which have evidently been hand-carved from sandstone, by whom and for what purpose have been matters for debate and speculation, giving rise to a host of theories. http://www.scotland.com/blog/the-spirit-of-lewis 2009-05-18T10:51:32+01:00 en Judy Macdonald Features It has been almost 170 years since whisky was legally distilled in the Outer Hebrides and that was at the Shoeburn Distillery in Stornoway, which closed down around 1840. The island had established a reputation of producing good whisky. Two farms on Lewis, whose illicit whisky held a reputation for quality, were Coll and Gress, yet there was one in Harris and more throughout the isles. These distilleries existed a very long time ago, but in truth the art of distilling never left the island, it just carried on quietly as it had always done. http://www.scotland.com/blog/visit-the-highland-aviation-museum 2009-04-20T12:17:11+01:00 en Editor Features Located in the business estate alongside the Inverness Airport around seven miles northeast of the city, the Highland Aviation Museum offers an incredible hands-on experience to all who have an interest in the fascinating history of aviation, especially relating to this lovely region of Scotland. Anyone who has wondered what it must have been like to be in a cockpit in the heat of battle, or scouring the skies defending the country from intruders, will have the opportunity to let their imagination run wild while firmly seated in the cockpit of a Blackburn Buccaneer S1 or an English Electric Lightning F1A – an aircraft that for decades was considered to be one of the best and fastest fighters in the world. http://www.scotland.com/blog/the-cowal-highland-gathering-a-celebration-of-grand-scottish-traditions 2009-03-19T11:49:36+00:00 en Editor Features From humble beginnings way back in 1894, the Cowal Highland Gathering has established itself as a major event in Scotland’s annual Highland Games calendar, attracting more than 3,500 competitors from within the country’s borders and far beyond, including Australia, South Africa, Canada and the United States. Featuring Highland music, dance and ancient traditions, the Cowal Highland Gathering, which is set to take place 27-29 August 2009, promises to be jam-packed with fun and excitement for competitors and spectators alike. http://www.scotland.com/blog/celebrating-scottish-whisky 2009-02-25T11:02:43+00:00 en Editor Travel Good food, brilliant entertainment and great Scotch whisky are all features of the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. The event takes place in the Speyside region, which is found in the north east of Scotland. http://www.scotland.com/blog/tale-of-the-last-clansman-trail 2009-02-19T12:18:50+00:00 en Editor Features Murder, mystery and intrigue all combine to make the perfect recipe for a great novel. This is never truer than when fiction is based on fact. The Last Clansman Trail provides visitors with a wonderful look into some of the rather intriguing facts of Scottish history. http://www.scotland.com/blog/balnakeil-craft-village-arts-and-crafts-at-its-best 2009-02-11T10:09:24+00:00 en Editor Travel Nestled in the hills not far from Durness Village in Sutherland, art lovers will find Balnakeil Craft Village. The craft village is a collection of craft workshops that cover almost every type of craft imaginable, including handmade soaps, paintings, pottery, basketry, woodwork, screen printing, leatherwork, wool work and enamelwork. http://www.scotland.com/blog/muness-castle 2009-02-05T12:43:11+00:00 en Editor Features Nothing captures the imagination quite like an old, abandoned castle. As you tour Scotland you will likely have to opportunity to see many of its old castles. Muness Castle has the distinction of being the most northerly fortalice in the British Isles and makes for some interesting sight seeing. http://www.scotland.com/blog/discover-what-awaits-on-the-isle-of-cumbrae 2009-01-28T11:57:25+00:00 en Editor Travel Scotland is a beautiful country that is filled with surprises. One such hidden gem is the Isle of Cumbrae or ‘Great Cumbrae’. The island is the larger of two islands (the Cumbraes) situated in western Scotland in the lower Firth of Clyde. It is only 3.9 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, but there is a lot packed into this small little piece of paradise!