I ripped open my package from the Isle of Harris. As I pushed my nose into the fabric, it smelled of lanolin and scratched my face. I had chosen it a month before because its color would forever remind me of the heather, sky, and rock that cover this Hebridean island. The fog was thick […]
Edinburgh’s Rose Street—A Beer Aficionado’s Nirvana
The medieval stone city of Edinburgh boasts a staggering 700 pubs for its population of just under 500,000, the highest concentration of pubs in Great Britain. And the epicenter of Edinburgh’s beer sampling scene, as any local will tell you, is Rose Street, only a brisk 10-minute walk down the hill from the Royal Mile […]
The Spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The opening sights and sounds of the Edinburgh Tattoo are spectacular, set against the backdrop of ancient Edinburgh Castle. In the distance, behind the castle walls, I hear the sinister rattle of dozens of snare drums followed by the wail of a single bagpipe. Then, suddenly, 600 pipers fire up their instruments in a loud […]
National Museum of Scotland Displays The World
Scotland has scores of museums, all of them interesting, but the National Museum of Scotland, in Edinburgh, is truly exceptional. Its collections of thousands of objects cover natural history, world cultures, geology, archaeology, science and technology, and of course the entire story (pre-history included) of Scotland. The museum is set in the heart of the […]
A Wee Jaunt to Arran and Tiree
I knew I’d arrived when my taxi driver said, “Enjoy your wee Hebridean jaunt.” But I was left in no doubt when I discovered tartan carpets and upholstery in my room. Later, I even saw tartan VW vans! In fact, my adventure was not wee at all, but fifteen islands and three weeks long. I […]
A Small Ship Cruise in the Scottish Hebrides
Every September morning I wondered why I hadn’t explored the Scottish Hebrides before. White sand beaches and turquoise sea, purple-washed mountains and golden glens lured me every day. Dry weather heightened my enchantment as I lapped up the islands’ ancient history wherever I found it. The Hebridean islands, formed by ancient volcanoes and sculpted by […]
Eight Great Reasons to Visit Scotland
What’s not to love about Scotland? Home to a rich history, spectacular scenery, and some of the kindest people around; Scotland should be at the top of everyone’s “Must Visit” list. I mean just look at some of these best places to visit in Scotland! Here are eight particularly great reasons to plan a trip […]
A Walk through Literary Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, as it serves up a delicious array of libraries, bookshops, historic authors, literary monuments, and scenic tours. In the 1700s, Edinburgh was the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment, and it gained the nickname “Athens of the North” for its classical architecture and reputation for producing literary and […]
Visit Gardens in the UK While Keeping the Non-Gardener Happy
Compatible traveling companions do not necessarily share every interest, but it can be trying to spend your precious holidays being dragged around to boring places. You may assume that you have to go golfing even though you read a notice about the Elizabethan doll exhibit at a village museum. You may try to ignore […]
The Many Mysteries of Rosslyn Chapel
On a small, rocky plateau overlooking a deep tree lined glen, lies a modest Scottish chapel that has captured the imagination of millions of people around the world. Rosslyn Chapel, measuring only 68 feet long, 35 feet wide, and 42 feet high, has enough fascinating myths, legends and mysteries to put a major Cathedral […]