Scotland is a wild and untamed country stretching from rolling farmlands in the South and East to the dramatic highlands and islands in the West, where the craggy coastline is pocketed with beautiful beaches and rises up to rugged, empty mountains divided only by shimmering lochs and deep rivers. This ancient land has a brutal history and is studded with ancient castles and strongholds. Although part of the United Kingdom, the Scots are a fiercely independent and proud nation. They have their own legal system and more recently have their own parliament and are developing into an economic force in their own right - Aberdeen is the hub of the North Sea oil industry and Edinburgh is now home to Europe's largest bank. Scotland is the home of golf and whisky, and has a cultural heritage stretching from the festivities of the clans, to the poetry of Robert Burns. Scotland's rich traditions can be best seen over the summer months at the cutting-edge Edinburgh festival or at one of the many, more low-key, highland games. Whether visiting for fishing, stalking, sailing or hiking, Scotland is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast.

ESSENTIALS:

Time:GMT (GMT +1 between last Sunday in March and Saturday before last Sunday in October)

Electricity:240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are standard.

Lamguage: English is the official language, though visitors will be astonished by the variety of regional accents and may sometimes feel they need an interpreter when speaking to locals.

Communications: The international country dialling code for UK is +44. The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). There are a wide range of city/area codes in use. Mobile phones work throughout the country; the network operators use GSM 1800 networks, which may not be compatible with some dual-band US cell phones. Internet cafes are available in major towns and cities, train stations and airports.

SCOTLAND CLIMATE
Generally, Scotland is cool, damp and cloudy, but daily weather is unpredictable and extremely changeable. January and February are the coldest months, averaging 41°F to 45°F (5°C to 7°C), and summer has average temperatures of 66°F (19°C) during its warmest months of July and August. Scottish weather is on average cooler than that of England. The coldest areas are the highlands and the northern latitude means short winter days and very long summer evenings. The east coast experiences more sunshine, but colder winters, compared to the west.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

Entry requirements for Americans: US travellers must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport. A visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel. Stays exceeding six months will require a visa. South Africans may no longer travel to the UK on a temporary passport.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa or a passport to enter the UK, but if travelling from a country other than Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, then a passport is required.

Passport/Visa Note: If a visa is not required, travellers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the UK; nationals of the EU require a passport valid on arrival. All nationals of non-EEA member states travelling to the UK for more than six months require an Entry Clearance visa.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Car Rental
If you like to drive and stay at hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, that is fine. We offer a choice of companies offering budget vehicles, new vehicles and mini-buse. If you tell us your requirements we will happy prepare a quotation for you. See details: Scotland Car Hire

Motorhome - RV - Campervan - Camper
For flexibility, freedom and value for money it is really hard to beat Motorhome, RV, Campervan or Motorcaravan hire or rental. Our friendly and experienced team are here to assist and provide valuable free advice, plus the most competitive quotes. We offer the widest selection and we have a best value and best price guarantee.
See details: Scotland Campervan Hire

Canal Boat - Canal Barge - River Cruise
You can also travel by boat. As the largest global canal boat wholesaler, we offer you : European Waterways. cruising is lots of fun. It really is a terrific bonding time for families or just a great time for a group of friends. The boats are very comfortable and most boats have en-suites and comfortable cabins. BBQ's , fishing rods and outdoor deck furniture complete the picture. For details, Scotland - Ocean - River Cruises

EDINBURGH
Rising up in medieval splendour from its base atop an ancient, extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle stands at the head of the Royal Mile in Old Town, the original city centre with winding lanes and dark alleys. Opposite, the Georgian New Town provides a contrast with its ordered grid of elegant 18th-century architecture. While Edinburgh has a rich, cultural heritage and is home to many of Scotland's museums and galleries, it is perhaps most famous for the Edinburgh International Festival, which runs for three weeks during August. During the festival the town comes alive with street performers advertising their shows, and visitors are sure to be entertained by comedians, and may even see one or two of their favourite actors sampling a barrel at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre.

ATTRACTIONS IN EDINBURGH

Edinburgh Castle
This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th-century gun Mons Meg, the One o'clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. In addition to guided tours provided by the castle stewards, there is an audio guide tour available in six languages.

Address: Castle Hill; Post code: EH1 2NG; Telephone: (0)131 225 9846; Website: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (1 November to 31 March); 9.30am to 6pm (1 April to 31 October); Admission: £10.30 (adults); £4.50 (children); concessions available

Holyrood
The Royal Mile is Scotland’s most fascinating street; it runs from Edinburgh Castle, through the Old Town, to Holyrood Palace and is lined with museums, churches and historic buildings dating from the 15th century. Holyrood is the Monarch’s official residence in Scotland. It was founded in 1128 when David I founded an abbey on the site and is still used today by the Queen whenever she is in town. Guided tours are available and lead visitors through the grand State Apartments, the Throne Room, and the Great Gallery, culminating in the apartments of Mary Queen of Scots and her husband Lord Darnley, their bed-chambers linked by a secret staircase. A plaque on the floor marks the spot where Mary's Italian secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566. Next to the palace lie the Gothic ruins of the Abbey, whose Royal Vault contains the remains of kings David II, James II, James V, and Lord Darnley, who was himself murdered by Mary's lover. The adjacent Holyrood Park was historically a Royal hunting ground, but is now a wilderness where locals can escape to for walking and taking in the spectacular scenery.

Telephone: (0)131 556 5100; E-mail: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk; Website: www.royalcollection.org.uk; Transport: Bus 35; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 6pm (April to October); 9.30am to 4.30pm (November to March). Last entrance is 45 minutes before closing time; Admission: Palace and Queen's Gallery: £12.50 (adults), £6.50 (children under 17 years); Palace only: £8.80 (adults), £4.80 (children under 17 years). Concessions available

GLASGOW

During the past few decades Glasgow, the UK's fourth largest city, has re-invented itself from a rather economically depressed post-war industrial centre to a modern metropolis with a thriving art and culture scene, which has earned it accolades like the 'European City of Culture' title in 1990 and 'City of Architecture' in 1999.

In days of yore Glasgow depended on shipbuilding and engineering for its wealth; the city fell into decline in the mid-20th century with poverty and unemployment rife. Prosperity has returned, riding on the back of 21st century technology, and it is the hub of Scottish film, theatre, writing, music and design that has captured worldwide attention.

The city has more than 20 galleries and museums to complement the architectural heritage of architects like Alexander Thomson, renowned for his classical designs, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, master of art nouveau.

The youthful, progressive atmosphere of the reborn Glasgow is encouraged by its large student population, spawned by four universities and several colleges, and reflected in the numerous lively restaurants, pubs and attractive shopping precincts.

Tourists find plenty to see and do in this city on the River Clyde, and can also use it as a base to explore the surrounding countryside that boasts some of Scotland's most scenic mountains, glens, lochs and coastline.

ATTRACTIONS IN GLASGOW

Burrell Collection
Glasgow's top cultural attraction was donated by the shipping magnate Sir William Burrell in 1944. Over his lifetime he amassed more than 8,000 works of art, 3,000 of which are displayed at any one time. The collection includes hundreds of sculptures, drawings and paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries, some notable medieval European tapestries, as well as artefacts from Arabia and the Orient. The collection is housed in an ugly, purpose-built building set in the sedate surroundings of Pollok Country Park. Within walking distance is Pollok House, which contains a fine collection of Spanish paintings including works by Goya, Murillo and El Greco. The Edwardian house is the ancestral home of the Maxwell family, who donated the house and the collection to the National Trust in 1966.

Address: 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Pollok Country Park; Post code: G43 1AT; Telephone: (0)141 287 2550; Transport: Train from Glasgow Central to Pollokshaws West, or bus 45, 47, 48 or 57; Opening time: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10am to 5pm; Friday and Sunday 11am to 5pm; Admission: Free

Gallery of Modern Art
Located in a former Grecian style mansion in the heart of the city, near George Square and Buchanan Street, the Gallery of Modern Art displays Glasgow's extraordinary range of post-war art and design. Glasgow’s most recent gallery, it was opened in 1996 and includes works by Niki de Saint Phalle, David Hockney, Sebastiao Salgado, Andy Warhol and Eduard Bersudsky as well as Scottish artists such as John Bellany and Ken Curry.

Address: Royal Exchange Square; Telephone: (0)141 229 1996; Website: www.glasgowmuseums.com; Transport: St Enoch underground station; Opening time: Monday to Wednesday and Saturday 10am to 5pm, Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday and Sunday 11am to 5pm; Admission: Free

THE HIGHLANDS

The Highlands of Scotland contain some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. A timeless wonderland, where roads and railways cut through breathtaking mountain views, past the deep and mysterious lochs, through the world’s finest whisky-producing regions, and up to the highest peaks in Britain. The long and dramatic Loch Ness, a short journey from Inverness, with its mythical monster, affectionately known as ‘Nessie’, has attracted thousands over the past century, all eager to catch a glimpse. The region is rich in heritage, and has played host to many bloody battles between the proud and ancient Scottish clans. Off the coast, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands with their rugged and dramatic scenery reveal ancient settlements and unspoilt insights into the ancient history of Scotland. A visit to this highland wilderness, despite predictably unpredictable weather, ignites a very basic pleasure and can be a glorious and refreshing experience.

THE HIGHLANDS ATTRACTIONS

Loch Ness
Loch Ness is situated in the Great Glen that links Inverness on the East coast to Fort William in the West. The most famous lake is 24 miles (39km) long, half a mile (1km) wide and 700ft (213m) deep and is home to the legendary monster which many claim to have glimpsed from the shore. There are fine walks around the mountains and glens that surround the loch and many head for the scenic ruins of Urquhart Castle or the Nessie exhibition at Drumnadrochit. The four lochs that make up the Great Glen are linked by the Caledonian Canal, which was built in the early 1800s to enable ships to pass from the North Sea to the Atlantic without having to navigate Scotland’s harsh North coast. The most traditional and comfortable way to travel along the glen is by boat, and a flotilla of canoes, yachts and cruising boats are available for hire in Inverness and Fort William. The more energetic may opt to walk or cycle along the 70-mile (113km) Great Glen Way. The walk will take four to seven days.


Northern Highlands
Beyond Inverness and the Great Glen, Scotland stretches away in a spectacular fusion of wooded glens, sweeping moors, rugged coasts, towering mountains and welcoming villages. The Northern Highlands includes both the rich farmland of the Black Isle and the precipitous sea cliffs of Cape Wrath; the traditional crofting communities of North West Sutherland and the busy towns of Easter Ross; the historic fishing villages of Caithness and the wooded straths of Mid Ross; and the popular beaches of East Sutherland and the majestic, beautiful mountains of Wester Ross. Due to its remoteness this huge area is largely overlooked by tourists despite having one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.

West Highland Railway
The West Highland Railway runs around 100 miles (161km) from Glasgow to Fort William, and then along the West coast through the remnants of the Caledonian forest, Loch Lomond, Glencoe and some of Britain's most spectacular mountain scenery and finest walking country. Passengers can get off at Highland stations and set off on wonderful walks direct from the platform. For a hiker this railway is an absolute gift and for any visitor wanting to explore the Highlands in comfort, a ride on the West Highland Railway is a must. There are three passenger trains running in each direction every day. Walkers should make sure they book accommodation well in advance and remember to bring rainwear and anti-midge cream.

AIRPORTS:
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)
Location: The airport is situated seven miles (11km) northwest of Aberdeen. Time: GMT (GMT +1 between last Sunday in March and Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)1224 722331. Transfer to the city: Aberdeen and Inverness train services run from the local station at Dyce, which is just a short taxi ride from the airport. The main line station is in Aberdeen city centre where there are frequent services to all parts of Scotland and England. Regular bus services operate from the airport to Aberdeen city centre. Services are less frequent at weekends than on weekdays. Car rental: Car hire companies represented at the airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National/Alamo. Other off-airport operators can be contacted via the airport information desk. Facilities: Facilities include left luggage, a bureau de change, bars, a duty free shop and a restaurant. Parking: There are various parking options to suit all requirements. Long-term car parking can be booked via the airport website or on arrival at the airport. Departure tax: None. Website: www.aberdeenairport.com

Edinburgh International Airport (EDI)
Location: The airport is eight miles (13km) west of Edinburgh. Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)131 333 1000. Transfer to the city: Stops for public buses are situated at stand 18 on the terminal forecourt road outside the UK arrivals hall. The designated taxi rank is also outside the UK arrivals hall beside the coach park. There are buses that run directly to the city centre via a couple of stops en route. Journey time to the city centre is about 25 minutes. Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National. Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, a bureau de change, shops, restaurants and bars. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance. Parking: The short-term car park is adjacent to the terminal building. The long-term car park is a few minutes away; a courtesy bus ferries passengers to the terminal. There are discounts available if parking is pre-booked; telephone 0870 000 1000. Departure tax: None. Website: www.edinburghairport.com

Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Location: The airport is located eight miles (13km) west of Glasgow, off junction 28 of the M8 motorway. Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)141 887 1111. Transfer between terminals: A covered walkway connects the terminals. Transfer to the city: Buses leave regularly for Glasgow, stopping off at the main railway and bus stations. The journey to the city centre takes 15 to 20 minutes. There are also trains to Glasgow Central Station, connecting to towns and cities throughout Scotland. Taxis are available outside the terminal 24 hours a day. The taxi fare from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow city centre is approximately £16.50. Car rental: Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National are represented at the airport. Facilities: Facilities at Glasgow Airport include ATMs, a bureau de change, a post office, shops, bars and restaurants. A business centre in the terminal offers meeting rooms, secretarial support, telephones, fax machines and Internet connectivity. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs are advised to inform their airline or travel agent in advance. Parking: Short- and long-term car parking is available; long-term parking can be booked in advance via the airport website or by telephoning 0870 000 1 000 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK). Chauffeured Parking can be arranged via CPS Services (tel: 01883 340 089) who also offer car valet, servicing, personal chauffeuring and car transfer between airports. Departure tax: None. Website: www.glasgowairport.com