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Beautiful Scotland!
VisitScotlandAmanda
Member, Administrator, Moderator, VisitScotland Staff ✪
When I first moved to Scotland I was blown away with how beautiful it is, so when Rough Guides announced us as ‘the most beautiful country in the world’ I was nodding with great enthusiasm!
So with that in mind, I thought we could all share a bit about our favourite parts of the country and what it is that makes it beautiful to us. For me, I love the diversity of the landscapes and the amazing animals you can spot as you drive along (highland coo's being a fave, of course) as well as all the castles and historic buildings.
I still have so much more of the country to see and explore (and I'm constantly getting jealous of the pictures I see some of you sharing on here) but here are some of my highlights so far:
The Lazy Duck in Nethy Bridge
Inveraray Castle
Deer spotting in Glen Coe
Tantallon Castle
What makes Scotland beautiful to you? Share your pictures and faves below!
Comments
I love Argyll, where I live and work! It has such a varied landscape, from mountains to big sandy beaches.. and also easy access to the islands and close encounters with lots of wildlife. Not to mention thousands of years worth of history with ancient standing stones and burial chambers! Even taking a little hike up a hill in Argyll can give you some stunning views, especially on a misty morning!
Argyll morning
For me though, I feel it’s the weather that makes Scotland so beautiful! We really can get all the seasons on one day, I experience it every day at work, but watching how the light can change from minute to minute is what gives Scotland its unique beauty! Yes it may rain a lot in our wee country, but the moments between some showers can be truly stunning!
Some of the light I love in Scotland
I also love to have a road trip along then west coast and watch the weather roll in from the Atlantic Ocean, or just sit and watch the light change on a mountainside! One of my favourite locations a bit further north, with some typically rugged Scottish scenery, is Loch Duich, from a small viewpoint above here I can happily sit for hours and just enjoy the view..
Nothing could prepare me for how pretty the country is, how friendly and accepting the people are and how accessible tracing the modern history of mankind is across the country (Stone age villages and stone circles to battle-weary castles). This, for me, makes Scotland beautiful (it's not just the visual aspect). I spent as much time as I could in the 2.5 years I lived in Edinburgh traversing the country. I find joy in giving back to the community through travel tips and let other outsiders enjoy Scotland like I do.
Specific reasons why I find Scotland beautiful
Public transport accessibility: I was able to see a lot of the country including far-flung areas by public transport alone, something that's not quite possible in most countries in the world.
The whisky (and the beer): I'll not even pretend that my main reason to move to Scotland didn't help me make an immediate spiritual connection to the country. I've visited a few dozen in person, it really helps that so many distilleries are in such picturesque locations. Ardbeg & Briuchladdich (Islay), Scapa (Orkney), Glenlivet (Speyside), Edradour (Perthshire) and Talisker (Skye) are some firm favourites. And the beer, just perfect when out on a hill or the coast.
The hills and the coast: This is what most people come to Scotland to see and for good reason, its natural beauty. Again, so much diversity, I'll let the (poorly constructed) collages speak for themselves.
The Skye-line, 3 Reds and 1 Black
and finally, the history: Scottish cities are steeped in history, quite a few having their own castles. But I personally find stone circles to be a more poignant reminder of human history. I do hope to see a few more this year on the Outer Hebrides
The final pic is me totally content in front of my favourite standing stone in the country. My only pic in this community, it speaks volumes to how much I love seeing Scotland (though the sunshine certainly helps). Thanks to anyone who took the time to read my ramblings
Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)
My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Dunoon, Speyside)
(these are from my Instagram, they're all from Orkney: the first is North Wick on Papa Westray, and the others are Saville Bay on Sanday)
https://www.instagram.com/samstevensyrk
https://www.instagram.com/samstevensyrk
Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)
My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Dunoon, Speyside)