Scotland Tourist Information

Backpax Magazine

Visitors Guide to scotland

This beautiful, northern land makes up 30% of the UK’s area and only 10% of its population. But what a people! The large number of Scottish icons; tartan, bagpipes, kilts, thistles, and the saltire, to name a few – are testament to the pride and poetic nature of the Scots.

There are national monuments; Edinburgh Castle, the Stone of Scone and stunning landscapes too; gorgeous glens, and magnificent mountains, as well as 790 islands (130 inhabited) and over 600 square miles of freshwater lochs. The furthest you can get from the sea is 40-50 miles.

Spring in Scotland is an exciting time. Inverness Music Festival takes place from 6th–17th March and 11th-28th sees the Magner’s International Comedy Festival in Glasgow. In April Edinburgh houses an International Science Festival and the Beltane Fire Festival. Sports fans might seek out the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on 16th-17th April, or the Emirates Airlines Edinburgh Sevens rugby tournament at Murrayfield Stadium on 29th-30th May. For really Scottish folk culture trek further north to the Orkney Folk Festival on 28th-30th May.

Home of the Loch Ness monster, birthplace of golf - this country will steal a place in your heart.

by Karen Stokes