Online Information for Backpackers about SCOTLAND!

Do you love the hustle and bustle of city culture, or would you rather explore the untamed wilderness? Whichever you prefer you will find it in Scotland.

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is teeming with attractions such as The National Gallery, The Museum of Scotland, and the ancient towering splendour of Edinburgh Castle. After dark, Edinburgh boasts nightlife lively enough to rival any European city and, during the summer, plays host to the world’s largest arts festival. No wonder Edinburgh was voted ‘The Best Place to Live in the UK 2007’ by Channel 4’s Location Location Location.

Yet, venture up to the Scottish Highlands and you will encounter tranquil natural beauty: ancient pine forests, towering mountains, and vast shimmering lochs. You may sight a wildcat, a stag, an eagle, or even whales and dolphins. Fancy something more active? There are great opportunities for outdoor pursuits like mountaineering, biking, and even skiing.

Scotland is also home to some of the most stunning sandy beaches in the world. Although the clean turquoise water may be rather ‘invigorating’, these beaches have become popular with tourists and surfers alike.

by Katherine Single

EDINBURGH FESTIVALS

The International Edinburgh Festival will be running this year from the 8th-31st August. Accommodation gets booked up early and so make sure you don't leave things until the last minute if you wish to join in the fun!

You'll be able to get the full programme from the 1st April and it will be brimming with classical music, theatre, opera and dance events.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival will run from the 3rd-25th August and has plenty of comedy, performance art and music.

The bottom line is that August is a fantastic month to be in Edinburgh. The buzz of this lively city needs to be experienced. Make sure you pay it a visit and see for yourself.

THE LOCH NESS MONSTER

There is an ongoing debate in Scotland, and worldwide, on whether there really is a large dinosaur-like “monster” resident in Loch Ness. Various 'photographic' evidence has been put forward over the years but nothing is conclusive.

Scientific studies, including thorough sonar surveys of the loch, have been conducted with no positive results. Maybe, the immense size of the loch (21 square miles) and depth (almost 800 feet), along with potential underwater caves, gives the monster a place to hide. Whether you spot Nessie or not, Loch Ness is a beautiful spot to visit!

GLASGOW

As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is a hub of style, culture, and energy. Against its backdrop of Victorian architecture is an impressive array of over twenty museums and galleries, including the unique Burrell Collection which spans four centuries of art from across the globe, and the Gallery of Modern Art.

If shopping is more your bag, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the UK’s favourite shopping city outside London. Find bargain hunter heaven in the West End, or indulge in designer names like Ralph Lauren, Armani, and Boss in Buchanan Street.

If you’re visiting in March, don’t miss the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, and enjoy world-class stand-up from names such as Jim Jeffries, Jimmy Carr and Ed Byrne. For music lovers, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut is the venue to catch up-and-coming talent, making it clear why Glasgow has recently spawned successful artists like Franz Ferdinand, Paulo Nutini and The Fratellis.

by Katherine Single

KILTS AND CELTS - WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word Kilt comes from the verb 'to kilt' meaning to tuck up (the skirts) around the body, originally of Scandinavian origin. So, the word has origins in Scandinavia but what about the Scottish garment itself?

There are a number of myths that do need dispelling. No historical records support the claim that the Kilt actually originated in Ireland. Another myth is that the Kilt descends from the Medieval period (a myth popularized by Mel Gibson’s Braveheart).

In actual fact, the Kilt we all know of today can be traced back only as far as the 16th century. This early form of Kilt was known as a Belted Plaid ­ a knee length plaid, gathered into folds and belted around the body.

It was by no means Scottish National dress either. Only the Highlanders would wear it and the lowlanders (who were the majority) saw it as a barbarous form of dress suitable only for the cold blooded ‘Redshanks’ of the Highlands. It had a number of benefits up in the harsh Highland climate: warmth, freedom of movement and camouflage. Tightly woven fabric was as good as waterproof and dried out quickly. The Kilt could even be used as a night time blanket.

Perhaps, its only disadvantage was the lack of pockets, soon solved by the introduction of a Sporran usually made of leather, sometimes of badger or Seal skin.

So, Kilts and Celts go back some 500 years and the relationship is still going strong. What they wear (or don't wear) underneath the Kilt is still open to debate!

by Luke Bell