Dundee
Scotland’s fourth-largest city is tied to the nation’s mythic characters including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. The town’s fame is defined as “The Three Js”: jute, jam and journalism. Jute was milled here and an award-winning museum memorializes its heyday. Jam refers to Janet Keiller’s famous marmalade created in 1797 after a ship laden with Seville oranges wrecked here. The company still makes marmalade in white-glass jars. Journalism also still thrives in the D.C. Thomson publishing firm. In the 19th century, ship-building and whaling were important industries. Captain Scott’s Antarctic ship RRS Discovery was built here and is now a museum.
Dunvegan Castle (Isle of Skye)
The Isle of Skye has a rugged coastline deeply cut by glaciated fjords, called lochs in Scotland. Rising from a rock in one of these, the parapets of Dunvegan Castle top the 800-year old stronghold of Clan MacLeod. The present owner, John Macleod of Macleod, is the 29th chieftan in the line. The castle contains treasures dating from medieval times to the present, including a mysterious “Fairy Flag” and a nearly legendary set of bagpipes. The castle gardens are surrounded by mature forest and resound with the roar of a waterfall.
/dunvegan_castle.jpg)
Edinburgh (Rosyth)
Edinburgh is in the south-east of Scotland, on the east coast of Scotland's "Central Belt", on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, on the North Sea and, because of its rugged setting and vast collection of Medieval and Georgian architecture including numerous stone tenements, it is one of the most dramatic cities in Europe.
/Edinburgh2.jpg)
Glasgow (Greenock)
About 30 miles east of Greenock, Glasgow is known as the "Second City of the Empire." One of Britain's liveliest cities, a recent rejuvenation along with many priceless art collections draws visitors to the city center, built along the north bank of the river. Stroll around the renovated Merchant City, along Byres Road in the West End, or down Buchanan Street, one of the city's principal shopping thoroughfares.
/Glasgow.jpg)
Inveraray
An Exclusively Seabourn experience includes a private tour of Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll and the hereditary home of Clan Campbell. A stirring finale to this privileged visit is a muster by a Scottish military pipe band.
Invergordon
The Highlands in the northern part of Scotland are known for their magnificent scenery, boasting a landscape of dramatic mountains and forested hills. This region also is of historic importance and full of legends including the fabled Loch Ness monster.
For centuries, Scotland was England’s principal enemy. Then in 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England, thus establishing the first political union between the two countries.
Despite these ties, Scottish nationalism persisted. The resistance came to an end in 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charlie, in a sad but heroic attempt to reclaim the throne, was defeated in the Battle of Culloden. It changed the social structure of the Highlands forever. Powerful clans were disarmed; for many years wearing kilts was prohibited because the kilt was seen as a symbol of Scottish pride. Scotland ultimately was ruled from London.
Invergordon is the port for Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands and junction of many routes. Over the centuries, Inverness was often the focal point of clashes between Highland chiefs, and the Crown. Today the town is a popular tourist attraction as well as a gathering place for the clans of the surrounding area.
Enjoy the picture-perfect scenery and perhaps an opportunity to chat with a Highlander eager to introduce you to his fabled land and its rich heritage.
Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, off the coast of northern mainland Scotland. The town is first mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga in the year 1046.
/Kirkwall.jpg)
Leith (Edinburgh)
Edinburgh is a distinguished capital crowned by one of the world's most famous castles, overlooking the noble buildings of the Royal Mile. Revel in Scottish culture over tea at Scone Palace. Shop for fine tartans along Princes Street. Or take a tour to venerable St. Andrews, home of golf.
/Leith_Edinburgh.jpg)
Lerwick (Shetland Islands)
Sturdy little Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of the Shetland Islands, northernmost outpost of the British Isles (located almost midway between Scotland and Norway, to which they once belonged) - and setting of ancient archaeological sites, intriguing Viking echoes and, in more contemporary vein, the renowned Shetland knitwear!
/lerwick.jpg)
Oban
When you visit Oban, Scotland, you might find yourself torn. On the one hand, it is the perfect base for exploring nearby Isle of Mull and the other Western Isles. On the other hand, there is much to do right there in town.
You can rent a bike and ride across the glens, enjoying views across the Firth of Lorn and the Sound of Mull. You can take a look at McCaig's Folly, an unfinished replica of the Roman Colosseum that sits on a hill overlooking the town. Built by banker John Stuart McCaig in 1897, is about four feet tall and has a handsome landscaped courtyard. The locals, taking the structure a little more seriously than some visitors who pass through, call it simply "McCaig's Tower."
Other diversions in Oban include shopping for locally-made crafts including glassware, Celtic jewelry, and kilts made with the tartan patterns of nearly every clan in Scotland. Sample oak-smoked herring at MacTavish's Kitchen. For drinks and some local flavor, try the pub at Oban Inn. With its exposed beam ceilings and popularity among town residents, it's full of Scottish atmosphere.
Peterhead
Peterhead, like Fraserburgh, first grew as a fishing port, and became the largest white fish port in Europe. Although the industry is in decline, it is still important to the town.
Peterhead is often referred to as The Blue Toon and people who were born there as Blue Tooners.
Rosyth
Rosyth is a town located on the Firth of Forth on Scotland's east coast, a mile (1.6 km) south of Dunfermline, Fife, and approximately 12 miles (19 km) north west of Edinburgh.
The port has the only direct ferry service to the European mainland from Scotland.
Stornoway (Hebrides)
At the western edge of Britain, see mysterious standing stones dating from the Bronze Age; and the hardy highland sheep that yield the wool that crofters spin into Harris tweed—a tactile delight and a practical enhancement for your wardrobe. You'll be told that, like wine, it's best when aged.
/Stornoway.jpg)
Tobermory
Located in the northeastern part of the Isle of Mull, near the northern entrance of the Sound of Mull, the town was founded as a fishing port in 1788 on a layout designed by Dumfriesshire engineer Thomas Telford.
The name Tobermory is derived from the Gaelic Tobar Mhoire, meaning "Mary's well". The name refers to a well located nearby which was dedicated in ancient times to the Virgin Mary.
