Must Visit Sights of Edinburgh (Scotland)

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guest post by Euro Bookings

There’s nothing worse than arriving in an exciting new city when time’s at a premium and not knowing which places of interest are worth visiting and which are well worth steering clear of. With that in mind, here’s a brief guide to Edinburgh’s best sites and it’s also worth noting that hotels in Edinburgh are in a plentiful supply.

Edinburgh Castle

Perched above the city centre is Edinburgh Castle, arguably the most iconic attraction in the Scottish capital. Go on the free tour and learn more about the historical significance of Edinburgh Castle from one of the experienced guides and witness the one o’clock gun salute, which has taken place nearly every day since as far back as 1861.

National Galleries of Scotland

There are several free museums in Edinburgh that are well worth taking in, one of which is the National Galleries of Scotland. Spread over three sites across the city, the National Galleries of Scotland has thousands of pieces of Scottish and international art to check out and a fascinating sculpture exhibition currently runs until June that’s definitely worth going to see.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is another free museum that can keep people of all ages entertained for a few hours. Gallery subjects range from art and design to world cultures. There are detailed displays related to Scottish history inlcuding Celtic treasures and battles with England. There are also typically special one-off exhibitions to explore.

Scott Monument

Located in the valley beneath Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument offers a great view of the city if you can muster the energy to climb to the top of the 287 steps to reach the top. The huge structure was built as a tribute to Sir Walter Scott, a famous Scottish writer who was born in the city in the 1700s.

The Royal Mile

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a fascinating place and within the labyrinth of streets that makes it up is The Royal Mile. Running between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood pubs, restaurants and interesting shops line The Royal Mile, which is a charming area of the city that brings together the old and new to brilliant effect. It’s also the perfect spot to treat yourself to a few local delicacies or sample a whisky.

Photo Credits: Edinburgh Castle, National Museum, Royal Mile

Edinburgh Vacations

Drinks Around the World: Irn-Bru - The Scottish Wonder Drink

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The drink Around the World for May is Scotland's favourite soft drink (soda), Irn-Bru. One of the very few carbonated drinks to outsell Coca-Cola in a marketplace anywhere in the world, this radioactive orange-coloured drink is sugary sweet and slightly bubbly with a taste that sits somewhere between citrus (a mix of lemons and tangerines?) and vanilla. While living in Britain for several years and despite a general dislike of overly sweet drinks, I got quite hooked on its strange intoxicating flavour, catchy nationalistic taglines and quirky ads(check a few out here, here, here and here - there are many others).

Like a few drinks, it comes with the wonderful story of the secret recipe of 32 different ingredients (supposedly including caffeine and quinine, so it will keep you alert, clear your mind and protect you from malaria) being only known by two people who are never together, the brewing secret being held behind a secure Swiss bank vault.

I have found it in Australia, so check out your local speciality drink stores and try the unusual flavour so loved in Scotland.
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Travel Wonders highlights a characteristic drink experienced on his travels. Prior articles have featured drinks including Austrian Almdudler, Green Mint Tea from Morocco and Bibicaffe (Italy).

Top Five Travel Wonders of Scotland

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Guest post by Scottish castle venue, Birkhill Castle

Scotland has a rugged beauty rich in history and stunning scenery. This is a list of five special Scottish wonders.

1. Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is a beautiful must-see scenic island located off of the west coast of Scotland. The location offers many attractions to visitors including a vast assortment of wildlife and a rich variety of birds. The picturesque mountainous landscape harbours a rich culture and history dating back to the Mesolithic period. Traversing the crags and lochs of the Isle of Skye is sure to be a breathtaking experience.

2. Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond, a freshwater loch located between the Scottish highlands and lowlands, is the largest loch in Great Britain. It contains numerous small islands within its perimeter. The Loch is famous for the Loch Lomond Golf Club, its aquarium and its variety of watersports. Visitors come from all over the world to kayak, canoe, jetski, and various other water activities on the loch.

3. St. Andrew’s

The university town of St. Andrews, Scotland is the spiritual home of the sport of golf with Scotland and Ireland being home to a number of the most beautiful and famous golf courses in the world. St. Andrews is the home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club which was founded in 1754 while the area of St. Andrews has been the home to settlers since the Mesolithic period. Other attractions include the historic university, the tower of Holy Trinity, the picturesque ruins of St. Andrews Castle (dating from 1200) and the Cathedral of St. Andrews, located in the east side of the town.

4. Edinburgh

Although also being the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh boasts several historic attractions of its own making it another must-see for the visitor to Scotland. Edinburgh is located in the south east side of Scotland and is the second most visited location in Great Britain. When in Edinburgh, visitors should catch a glimpse of St. Giles Cathedral and the Royal Museum of Scotland located in Old Town Edinburgh as well as other locations including the imposing Edinburgh Castle from which one can see all of Edinburgh New Town.

5. Stirling Castle

Located atop Castle Hill, a volcanic hill in Stirling, Scotland, this castle is arguably one of the most awe- inspiring castles in all of Scotland. The buildings range in age from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century and have undergone numerous sieges and uses over the centuries but remains to this day, one of most notable locations in Great Britain.

Photo Credits: Boat, Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Stirling Castle

Drinks Around the World: Talisker Scotch Whisky (Scotland)

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Every month I write about a special drink that I've had somewhere in my travels. This month's offering takes us on a tour of the Talisker Scotch Whisky Factory on the wild, wind-swept and mountainous Scottish Isle of Skye.

After a guided tour through the distillery with its five gleaming copper stills and aged oak barrels, a sample of the smoky, fiery brew is offered. The first sip almost explodes in your mouth, spicy but with a slight sweetness. The water, drawn from a stream on the island purified from running through boggy marshes contributes to the smoky aroma and spicy taste.

Talisker suggest a small drop of pure water to release the flavours but to never add ice or any other mixer to the drink. A favourite story on the tour is that the whisky sits in the barrels for a minimum of ten years with some sitting there for periods of well over 20 and 30 years. Each year around two percent of the whisky is lost soaking into the barrel known delightfully as the angel's share.

So a hearty cheers for this famed Scottish drink at this month's drinks party.