Scotland must be visited separately from England. This is a country (the language does not dare to call it a province of Great Britain) of an amazingly rich history, bewitching nature and thousand-year traditions. And if the names of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Rob Roy may sound like an empty phrase to some, then the majestic castles, rocky shores and proud spirit of William Wallace ("The Brave Heart"), living in the Scots to this day, will impress anyone. Whom they will not produce - those will be finished off by golf (a Scottish invention) and whiskey.
The first thing Scotland is associated with is the highlands and mountains, the "highlands". But in fact, the "lowlands" are no less interesting - especially the islands and plains in the northwest. Speaking of highlanders: a resident of Scotland can be called "cattle" or, who hate to say so, "Scottish", but not "Scotch". The last option is applicable only to items: for example, whiskey, scrambled eggs, beef. And it's certainly better to refrain from calling a Scot an Englishman - he won't forgive you for that.
How to get to Scotland
There are no direct regular flights from Russia to Edinburgh. You can get there with a change somewhere in Europe: via Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt with the help of KLM, British Airways or Lufthansa. The cheapest option is to fly via Prague with CSA.
In addition, you can always fly to London, and from there get to Scotland by trains of the Intercity system - this is quite comfortable and not very expensive. There are also buses from London Victoria to Edinburgh. The journey is much longer than by train, but the ticket costs several times less. On a domestic flight, Edinburgh and Glasgow are about an hour's flight from London. By train from London to Edinburgh can be reached in 4 hours and 20 minutes.
There are no direct flights from Kyiv or Minsk to Edinburgh either; tourists from these cities can get there via London. Citizens of Kazakhstan are more fortunate: British Midland flies from Alma-Ata not only to Edinburgh, but also to Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Search for flights to Edinburgh (nearest airport to Scotland)
Weather in Scotland
The Gulf Stream has endowed Scotland with a mild, humid climate. In summer it is usually around +25 °C, in winter the temperature rarely drops below zero. Snow on the slopes lies from November to April-May.
The best time to visit is from May to September, but Edinburgh can't avoid rain even in summer. In winter, the city is also very beautiful, but it gets dark quite early. In August, during the festival, the city is very crowded; those wishing to visit Edinburgh at this time should take care of booking a hotel in advance.
Transport
The Scottish railway passes only through the main cities of the region - where there are no rails, you will have to use local buses (for example, to get to the Highlands). As in Wales, many outlying towns and villages can be reached by Royal Mail Postbuses (usually no more than 4 seats). The Postmen usually follow detours that (bonus for the long journey!) often wind through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. These buses do not have official stops, so they are usually just caught on the road. The fare in them costs from 1.60 to 5.50 GBP one way. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Macbackpackers tour mini-buses run from Edinburgh to Inverness, Skye, Fort William, Glencoe, Oban and Stirling from April to September. A ticket for them costs 75 GBP: the validity period is up to three months, the number of trips is unlimited.
Beautiful Scotland
Popular hotels in Scotland
What to bring from Scotland
Scotland leaves a piece of itself in the heart of every traveler who has visited its harsh and picturesque lands. This, of course, is great, but I also want something more material, if not for myself, then for friends and relatives - for this brethren, stories alone are always not enough. When you think about how to please your loved ones and indulge your passion for collecting curiosities from all over the world, various literary and cinematic stereotypes about Scotland come to mind: whiskey and ale, bagpipes, heather, kilts, plaid blankets. Everything is so, this is exactly the case when stereotypes are the best answer to the question "What to bring from Scotland".
Cuisine and restaurants in Scotland
Scotland is famous primarily for beef and lamb dishes, as well as excellent fresh fish (especially salmon), shellfish and crustaceans. Game dishes (partridge, pheasant) are very lean and healthy and are often prepared with Scottish raspberries, blackcurrants or blueberries.
One of the world famous traditional dishes of Scotland is "haggis" (haggis). This is an amazing mutton tripe stuffed with oatmeal and offal with lard and spices. Soups are also an integral part of the Scottish diet. Delicious "Cullen skink soup" (Cullen skink) of smoked haddock with potatoes is their traditional dish.
The love of the Scots for sweets (as well as strong ones, by the way) is legendary. It is worth trying their "cranachan" (cranachan - fried oatmeal with whiskey, cream, berries and honey), "cloutie dumpling" (cloutie dumpling - pudding with dried fruits and spices) or simply delicious ice cream made from Scottish milk.
Entertainment and attractions in Scotland
Loch Ness is one of the most famous sights in Scotland and around the world. The glory of the lake was brought by the legend of the monster, nicknamed "Nessie". Visiting the village of Drumnadrouchit, you can see two exhibitions dedicated to the elusive creature at once, and look at the statue of the monster, which is allegedly made in life size. The surroundings of the lake are no less interesting: these are Alduri Castle and the ruins of Urhard Castle, from where a wonderful view of the lake opens. And nearby is Inverness - a small town 260 km north of Edinburgh; it is believed that it is from Inverness that most of the old Scottish families come from and that this is the real birthplace of oatmeal, whiskey and bagpipes.
The Shetland Islands is home to a marine park rich in walruses and fur seals. Another zoological feature of the islands is the miniature Shetland ponies.
Western Islands: South Yust Island - unique Calanish Standing Stones, Lannter Exhibition Center, Harbor View Gallery, Calandis Visitor Center, where the history of ancient stones is presented, the ruins of Gaelic castles. The island of Barra is famous for Kismool Castle, on the Isle of Skye you can see the ruins of Knock Castle in Armadale, Maol Water Castle and the very spectacular Eilean Donan Castle.
The Orkney Islands have a colorful history, influenced by the fact that for many centuries the islands belonged to Norway. To the west in the West Mainland at Skara Brae is a 5,000-year-old prehistoric village and the ancient Standing Stones that stand in a circle. Particularly interesting is the Ring-ov-Brogar - a circle with a diameter of 104 m from vertical boulders, approximately the same in shape and size. Also here you can visit the Maes Hove tomb, built 3 thousand years BC, and the Mine Hove catacombs (2 thousand years).
On the northeast coast of Scotland is the historic Aberdeen. This city is mentioned in medieval chronicles back in the time of William the Conqueror, and even then it was known throughout Europe, and in the 12-14 centuries. it was the residence of the Scottish kings. But the largest city in Scotland - Glasgow - is considered the center of the arts and the venue for numerous festivals.
Trosachs National Park (Loch Lomond) was created to protect the local nature, which has about 200 bird species and 25% of the country's wild plant species.
Inverary Castle is a fabulous gothic building, standing on the shores of Lake Fine near Glasgow, one of the main tourist centers of Western Scotland. In the castle you can see the armory, the tapestry hall, the Victorian hall, the guest salon and the magnificent dining room. Also nearby is the Inverari Museum and the Wildlife Park. Stirling Castle, Scone Palace and Blair Castle are just a small part of the architectural treasures of Scotland.
Deep Sea World is an aquarium entertainment center 12 miles west of Edinburgh city center offering water activities for visitors. This is the only aquarium in the world where you can swim with sharks. And also - to make an exciting journey through the world's largest underwater tunnel (112 m).
The beaches of Scotland are some of the best beaches in the world. The length of the coastline is 16,491 km. West Coast beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters are often photographed as Caribbean beaches for travel brochures.
Scotland is the European capital of adventure tourism and is also the premier wildlife viewing destination in Europe.
Events in Scotland
November 30 is the day of the patron saint of Scotland, Saint Andrew. Mid-January-February - Robert Burns' birthday. August 6-28 - Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Every year, the walls of the ancient Edinburgh Castle host a parade of Scottish bagpipers - a vibrant folk show.
Many tourists who have visited Scotland for the first time say that it is one of the most beautiful places on our planet with absolutely amazing nature: majestic green mountains, deep and clear as a tear mountain lakes, peacefully grazing sheep. And the ancient heritage of the Scots, consisting of architecture, art, cuisine, is also beautiful. Is this really so, judge for yourself after reading our article.
First, some general information about the country. Scotland is a country famous for its eventful and turbulent history. This country consists of almost eight hundred islands, five hundred of which are uninhabited. The cities of Scotland are a little old, noisy, with modern infrastructure. From the south, Scotland borders on England, from the west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, and from the east by the North Sea. As a result of this natural location, the landscapes of Scotland are very diverse: there are mountains with narrow but long glen valleys, and harsh coastal cliffs, and mysterious caves, and ancient volcanoes, and the purest mountain lakes, and majestic green hills, as well as amazing fjord bays, coral reefs and unique relict forests. That is why, every year, the number of tourists purchasing eco-tours to Scotland is growing. Here, every inch of land can be associated with some historical or cultural event, which is why the Scots are incredibly proud of their glorious past. Thanks to the rich history, great cultural heritage, unique nature and rather mild climate, as well as numerous fun holidays and incredible color, any traveler will feel that his trip to Scotland has turned into a real joyful adventure, after which bright and unforgettable impressions will remain.
Natural attractions of Scotland. Let's start our detailed acquaintance with beautiful Scotland with amazing natural places for which travelers go on eco-tours.
Isle of Arran. A small island, sixteen by thirty-two kilometers in size, which the locals call "Scotland in miniature." This piece of land is called that because it contains everything that characterizes this country: stunning rolling landscapes, untouched magnificent wildlife, an excellent golf course, a “distillery”, the ancient castle of Brodick. You can get to Arran by ferry departing from Ardrossan. Travel time takes about an hour. Although the island is small, it will take at least a couple of days to thoroughly explore its sights. Start your acquaintance with island life from the castle, which is located in the town of Brodick of the same name, which is comfortably located on the very shore of the picturesque Firth of Clyde. It was erected in the fifth century, on the site of a fortified Gaelic settlement, later settled by the Vikings who invaded this island. The castle occupied a very convenient position at the very mouth of the river, which is why it has always been the most important outpost of the country, for the sake of which, an ongoing struggle was waged. Today, visitors to the castle can get acquainted with its valuable collections of artifacts that have a history of six hundred years, inseparable from the history of the famous family of the Dukes of Hamilton - the owners of Brodick Castle. Particularly impressive is the unique collection of silver and porcelain. From the windows of the castle you can enjoy the most picturesque views of Brodick Bay and the coast of Ayrshire.
While on the Isle of Arran, be sure to visit the magnificent botanical garden, where majestic rhododendrons, magnolias and ancient trees grow. On the island, you can observe the life of many birds, seals, deer and puffins. Be sure to join the local delicacies: delicious local cheeses, ice cream and branded beer. It must be said that trips to the Isle of Arran are popular among travelers who have bought gastronomic tours. Of the local products, the most loved by gourmets are beetroot chutney and cheese with herbs. This small island has its own chocolate factory where you can buy sweet treats for your friends and loved ones. The northern part of Arran is famous for the "distillery", opened here in 1995. You will recognize it from afar, by the copper roof. Here you can not only get acquainted with the history of the creation of the drink and hold its tasting, but also purchase your favorite copies. In the eastern part of the island, near the port village of Korri, tourists can see limestone caves left over from ancient quarries. Stone mining was stopped and they were empty for some time, but the pragmatic Scots decided to adapt them for the repair of their boats. The whole island is simply saturated with history, the traces of which are reflected everywhere: here you can see the burial places of the Vikings, boulders of mystical purpose, similar to the stones of Stonehenge. You can find them near the Mahri settlement. If you travel around the Isle of Arran in the summer, you can take a small ferry to the neighboring small islands, where you can walk a lot among untouched nature.
Another famous natural attraction in Scotland is a large freshwater loch ness lake, famous all over the world, thanks, supposedly, to the mythical monster living there. The very first legends and eyewitness accounts of this mysterious inhabitant of the reservoir appeared in the middle of the sixth century. Since then, they have only multiplied, but there is still no clue. 565 year. Loch Ness covers sixty-five square kilometers of territory, its depth is more than two hundred and thirty meters. In general, the lake is not a closed system, it is part of the Caledonian Canal, which connects two Scottish sea coasts. This is why many scientists explain the elusiveness of the legendary Loch Ness monster. It is constantly migrating. Researchers claim that "Nessie" is an ancient, miraculously survived, genus of dinosaurs. This is quite possible, given the fact that Loch Ness was formed during the Ice Age. On the banks of this famous body of water in Scotland stands the medieval castle of Urquhart. Today, these are rather very picturesque ruins covered with mystical secrets. The base of the walls remained from the ancient building, the first floor of the entrance castle towers was well preserved, the dilapidated donjon is still visible. In general, the history of Urquhart Castle dates back to the sixth century. This can be learned from the manuscript of Adomnan, setting out the biography of St. Columbus. He came to Scotland in order to convert local pagans to Christianity. It also describes the journey of the saint to the river Ness. But, however, there is no real information about the buildings of those times in the manuscript. On the other hand, Urquhart Castle is mentioned in documents dating back to the thirteenth century. It was in 1296 that King Edward I of England entered Scotland and Urquhart Castle was attacked and captured.
Staffa Island. The main attraction of this small island, located on the western coast of the country, is Fingal's Cave. This place was liked by the ancient Vikings, who called it the "Island of Columns". The island attracts many travelers with its unearthly landscape: it stands on high hexagonal pillars, formed as a result of the rapid ejection of lava from the bowels of the earth. As the lava cooled, it crystallized into such an unusual shape. Such quirkiness of the island gives rise to legends. One of them says that the construction of the pillars is the work of the ancient giants who pave the way to the mainland, who lived on the island in ancient times. The island is also famous for its numerous mysterious caves of natural origin. So, Fingal's cave was washed into a powerful basalt rock by sea waves. This cave is also called "singing", because of its amazing acoustic properties.
Orkney Islands is a group of sixty-seven islands lying north of the Scottish coast of Caithness. Among all the islands, only a third is inhabited. They used to belong to Norway, but in 1468, King James the Third, attached them to the Scottish possessions, as a pledge for a dowry, which, by the way, was never paid. Until now, Norway does not recognize these islands as part of Scotland. Everything here breathes history and antiquity, which is why many islands have been named part of the world historical heritage. For example, the ancient village of Skara Brae, perfectly preserved to this day. And also, huge cromlechs and ancient dolmens, which are ancient temples. These majestic stones used to serve as druid sorcerers assistants in rituals, as well as real working “tools”. The stones are arranged according to a system that strictly corresponds to the lunar and solar cycles, thus being a calendar. And there are a lot of such structures on Orkney. Most of the buildings in scale and age even surpass Stonehenge. For example, the New Temple stone complex was erected eight centuries before the construction of Stonehenge. One of the main megaliths of the Orkney Islands is the Brogar Ring: several small boulders - the remains of ancient menhirs. According to ancient legends, the ring is the only thing left to us from the ruined castle of the Jottens - the giants who lived on the island in ancient times. Then the castle was destroyed by aces led by Odin. Excavations and discoveries continue here to this day. Here, quite recently, near the East Mainland, the Mine Hove barrow was discovered, stone steps lead into its bowels. In Garness, on the Mayland Islands, tourists can look at the magnificent tomb of Brochs. The most interesting for acquaintance guides call the tomb of Midhar Broch, on the island of Roasey. By the way, this island has many Neolithic burials, which is why it is called “northern”. And on the Orkney Islands you can see the round church of Orphyra, the earl's palace in Birsay, the count and episcopal palace of Kirkwall, the ancient towers of Martello in the settlement of Howe, the ancient castle of Notandle Castle in Westray and the magnificent Magnus Cathedral located in Kirkwall.
Those who prefer cognitive tours to ecotourism should visit the numerous castles of amazing Scotland. There will be plenty to choose from, because there are more than three thousand castles in this country, and many of them are not ruins, but rather well-preserved buildings. And what is especially nice is that you can live in some of them, since many castles are now converted into. And as usual, in every second Scottish castle, one or more ghosts live.
Scotland's most famous castle Edinburgh castle- an ancient fortress, firmly standing on an extinct volcano, in the heart of the capital - Edinburgh. This fortress is called “the key to Scotland” for a reason, because according to an old legend, whoever owns the castle owns the whole country. The huge castle is interesting for its architecture, interior decoration, its history, legends associated with it. Edinburgh Castle is not a royal residence, but a well-fortified, impregnable fortress, which until recently was part of the Department of Defense and was closed to tourists. Today, archaeological excavations are being carried out on the territory of the castle, thanks to them, the correctness of the author of several volumes of the history of Scotland, Andrew of Winston, was confirmed, who claimed that the first settlers appeared on the "Castle Rock" a thousand before Christ. The discovered objects were subjected to carbon analysis, which confirmed their age. During its history, the castle was subjected to destruction, wars, restoration. The last significant event for the castle and the country took place in 1818. The notorious Walter Scott, having received permission from the authorities to explore the fortification, discovered the hidden crown of Scotland there! Travelers begin their acquaintance with the fortress with a visit to the chapel of St. Margaret - a functioning Catholic church and the oldest building in the United Kingdom. We can say that the castle is completely a museum, everywhere, even within the walls of its barracks, in the "Governor's House", in numerous huge halls, prison cells - there are numerous exhibitions that tell about the history of its appearance and the constant struggle of Scotland for independence. The castle houses the "Stone of Destiny" - the "Skun Stone", which, according to legend, is more than three thousand years old. Once it belonged to the daughter of the pharaoh of Egypt - Ramesses II, it was she who brought him to this northern country. All Scottish monarchs were crowned sitting on this stone, believing that it endows them with insight and wisdom. Medieval walls also store other treasures: ancient weapons, antique jewelry, and other historical values. If you are lucky enough to visit the castle at the end of August, then you will get to the Festival of the best military bands in the world. The very opening of the festival is enchanting, when columns of Scottish drummers in national costumes pass through the courtyard of the fortress, beating out the shot, they are replaced by bagpipers, the national music of Scotland.
Stirling Castle- is one of the largest and most significant Scottish castles. It stands on an extinct volcano, and on three sides, it is surrounded by high cliffs. This location gave the fortress advantages in defense, in addition, the castle always provided control over the crossing over the local river Fort. The bridge at Stirling was the lowest crossing along the river, and accordingly was of great strategic importance. Stirling has long stood guard over the main northern routes of Scotland, the first fortification that arose here dates back to the seventh century, but according to some information, the Romans used the advantages of such a fortification in the first century. Stirling was the royal residence for the infamous Queen of Scots, Mary Stuart. It is said that in this fortress, she almost burned to death in her own bed, due to the curtains being ignited by a candle. But she, at the cost of her life, was saved by a maid girl. Since then, Stirling Castle has had its own ghost - the "Green Lady", as the girl was wearing a green dress on the day of her death. It is said that she is often seen in different parts of the building and the appearance of a foggy green silhouette precedes some kind of disaster. Tour guides claim that after such meetings, there were several fires. Stirling Castle is also interesting from an architectural point of view, its style is mixed, due to reconstructions that have taken place over many centuries: here you can find elements from the Renaissance style to magnificent late Gothic. The castle is magnificent from the inside. Walking through the courtyard, travelers can see ancient cannons and magnificent statues. On the territory of the fortress there is a regimental museum. By the way, in the castle, in addition to the "Green Lady" lives another ghost - "Soldier".
Glamis Castle - an amazingly beautiful place, surrounded by picturesque gardens, and the most mystical in Scotland, known as "a building with an off-scale number of ghosts per square centimeter." Today, Glamis Castle looks completely different from what it was originally conceived in 1400. It was adorned with additional outbuildings adjoining the main tower and small graceful turrets, all the result of improvements of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Now, one wing of the castle is occupied by a museum, and the owners live in the other: Count Strasmore and Countess Kinghorn. The county family has owned the local lands since 1372, and Glamis Castle was built by their direct ancestor. The castle is located near Edinburgh, on the lands of Angus, it is surrounded by a mysterious, dense forest. It is worth telling about the strange and mystical stories associated with this place. As mentioned above, many ghosts live here. The guides will show you in one of the rooms, a well-preserved blood stain on the wooden floor, this is a trace of the murder of King Malcolm, often appearing here in the form of a transparent entity. And in the castle there is a walled-up room, from where strange sounds and voices are still often heard. The guides say that this is Earl Alexander Lindsey Crawford who has been playing cards with the devil for six centuries. And they confirm their story by the existence of an extra window on the facade of the building; it is impossible to get into that room from the inside, since it is carefully walled up. They also meet the ghost of the "Grey Lady", she lives in the chapel. They say it was Lady Janet, who was burned on a trumped-up charge of witchcraft in 1537. She is seen very often, in the family chapel they even reserved a place for her, which no one has the right to occupy. It is in the chapel that she is most often met. There is also the ghost of the “White Lady” here, however, no one knows who she is, but the castle servants note that she moves very quickly and often accompanies cars approaching the castle. The castle courtyard was chosen by the ghost of "Woman with a disfigured face." In the living room of the Queen Mother, the ghost of a black servant boy can be seen. It is said that he was treated very badly three centuries ago. People who constantly live in the castle say that they often wake up from the look of the “Men in chain mail”, who likes to penetrate into locked rooms and look at the sleeping ones, but does no harm, but only frightens with the unexpected appearance. The pale face of the ghost of a man tortured in the castle often appears in the windows of the castle. In addition, someone regularly walks on the roof of the castle, stomping loudly. This is such a mysterious and a little scary place!
Dunwengan Castle is located on the northern tip of the Isle of Skye and is the ancestral castle of the famous Scottish clan MacLeod. It is also the oldest inhabited European castle. Some of its buildings date from the ninth century, but most of them date from the twelfth century. Dunvegan has never passed into the ownership of the state, it has always been a private property. Priceless relics of the MacLeod family are kept here: the Fairy Flag and the Dunvegan Bowl. According to ancient legend, the flag was presented to the clan by the fairy queen, who promised to come to the rescue three times when the banner was raised over the castle. Magic help has been used twice already, now the MacLeods have one last chance. The treasure of the castle for a long time was the "Magic Bagpipes of the MacCremons", owned for thirteen generations by the permanent pipers of the leaders of the MacLeods. According to legend, fairy fairies gave young McCrimon a silver pipe for bagpipes, it made his playing divine. But the pipe was lost, the musical fame of the McCrimons faded, but the glory of Dunvegan Castle remained, and here, bagpipe competitions are held annually.
Of course, a trip to Scotland would not be complete without getting to know its cities. Heads the ranking of the most beautiful cities in the country - Edinburgh. We have already talked about one of its main castles above, but it is worth mentioning another significant city attraction - the royal palace of Holyroodhouse. First, in 1128, the abbey of the Holy Cross was erected here - "Holyrood Abbey", in honor of the miraculous salvation of the Scottish king David the First on this site. Royal people often stopped in Holyrood to stay, but since it was impossible to live in the temple for a long time, and it was not according to their status to stay in monastic cells, a small guest house, Holyroodhouse, was built next to the abbey. Gradually, a modest house turned into a luxurious building. And in the sixteenth century, King James the Fourth ordered to build a real palace in its place. Many historical events took place here. At one time, Queen Mary lived in Holyroodhouse, by the way, it was here that her secretary was stabbed with daggers of the conspirators, and, as they said, her lover was the Italian Riccio. And according to the best British traditions, the place of the murder is marked with an indelible bloody stain, and so that visitors do not miss this place, there is a special information plate. Tourists can see the chambers of Mary and the Queen's Gallery, which hosts temporary exhibitions of some of the treasures of the royal collection. The palace can be visited on any day except the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth of December, when members of the royal family are here on a traditional visit. Of course, as in any self-respecting Scottish castle, a ghost lives here, it belongs to Agnes Sampson, who at one time was a healer and midwife, but during the “witch hunt” she was accused of witchcraft, brought to Holyroodhouse, stripped naked, tortured, then strangled, burned. Now her ghost walks around the premises of the royal palace in an obscene form. After visiting the palace, you can go to Holyrood Park, located immediately behind it. Here you will see a majestic landscape of hills, lakes, the ruins of the chapel of St. Anthony, and in the central part of the park there is an amazing hill "Arthur's Throne". If you are lucky with the weather and there is no fog, then from it you can admire a beautiful view of the city. True, it will take at least half an hour to climb the hill, since its height is two hundred and fifty-one meters. Legends say that on the first of May, unmarried Scottish women washed themselves with dew collected on the slopes of the hill, which made their skin fresher and more beautiful. In Edinburgh, you can see a lot of interesting things: wander around the medieval Old Town, visit the beautiful St. Giles Cathedral, walk along the Royal Mile.
Glasgow- is the greenest city in the country, and one of the most dynamic, stylish cities in Europe. It is an hour's drive from Edinburgh. It must be said that the city is considered the center of shopping in Scotland, in addition, its festival and nightlife attracts a lot of travelers here. It is safe to say that Glasgow is the most student city in the country, there are many educational institutions. But youth and enthusiasm, here are harmoniously combined with the most ancient architectural and cultural monuments. For centuries, Glasgow has been called the "second city of the empire", the magnificent urban architecture is evidence of the important role of the city in history, buildings in different architectural styles: baroque, gothic, Victorian, neoclassical, replace each other like beads on a string. The most significant sights of Glasgow are located in its historical center, starting from the heart of the city - George Square. You can see the city Necropolis of Glasgow - a museum-cemetery where fifty thousand people are buried, here you can see majestic tombstones and family crypts. Be sure to look at the People's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Mungo, go to the local Botanical Garden, known throughout the world.
City of Perth- an ancient city, standing on the banks of the longest Scottish river Tay, famous for being the capital of Scotland in the Middle Ages. It is rich in ancient sights and is located eighty kilometers from Edinburgh. On the way to it, you will meet many architectural monuments and enjoy the most beautiful local places. The city itself is small, but active life is seething in it. Its main attractions are the majestic Church of St. John, a wonderful art gallery, the city museum, the Balhaus Castle, where the Black Watch Museum is located. In general, lovers of gastronomic tours will never miss this city, because it is a recognized gastronomic center of Scotland, with the best cafes and restaurants. In addition, Perth has beautiful gardens and parks, as well as many excellent golf courses.
You can talk about the beauties of the amazing country of Scotland endlessly, as well as describe its charms, so we suggest you make an independent trip and make your own opinion on this matter.
0 June 24, 2013, 09:00Gerard Butler
June 24 marks Independence Day, geographically small, but glorious in tradition and rich in talent, Scotland. 669 years ago, the Scottish king Robert the Bruce completely defeated the army of the British monarch Edward II and valor returned the independence of his native country.
We congratulate "the most emotional nation on the planet" (however, only the Scots call themselves that) and remember today the brightest, talented and charismatic actors, in whose veins the blood of their brave ancestors flows.
The Scottish actor was born on November 12, 1969, and when he was only six months old, his family moved to Canada, but returned to his native Scotland two years later.
In his youth, Gerard's main hobby was karate, he received the title of CCM, studied well, but soon fell ill with cinema. The young man went to the first auditions with his mother (but she was against it, considering this profession to be frivolous), and soon they began to invite him to the productions of the Scottish Youth Theater.
At first, Butler did not go well with the acting profession, and he was forced to get a job in one of the law firms. In order not to languish in a boring job, in the evenings he began to play in a friend's musical group. At this point, the future star became depressed and began to abuse alcohol. Once a friend even managed to catch Gerard just before jumping from the roof of a skyscraper.
This act helped Gerard pull himself together: he successfully began to build a theatrical career in London, and then made his film debut in the film "Mrs. Brown". This was followed by bright roles in "The Phantom of the Opera" (Gerard himself performed all his vocal parts), "300 Spartans", "Law Abiding Citizen", "Gamer", "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life", "Rock and Roller" and many other popular paintings.
By the way, on the set of his last blockbuster "Olympus Has Fallen", the 43-year-old actor overdid it so much that he did not notice how he broke two cervical vertebrae.
The brutal and charming Butler was credited with many novels - for example, with Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Biel - but recently he has been increasingly seen in the company of the Italian model Madalina Ghini.
Gerard Butler
Madalina Geni and Gerard Butler
"300 Spartans"
"Law abiding citizen"
"Rock and Roll"
"Gamer"
Another pride of Scotland - the actor - was born on March 31, 1971 in the small town of Criff. He comes from an old Scottish family, which, according to legend, goes back to King Kenneth I.
At school, Evan studied poorly, but he passionately loved music - he played the horn and drums in the school choir. And from the age of 9 he dreamed of becoming an actor. At the age of 16, Evan left school (he was tired of looking like a loser in the shadow of his older brother) and got a job as a stage worker in one of the theaters.
After graduating from theater college, McGregor got an agent and got his first role - in the film "Lipstick on Your Collar". Soon, the aspiring actor met director Danny Boyle, and this acquaintance became the key to his career: Evan starred in three of his films - Trainspotting, Shallow Grave and Life Worse than Ordinary.
In 1995, on the set of K, McGregor met French decorator Yves Mavrakis, and they got married the same year. The couple are raising two natural children - Clara Matilda and Esther Rose - and an adopted daughter from Mongolia.
Ewan McGregor
"On the needle"
"Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith"
The next glorious son of Scotland can safely be called a famous actor James McAvoy, which was born in 1979 in Glasgow.
James dreamed of becoming a priest for a long time, but the cassock of a preacher in his dreams was replaced by a military uniform of the US Air Force, and then an acting path - one of his first roles was participation in the thriller "The Next Room".
It was then that James realized that he had found his calling: since then, every role of an actor has become an event in the eyes of fans - they warmly welcomed both the Faun Tumnus in his performance in The Chronicles of Narnia, and Rory O'Shea in the drama "... And in my heart I'm dancing", and the tormented Wesley Gibson in "Wanted", and the touching lover of Keira Knightley in "Atonement". One of the latest paintings - "X-Men: First Class" - also took its rightful place in his track record.
McAvoy could have played Bilbo Baggins, but in the end - much to our hero's regret - the role went to Martin Freeman.
In his personal life, James turned out to be a constant guy. For nine years he met with classmate Emma Nelson, the couple broke up because of the actor's craving for the "green snake".
On the set of Shameless, McAvoy met actress Anna-Marie Duff (she is nine years older than him), they got married in 2006. June 16, 2010 the couple had a son, Brendan.
James McAvoy
James McAvoy with wife Anne-Marie Duff
"Jane Austen"
"Redemption"
"... And in my soul I dance"
Sir Thomas Sean Connery was born in Edinburgh on August 25, 1930 in the family of a worker and a cleaner. In his youth, Sean worked as a milkman, and then joined the Air Force - from that time he had two tattoos left: "Scotland forever" and "Mom and Dad".
The future "James Bond" starred in more than 70 films, including seven films about the adventures of 007, as well as "The Rock", "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and many other works.
People magazine in 1989 recognized Sean as the sexiest man alive, and 10 years later awarded him the title of the sexiest man of the century.
Sean Connery
Sean Connery as James Bond
Scottish actor, whom many know by face, but few by name - Alan Cumming- was born on January 27, 1965.
After school, Alan got a job as a columnist and magazine editor, and then graduated from the Scottish Royal Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. After graduation, Cumming began performing in theatrical productions and playing in television projects. And then it was time for the big movie.
Cuming became famous for his roles in "Cabaret", "Spy Kids", "Golden Eye", "X-Men 2". Alan fell in love with the American public so much that in 2008 he was granted a second citizenship in the United States while retaining the first, British.
The actor never hid his free views on love, in 1999 he declared himself bisexual and began to actively advocate for the rights of the LGBT movement. Alan was married to his classmate for eight years, then met with actress Shaffran Barrows, and after several years was in a relationship with director Nick Philippou.
In 2012, Cumming entered into a same-sex marriage with graphic artist Grant Shaffer - after five years of relationship.
Alan Cumming
Also on this day:
In 1812, Napoleon's army, having crossed the Neman River, invaded the territory of the Russian Empire. The Patriotic War of 1812 began.
In 1894, at a congress in Paris, convened on the initiative of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, decisions were made to form the IOC and hold the Olympic Games every four years.
In 1901, the first exhibition of the 19-year-old artist from Barcelona, Pablo Ruiz Picasso, opened in Paris.
In 1916, for the first time, the amount of the contract of a Hollywood star was seven figures. "America's Sweetheart" Mary Pickford has signed a $1,040,000 contract with Paramount Pictures.
In 1930, the first use of radar to detect aircraft (Anacostia, DC).
In 1934, the capital of Ukraine was moved from Kharkov to Kyiv.
In 1945, the Victory Parade on Red Square. The parade was hosted by Marshal of the Soviet Union G.K. Zhukov. Marshal of the Soviet Union K.K. Rokossovsky commanded the parade. The culmination of the parade was the throwing of Nazi standards and banners to the Lenin Mausoleum.
In 1959, in Moscow, Khrushchev promised US Vice President Richard Nixon to show "Kuzkin's mother."
In 1973, Leonid Brezhnev, during an official visit to the United States, announced that the Cold War was over.
In 1990, the last concert of Viktor Tsoi and the Kino group, held at the Luzhniki stadium.
Photo Gettyimages.com/Fotobank.com
A photo film stills
The Scots played key roles in Russian history, served in the Russian army and reformed it.
The history of Russian-Scottish relations is long, but scientists still cannot reliably establish when exactly it began. It is known, for example, that already in 1495 the ambassador of the Danish king Christian I Peter Davidson arrived in Moscow. He arrived in Russia on a ship with "copper ... and four excellent craftsmen from Scotland who have experience in casting such half-hose and whole hoses." That is, the first Scottish migrant workers were in Russia already in the 15th century.
In Russia, already in the 16th century, the Scots were not perceived as something unusual, as some kind of "miracle overseas". The Scots quite successfully served as mercenaries in the Russian army. In the 18th century, the Scotsman Ogilvie, a favorite of Peter I, would achieve inconceivable heights in his Russian military career - he would rise to the rank of field marshal-lieutenant general, be commander-in-chief of the Russian army, and even try to reform it. It was Ogilvy who drew up the first staff list of the Russian army.
Jimmy vs Tatars
In the 16th century, Russia disputed disputed territories with Sweden, there was a war. The first Scots in the Russian army, therefore, were the Scots from among the prisoners. Jerome Horsey wrote in his Russian notes that he personally ensured that the captured Scots were transferred to Moscow, and also convinced the king that the Scots were not at all the same as the enemies of Russia, the Livonians, Poles and Swedes. According to the Horsey definition, the Scots of that time were "a nation of itinerant adventurers, mercenaries for military service, ready to serve any Christian sovereign for maintenance and salary." The king listened to Horsei. Since that time, the Scots have become their own in the Russian army.
Jimmy Linget can be considered the first officially established Scot in the Russian service. It is known about him that back in the 16th century he led a detachment of Scottish mercenaries in the service of the Russian Tsar.
According to Horsey, the Scottish detachment fought "more successfully than twelve thousand Russians with their short bows and arrows." It was all about the firearms of the Scots. "The Crimean Tatars, who did not know guns and pistols before, were scared to death by the shooting cavalry, which they had not seen before, and screamed."
The king, of course, was pleased with such efficiency, therefore he showed mercy to the Scots - he began to favor the Scots with lands on which they could live and start families. It must be said that not many Scots went back. Remained in Russia and Jimmy Linget.
Let's not forget that one of the Russian classics, Mikhail Lermontov, had Scottish roots. His ancestor, Georg Lermont, arrived in Russia from Lithuania at the beginning of the 17th century. In Moscow, Georg became Yuri Andreevich. The Russian tsar met the guest as expected: he gave him a couple of villages, signed him up for service. It was this Georg Lermontov who became the initiator of the Russian branch of the Lermontovs.
It is also interesting that the Russian poet Lermontov is also a blood relative of George Gordon Byron, since back in the 16th century the blood of the Gordons and Lermontovs united. Hence our poet's fatalism and inclination towards romanticism. And the most distant Scottish ancestor of Lermontov was, by the way, also a poet - Thomas Lermontov. He was called a seer, he dared to predict the death of the king himself, and was not mistaken in the forecast, for which he received the nickname "Honest". According to legend, when the time came for Thomas to die, two white deer came for him and took him to the kingdom of the fairies, but he said that he would return to earth again and be a poet again.
There is still a group working in Scotland that makes a genetic map of all the descendants of Lermont. Scientists are faced with one problem: the Russian Lekrmontovs are not willing to make contact.
What about Leslie?
The Scottish military was convenient for the Russian army in that, as a rule, they had good connections in other countries. During any war, it was often more productive to hire a few thousand mercenaries than to organize a full mobilization in a country living by peasant labor. Who will feed the people?
In the first third of the 17th century, a certain Alexander Leslie, a senior colonel, was in the Russian army, the son of a famous Scottish commander. His trip for the army, for 5000 "eager soldiers and on foot" ended in success. He concluded agreements with German and English colonels on the delivery of 5,000 mercenaries to Russia. At the same time, one of the four regiments was recruited from some English and Scots.
In 1631-1632. this regiment takes part in the siege of Smolensk and in the capture of Dorogobuzh. In 1654, with the rank of general, Alexander Leslie took part in the capture of Smolensk and the siege of Riga.
Mysterious Bruce
One of the most famous and mysterious Russian Scots is Jacob Bruce. He was one of the closest associates of Peter I, Field Marshal General (1726). Participated in the Crimean (1687, 1689) and Azov (1695, 1696) campaigns of Peter I, for the command of Russian artillery in the Battle of Poltava in 1709 he was awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. Participated in the laying of St. Petersburg on May 16, 1703. Signed the Treaty of Nystadt.
In 1721, Bruce received the title of Count of the Russian Empire. On August 30, 1725 he was awarded the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky.
In 1706, the Moscow Civil Printing House was transferred to Bruce's jurisdiction. Her most famous publication was the astrological reference "" (1709-1715).
Bruce was one of the most educated people in Russia, a naturalist and astronomer, and owned the largest library (about 1500 volumes), almost exclusively of scientific, technical and reference content. He did not study anywhere and achieved everything by self-education.
Bruce's contribution is difficult to overestimate. He compiled a Russian-Dutch and Dutch-Russian dictionaries, the first Russian textbook on geometry, "Map of Lands from Moscow to Asia Minor". In 1702, he opened the first observatory in Russia at the Navigation School (he was its director) in the Sukharev Tower. Popular rumor attributed to Bruce the glory of a warlock and sorcerer.
Descendants of an old Scottish family was Barclay de Tolly. The first time he distinguished himself during the assault on Ochakov, when he saved the wounded Prince of Anhalt from death. The prince will not forget his adjutant and will promote Mikhail in his service. On April 19, 1790, in the battle of Kernikoski, the prince will be mortally wounded and die in the arms of Barclay.
Before his death, Anhalt will give Mikhail Bogdanovich his sword, which in twenty-eight years he will order to put with him in the coffin, although he will have swords with diamonds and gold hilts.
The Patriotic War of 1812 became the brightest page in the military biography of M.B. Barclay de Tolly. Knowing the strategy of Emperor Napoleon - to defeat the enemy in a general battle on the border and force him to peace - Barclay begins a retreat in order to unite the dispersed Russian forces and prevent the French marshals from breaking them in parts. His actions are subjected to increased criticism of the generals, the nobility began to demand his resignation. As a result, the emperor appoints Kutuzov as commander-in-chief. The idea of leaving Moscow was also first expressed by Barclay, but even then his words were not heard.
