All about Scotland and everything Scottish
Tartan and kilts are defenitely not boring. Just check this out.
Up Your Kilt
[photo by: robynejay]
Kilted Beer
[photo by: Meggrs]
TartanFlies
[photo by: e.mel87]
Kilted Plain
[photo by Bob the courier]
Lego Highland Dancers
[photo by: Rob Young] Read the rest of this entry »
When choosing pieces to add to your wardrobe, the classic stylings of tweed can add to your collection in a way that will last for many years. Tweed has been used in fashion for decades, but it is interesting to note that its origins are actually very humble.
[photo by: Adam UXB Smith]
Tweed jackets and clothing was worn originally by folks who lived in the countryside and was well suited for jackets to keep the wearer toasty warm in the bleakest of conditions. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Clothing, Design, Fashion, Harris Tweed, scottish tweed, tweed
Whenever we think of Scotland, old castles, lakes and wilderness in general, mixed with endless fields. But there is so much more to the beautiful country than that, things people appreciate less and less these days. Days, when wild, untouched nature is becoming a rarity. But here, in this beautiful part of the world, most of it is still breathtaking and wonderful.
[photo by: foxypar4]
Both flora and fauna of Scotland are typical of the north west European part of the Palearctic ecozone. Aside from the agricultural areas, most of the country is covered in woods, heather moorland and peatland. You can see a lot of native Scots Pine, Silver Birch and Heather, although there is not as much of it as it used to. In near proximity of these tres, you can find beautiful Creeping ladies tresses, which is one of the few British orchids that is almost exclusive to Scotland. If you are looking for more secluded and wild scenery, it is best to go north, where human influence is not as visible as in the rest of Scottish land, especially Western Isles.
[photo by: foxypar4]
Because of the location on the world map, the plants grow differently there. The growing season starts later than in more southern parts of Britain. In the beginning of the year nothing is growing much, with just a few species flowering, but during the months of June, July and August the you can see myriads of flowers blooming all around.
[photo by: left-hand]
[photo by: RATAEDL]
When it comes to wildlife, Scotland also has a lot to offer. It is home to a wonderfully diverse range of species, from the bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth to the capercaillie of the Central Highlands and the thousands of seals and puffins inhabiting the beautiful coastlines. If you want to spy some of rarest specimens, then you’ll have to confine your search: to the wet lochside woods around Fort William for the brightly coloured chequered skipper butterfly; or the north coast of Caithness and Sutherland and Orkney for the Scottish Primrose endemic to the shores.
[photo by: Cayetano]
Of course, when speaking of animals, we shouldn’t forget the one and only Nessie, supposedly habiting the depths of Loch Ness. But that’ of course, is another matter entirely.
Tags: Loch Ness, scotland, Scots Pine, scotthish nature, scottish flora
In the heartland of Scotland, Argyll and Bute is one of 32 council areas divided in 1996. Included are such areas as Oban, the Inner Hebrides, Inveraray, Lochgilphead, Tarbert, Islay and Jura. The 2nd biggest council area in size in Scotland yet the 22nd in Population. With over 3000 miles in coastline including the islands this is a vast region with grand nature and rural life.
Tags: highlands, scotland, scottish islands, scottish tour
Scotland, a lively location promoting art, language, and song, offers numerous events to cultivate both Scottish and European culture and to continue to promote creativity among its population.
This Spring, one of the foremost events that Scotland boasts is the Glasgow Annual Film Festival. This event is held from February eighteenth to February the twenty-eight. This multi-faceted festival displays a variety of documentaries, blockbuster hits, and independent films for screening and discussion, making it the perfect event for movie critics.
For lovers of language, Scotland’s Poetry Festival mixes film, dance, and poetry in a harmonious blend. Occurring March seventeenth through March twenty-first, this activity offers the opportunity to sharpen the mind and the tongue.
For plant experts or simply lovers of beauty, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival displays Scotland’s rich and lush gardens. These gardens open for public viewing on February first, and the festival continues through March fifteenth.
Perhaps Scotland’s most celebrated event this Spring is Perth 800. Perth 800 is a year long celebration that commemorates the eight-hundredth anniversary of the Royal Burgh Charter. This important document confirmed and established land rights to Perth from King William the Lion in 1210.
Last, but not least, Scotland hosts a special international festival called New Territories. This unique festival of live arts is held during the first three weeks of March, and it includes videos, music, and art instillations. This event showcases many experimental performances by one thousand invited artists from across the globe.
Indeed, Scotland has an event for every person this Spring season.
Tags: Film, Film festival, scotland, scottish culture
Well, I’ve narrowed it down to the three things that Scotland is most famous for, and we’ll see if you agree…
#3 is the Loch Ness Monster. That slimy, lovable sea dinosaur is one of the first things people associate with Scotland. Nicknamed “Nessie”, she first popped up in 1933 and has been wreaking havoc all over Scotland ever since… actually she is quite tame, and has only been seen on photograph with her infamous giraffe-like neck peering out of the water. Unfortunately, she hasn’t popped up for decades. Come on, Nessie! Show yourself!
#2 is the Kilt. The Kilt is a mysterious and exciting piece of clothing. It has been around since the 16th century and is essentially a skirt for a man. Scottish men have no problem wearing a skirt because, well, they’re Scottish, and you better not have a problem with it either. Made of twill woven worsted wool, the kilt is very durable and can withstand long days and nights of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing… which brings us to our number one item Scotland is famous for… Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: bagpipes, Kilt, scotland, Scottish people
Scotland is famous for many things – kilts, whisky, beautiful landscapes and castles. And there are five categories that you would like to visit Scotland because of:
1. Cities
Glasgow is famous for its collection of wonderful museums and art galleries. The Burrell Collection is the city’s most famous and popular tourist attraction, drawing hundreds and thousands of visitors each year.
Sir William Burrell (1861-1958) gave his marvellous art collection to the city of Glasgow in 1944. John Meunier, Brit Anderson and Barr Gasson were responsible for the design of the modern gallery which was opened by the Queen in 1983. From magical artefacts dating back as far as the Bronze Age and much more, the Burrell Collection will certainly amaze you.
The Burrell is located on the south side of the city in the middle of Pollok Country Park. It’s easy enough to get to by public transport.
By Train: take the train at Central Station to Pollokshaws West Station. Here you’ll see signposts for the short walk to the park.
By Bus: take bus numbers 45, 47, 48 and 57 to Pollokshaws Road. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: glasgow, glasgow atractions, Glasgow Cathedral, glasgow travel, scotland, travel in glasgow, University of Glasgow
There was a lot said about kilts and their history. But some facts might not be known more commonly. And kilts is that type of cloth that has an interesting history and many secret facts that is worth to know.
Irish says that there were the one that first gave Scots this type of wearing. So do English people – they also see themselves as kilts inventors and give themselves a credit for this outfit. And what is the truth?
There are some evidence that shows Irish men and English men as the kilt first wearers. Even evidences from 11th centuries. Unfortunately, those evidence aren’t written one but also pictures that are showing probably something else than kilts. So what was the first real document about kilt?
First mentions about feilidh-malo or balted plaid (type of woollen cloth) was found in “Life of Red Hugh O’Donnell” by Lughaidha O’Clery from 16th century. More specifically this cloth was a heavy shawl that
was worn from the top to the bottom of the body, bounding it. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Clothing, Harris Tweed, Kilt, Kilts, men in kilts, Tartan
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is the country’s second largest city after Glasgow. Located in the south-east of the country, Edinburgh owes its rugged setting to many Medieval and Georgian style architecture and is often considered one of the most picturesque cities in Europe.
Edinburgh replaced Scone as the capital of Scotland in 1437 and altogether has around 4,500 listed buildings in the city. A census taken in 2001 noted the population as 448,625. It’s one of Europe’s major tourist attractions bringing nearly 1 million visitors a year and is the second most visited destinations in the UK after the city of London. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Edinburgh, glasgow, scotland, Tourism, travel guide
