Online Information for Backpackers about SCOTLAND!

The Highlands, the Lochs, the rain and the heather. Scotland is one of the least densely populated areas in Europe and that’s absolutely key to its character. It’s a place of individualism and grandeur, fierce rivalries and firm friendships. Not that there isn’t an industrial heart to this upland country. Glasgow, the ‘second city of the Empire’, now remains one of Europe’s financial capitals and its animated centre challenges even the charms of Edinburgh. You’ll find all the colour and noise of any European centre in the southern cities, all instilled with the unique humour and energy that this country has given to the Scots.

And if you choose to head north through the Grampian mountains and the North West Highlands you’ll see the stark beauty of the Scottish lands. The great difficulty may be forcing yourself to stop. Skye? Lewis? Orkney? Rona? The wonders never cease.

by Daniel Aspel

EDINBURGH FESTIVALS

This year’s Edinburgh International Festival (www.eif.co.uk) runs from the 8th-31st August and promises yet another fantastic extravaganza of the creative arts. It boasts a rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance. This is the perfect event for a spot of high class culture!

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival (www.edfringe.com) will be hitting the streets from the 3rd-25th August. It's still remaining true to their founding principle of open-access for all performers. Street performers keep you entertained as you wander the city. Check out the website for a full list of acts at various locations and book your seats.

These two events make Edinburgh a lively place to be during the month of August.

Book your accommodation early as things get busy!

Did You Know?

Contrary to popular myth, the kilt originates from the end of the 16th century and was never worn into battle by ancient Highlanders. Not even Mel Gibson.

hit the surf

Thurso East: A world class righthander with a mellow take off and a long tube. If you understood that sentence then the chances are you’ve already heard of what is regarded as being Britain’s best wave. It’s cold, it’s harsh, it’ll knock the wind out of your chest, it’s surfing in Scotland.

The sea is as rugged as the landscape in this distant part of the Isles, but the rewards are there for the daring and adventurous. Located around a 7 hour drive from Glasgow at the North Eastern tip of Scotland, this coastline is perfectly located to pick up on North Atlantic swells and can be bigger and meaner than any other site in Europe.

If you think you can handle it then good luck to you, the rest of us will be watching with a mug of hot toddy and a camera.

by Daniel Aspel

GLASGOW

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and the third most populous in the UK. Glasgow is both lively and cosmopolitan.

The stunning Victorian architecture of Charles Renni Mackintosh adorns the streets. There are numerous theatres and art galleries, four universities, countless bars and restaurants, a thumping music scene, plus a host of festivals including:

Glasgow Jazz Festival (20th-29th June)

West End Festival (13th-29th June)

World Pipe Band Championships (August tbc)

Glasgow is a wonderful example of Scottish city culture and well-worth a jaunt.

by Luke Bell

even more festivals!

Coloursfest: 7th June. Glasgow.

Rock Ness: 7th-8th June. Loch Ness.

T in the Park: 11th-13th July. nr Kinross.

The Wickerman Festival: 25th-26th July. Nr. Kirkcudbright, Galloway.

the shetland isles: beauty at its best

Incredible natural beauty is etched all over this island populated by 22,000 people in the north of Scotland. Shetland is accessible via an overnight ferry from Aberdeen or plane from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Aberdeen.

Don't miss the newly refurbished museum of Shetland which includes the history of the islands (which was handed to Scotland by Norway). Puffins, seals, otters, and of course Shetland ponies are amongst the natural wildlife. The North Sea is also visible from nearly every point of the island.

Getting around is probably most convenient with the use of a car (which are available to rent in Shetland). Places to stay include either a number of hostels, or even caravan parks which are situated on the many ‘lochs’ (lakes) around Shetland.

Catch the traditional Shetland folk festival or the many other events going on throughout the year for entertainment.

Pick up a Shetland guide where you’ll find everything needed for a trip to Shetland or for more information, go to www.visitshetland.com.

by Maxine Bulloch