Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for scotland
Shetland’s Ancient Capital
By Linda Tancs
On the southern peninsula of Mainland, Shetland, you’ll find its ancient capital, Scalloway. Derived from Old Norse meaning “bay of the huts,” the picturesque village with Viking roots can trace its habitation back to the Bronze Age. Its breathtaking view is punctuated at the Scord, an approach by road that encompasses the harbor, the castle, a bridge and some islets. The four-story castle dominates the village and is probably one of the only fortified structures that a visitor can see by obtaining a key from the local hotel.
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The Land of the Picts
By Linda Tancs
The county of Angus in Scotland has been dubbed the “birthplace for Scotland,” a site where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320 at Arbroath Abbey during the Wars of Independence. It’s also a county rich in Pictish history. Over 2000 years ago Scotland was roamed by warrior Pictish tribes, a source of irritation for the Romans who erected Hadrian’s Wall in northern England to keep them out. You can learn more about Scotland’s ancient past at Pictavia in Haughmuir, an all-weather museum sporting interactive exhibits and artifacts exploring the life and times of this mysterious people. From there, set out on the Pictish Trail, where stone relics bear silent witness to the tribes’ lifestyle, education and culture. Reputedly, one out of every 10 Scots is descended from the Picts. Are you one of them?
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A Year of Homecoming
By Linda Tancs
Although national gathering festivals are nothing new, it’s easy to appreciate each country’s unique artistic, cultural and ancestral heritage. This year, it’s Scotland’s turn to shine. Dubbed the Year of Homecoming, the slate of events includes a whisky festival, a re-enactment of Britain’s battle with Robert the Bruce, a celebration of Forth Bridges’ 50th anniversary and the Highland Games, a tradition since 1867.
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The Start of Great Britain
By Linda Tancs
Scotland’s Highland coastal village of John O’ Groats is, as the locals will tell you, the northerly end of the longest distance between two points on the British mainland (the other being Land’s End). For heaven’s sake, don’t call it the most northerly place on mainland Britain; that honor goes to Dunnet Head. Either the start of Great Britain or the end of the road (depending on how you look at things), this rugged outpost is just six miles from the Orkney islands, an area boasting over 5000 years of history. Enjoy a coastal walk from John O’ Groats along the north coast to Duncansby Head Lighthouse and onto the massive rock stacks called the Stacks of Duncansby.
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A Rugged Walk in Scotland
By Linda Tancs
Sir Paul McCartney wrote Mull of Kintyre in tribute to the pristine peninsula of the same name. Thanks to the establishment of the Kintyre Way in 2006, the rugged natural beauty of this area can be explored from Tarbert in the north to Dunaverty in the south. Never far from the sea, you’ll experience fishing villages, conifer forests, beaches and stretches of hills and moors that can best be summed up as, well, poetry in motion. Citylink buses from Glasgow serve Tarbert.
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A Cruise Ship Fit for a Queen
By Linda Tancs
Undoubtedly it’s safe to say that Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II doesn’t charter cruise ships willy-nilly. So when the monarch did just that to celebrate her 80th birthday, you’ve got to think that the ship must be something special. That ship is the Hebridean Princess, a luxury ship hosting just 50 guests. Now in its 25th season, the former ferry boat has come a long way indeed. From March to November the ship sets sail from Oban for Scotland’s far flung isles, offering travelers the best way imaginable to discover the remoteness and beauty of the west coast.
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Scotland Park Celebrates Ten Years
By Linda Tancs
The Scottish Highlands is a captivating region featuring the highest mountain (Ben Nevis) and the deepest lake (Loch Ness). A lesser known distinction may be that it’s also the site of the largest national park in the United Kingdom. Now in its tenth year, Cairngorms National Park offers an abundance of award-winning visitor attractions—like Britain’s only herd of free-ranging reindeer and a wildlife park boasting European bison, red deer, camels, yaks, red pandas, and even polar bears. The castles of Braemar, Blair and Balmoral beckon as well, along with a hodgepodge of adventure parks, distilleries and leisure activities. his dog owner-friendly expanse is easy to reach by road, rail, plane—or even bike via Deeside Way or National Cycle Route 7.
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Color Me Scotch
By Linda Tancs
The Scottish Colourists, generally recognized as Cadell, Fergusson, Hunter and Peploe, were a group of post-Impressionist painters from Scotland. Their use of vivid color defined the modern art movement in the country. A dedicated gallery to the Colourists is now open at Glasgow’s Kelvingove Art Galley and Museum. Like all of their permanent displays, it’s free to visit!
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Crocodile Rock
By Linda Tancs
There’s this thing called the Crocodile Rock. No, not the dance immortalized in Elton John’s song. It’s a painted rock on the Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland. You’ll find it in Millport, the only town there, reachable by car ferry from Largs on the west coast. Of course, there’s more to do than just look at a painted rock. This accessible island, inhabited since the end of the last Ice Age, also boasts Britain’s smallest cathedral with incredible acoustics. Now that’s something to sing about.
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Ghosts in the Close
By Linda Tancs
Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh, Scotland is an underground labyrinth of now defunct closes and dwelling places that once rose seven stories high. The close was demolished to make way for council chambers in Edinburgh, leaving the remnants of the closes below ground. These remnants are a snapshot of life as it existed in the 16th through 18th centuries. Ghost stories abound, which makes this destination a good Halloween jaunt. Join one of their Supernatural History Tours.
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