The English language is the main form of international communication, especially in the travel industry. In Scotland, English has been the primary language since the 18th-century, although there are still many accents and dialects spoken across the country. Gaelic, an ancient Celtic language dating back to the 10th-century, is also spoken throughout Scotland.
While English spoken in Scotland is quite similar to both American English, there are many words that have different meanings. Here are a few examples:
• “Sandwich” = “Piece”
• “Kiss” = “Winch”
• “Frozen” = “Baltic”
• “Troublemaker” = “Ned”
Scotland has many wonderful sightseeing opportunities. Some of the top attractions include:
1. Edinburgh – Edinburgh Castle – Visit Edinburgh’s most compelling attraction, dramatically perched high on a rock above the city and worthy of a Hollywood movie script. The famed Mary Queen of Scots lived here and gave birth to her only son James in the castle in 1566.
2. Edinburgh – Palace of Holyroodhouse – This palace is the royal family’s official residence in Scotland.
3. Edinburgh – Arthur’s Seat Mountain – Climb this small, yet imposing, 822 ft. high mountain from its base next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The easy 60-minute hike yields great views of the city of Edinburgh and
surroundings extending to the Firth of Forth waterway.
4. Edinburgh – Scottish Parliament Building – Delight in this architectural masterpiece designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles.
5. Stirling – Stirling Castle – Visit this hilltop castle located close to where Scotland’s two most important independence battles were fought. View the beautifully preserved Old Town and the National Wallace Monument (in commemoration of William Wallace, a Scottish national hero from
the 13th century).
6. Highlands – Glen Coe – This is considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland where you can view Ben Nevis, at 4,409 ft. the highest mountain in the British Isles, close to the town of Fort William.
7. St. Andrews – British Open – Explore the delightful small town that is best known as home to the world’s most famous golf course, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club.