Scotland is a wondrous place to visit with all its culture and history. There are certain facts about this place that not many people know about. Some facts are included below.

Scotland has a great deal of history behind her and an equal amount of heroes as well. Some of these heroes were King Robert Bruce, James Douglas, William Wallace, Andrew Moray, James Graham Marquess of Montrose, King James IV, Bard Robert Burns, Queen Mary and Prince Charles Edward Stuart.

The first thing that comes to many a mind when thinking of Scotland and the Scottish people is kilts, blankets, bagpipes and beautiful landscapes. These are common in Scotland, however, one thing which is much smaller and is not as well known as say the kilts is the pattern called tartan. Tartan is connected with the Celtic culture and the Scottish one. It is a striped pattern which has existed since the 3rd century. Americans call this pattern “plaid”but to the Scottish, it is a tartan cloth or blanket.

The quaich or also spelled quaigh is a Scottish drinking vessel. It is pronounced “quake”and consists of a cup (shallow) with two horizontal handles or otherwise known as lugs. The quaich is dated way back over 400 years ago. The quaich was a drinking cup that was typically not shared with others due to fear of “watering down whiskey”or worse, “poisoning”. It was commonly strapped to a saddle or even carried by belt which made it accessible for long journeys.

These days Scotland is one of the most prominent red diesel suppliers, and also exports gas and oil.

These are just some of many known facts and traditions of Scotland and the Scottish people. The history behind this country defines its culture and now modern traditions.

Probably many have seen the movie by Mel Gibson -”Brave Heart”which is focused on the history of Scotland, the traditions and the nature of that place, land of the Scots -the oldest tribes on the whole island. The movie is therefore used by many as the complete reflection of Scotland, excluding the modern day reality. Controversially, but to some extent completely true, it is.

Scotland is a country of small towns, red-haired talkative and smiley people and an accent of the English that is so unique that in any part of the world, a person can say when someone is a Scot. The country is so different from England that it is more than a mistake to generalize England as the UK thus making Scottish people English. It is a false and completely against the common sense. People in England are career seekers, influenced by the capitalism and the development, they not only seek the opportunity to develop, but seize every comfortable moment. Nothing wrong with that -it is the mother of all prosperity, so England has its right.

However, people in Scotland are different. You can see the men drinking scotch in the typical wooden pubs dotted with years old figurines and ornaments in the small towns almost any time of the day, enjoying the good or the bad weather -with a positive view in every direction, these people really know how to make the most of a drop of rain or a moment of sunshine.

In the night you will see the pipe players around the same pubs, playing for the old and the young who all celebrate together -celebrate that another day has passed and they are still together, still happy as they were yesterday.

This is what makes these western people no only so different, but also so unique from any other nation -the huge smile on everyone’s face and the cheerful “Hello”you are gonna get.

Haggis is a dish that you either love or hate. It is a kind of sausage with a savory stuffing. The stomach of sheep or pig is used as the bag to hold the offal and then boiled till cooked. Interesting though the dish is Scotland has much more to offer in terms of food experience. There is ample opportunity to experience other local delicacies like Dundee cake, Selkirk bannocks, Orkney cheese, Lochfyne kippers, and Moffat toffee.

The Scottish chefs these days employ sophisticated techniques to enhance the flavor and look for traditional dishes. They also depend on fresh and very good quality vegetables, meat, and seafood to add to the taste. Rivers Tay and Tweed in Scotland offer the finest salmons. The green hills of Aberdeenshire produce the best beef, which is famous all over the world for its taste and tenderness. Juicy lamb chops, succulent roasted venison, meatloaves, cured fish, and ham and haddock pie are among the other mouth watering delicacies in the country.

The Scots love their sweets. Puddings like cranachan and cream crowdie, boiled sweets like the rhubarb rock, homemade scones, pancakes, shortbread, ginger bread and the wonderful jellies or jams are absolutely delightful and must be sampled at any cost.

Everyone is familiar with the most famous Scottish drink, the dram or Scotch whisky. It has been distilled since the Celtic times in special storage spaces and is known throughout the world for its superb taste and unmatched quality. Another drink that is quite popular in Scotland is the Irn-Bru, which is a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage. It has a bright orange color and is often mixed with whisky or vodka. The Irn-Bru is gaining popularity in other countries as well.

Take a stroll down Belmont Street and feel yourself drawn towards the cosy bars which promise you a friendly welcome and a warming dram or you could boogie on down to Union Street and strut your stuff until the moon becomes the sun. The rest of the world is about three drinks behind those who take the Whisky Tail in Speyside. For those who appreciate a drop of the hard stuff, you will find that a smile has become your favourite exercise as you appreciate the amber nectar in all its glory.

For those who fancy something a bit more laid back, there is no better way to unwind than by visiting the surrounding restaurants which are as warm and cosy as the log fires that crackle away in the background. You just have to savour the Aberdeen Angus which is cooked to perfection. Whether you are looking for candlelight and romance or a lunch time snack, the Scots are proud of the quality of their food and don’t charge you the earth for the privilege.

For the historians among us or people who like to take in a piece of culture, the renowned Castle Trail has over thirteen castles waiting to captivate you with the past that is trapped inside of them. Fishers won’t be disappointed with the long and winding River Spey where they can cast their eyes as well as their line into the waters which are rich with salmon. For the shopaholics among us why not visit one or all of the three major shopping centres all boasting a treasure trove of tantalising attractions. Kids will love the Satrosphere Science Centre where they can intermingle education with fascination. Keep the smiles coming with Cordona’s Amusement Park where you will not need face paints to make the youngsters grin like Cheshire cats!

From the sporty Highland Games through to refreshing walks or a spot of mushroom hunting, there is always something stimulating and rewarding to be found in Aberdeen. Last year the family and I sorted out some touring caravan insurance, and decided to take a road trip up to this destination. Explore this city and expect the surprises to keep coming as you marvel at the picturesque landscape and the thrills which lay before you. There will certainly be a welcome in the hillside from a city which is brimming with culture and waiting to give you a bonny welcome.

Scotland, with its rich history and inheritance, draws millions of tourists to the country every year. It has much to offer people with its medieval monasteries, landscape and castles and its spirit, friendliness and hospitality.

Scotland’s history has many heroes such as King Robert Bruce, Andrew Moray, William Wallace, King James IV, James Douglas, Scotland’s National Bard Robert Burns and James Graham Marquess of Montrose. Also, its history makes room for Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Queen Mary.

Scotland’s main religion is Presbyterian, but you will also find numerous Roman Catholics in the country also. The Episcopal is the other main religion found in Scotland as well and is similar to the Church of England.

There are many things to do and see in Scotland and it would suit you to find hotels or accommodations in places that hold these famous sights. For instance, one of the most popular attractions is the Festival of Edinburgh International and Scottish culture, while you can find smaller towns and cities that hold special events, musicals and festivals. Where you can sample the local culture and specially prepared cusine such as haggus or black pudding (made with the finest luxury kitchen accessories, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea). Finding a hotel in these cities would enable to to sit back, relax and enjoy these attractions.

Other things to do in Scotland would be to walk or hike in the great outdoors with some of its famous trails such as the Dalbeattie to Colvend Trail. Skiing is also a popular sport during the winter months and you can find some major ski centers at the Lecht, Glencoe, Glenshee, Nevis Range and Cairngorm. Last, if you are a big time surfer, there are many surf spots with good breaks to be found in Eyemouth or Edinburgh.

The word “bored”will not be heard or thought of when visiting Scotland as its culture, entertainment and attractions will overwhelm you.