The other day, my friend, Becca, mentioned that she and her husband are planning a trip to Scotland. She asked my advice since she knows Scotland is my favorite travel destination. Our conversation got me thinking about why I am so enchanted by this country. Here are my top ten favorite memories of visiting Scotland . . .
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Photo by L. Walkins, 2010
Edinburgh — The Scottish capital with its golden sandstone buildings, hidden closes and genteel New Town is a fairytale city guarded and protected by the immense castle on the cliff overlooking Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh Castle dates back to the twelfth century and today is an iconic tourist attraction according to the official website. In my eyes, the castle certainly is iconic. On one of my first trips to Scotland, I took the train from Glasgow to Scotland. As we pulled into Waverly Station, I was greeted by a stunning view of the castle looming above the city. Paris has the Eiffel Tower and Edinburgh has its castle.
On our last trip to the Scottish capital, my husband, Ed, my cousin, Kelly, and I stayed at a wonderful boutique hotel, the Scotsman on North Bridge. The hotel is housed in the former Scotsman Newspaper building. The location is ideal, our room was comfortable and the hotel name on the outside of the building is shaped like a welcoming smile, which made me laugh every time we came in from our day of sightseeing.
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Photo by L. Walkins, 2010
Military Tattoo — Every summer, in August, Edinburgh hosts a world-renowned arts festival. One of the highlights of the festival is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Every evening, massed pipes and drums and massed military bands take over the Castle Esplanade giving rousing performances to appreciative crowds. Ed and I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the amazing spectacle that is the Tattoo two times. The theme for the 2013 Military Tattoo is Year of Natural Scotland.
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Photo by L. Walkins, 1995
Oban — A Victorian seaport on the west coast of Scotland, Oban is the seafood capital of Scotland. Rather appropriately, Ed and I ate the most delicious fish and chips one afternoon in Oban. We purchased our impromptu lunch at a corner take-away shop and ate the delectable fish and potatoes sitting by the harbor. What a mouthwatering memory!
Oban is also home to McCaig’s Tower, a definitive landmark. Perched at the top of the town and the site of spectacular views, McCaig’s Tower was built in 1897 by a local banker, who wanted to provide work for the area stonemasons.Just off the coast, the islands of the Inner Hebrides dot the horizon. In 1995, my friend, Susan, and I took an excursion from Oban to the Isle of Mull where we toured Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean. We explored the dungeons, state rooms and lovely gardens, enjoying a truly memorable afternoon.
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Photo by L. Walkins, 1995
Millionaire’s Shortbread and Wall’s Ice Cream Bars — While participating in a week-long creative writing class at the University of Edinburgh’s International Summer School, I discovered this delectable treat in the dining hall. Light and buttery shortbread topped with sweet caramel and smooth chocolate. To my delight, I have found an easy and delicious recipe for the shortbread, so I can now indulge in a little taste of Scotland at home.
Another delectable treat discovered during a Scottish vacation is the Wall’s Magnum ice cream bar. Rich vanilla ice cream coated in luxurious Belgian chocolate, the Magnum bar comes in a variety of flavors. My favorite is the Magnum White. These creamy and refreshing ice cream treats are now available in my local grocery store. Hooray!
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Photo by L. Walkins, 2006
Royal Yacht Britannia — In 2006, Ed and I discovered that the Royal Family’s yacht is docked in Leith and open to the public. Launched in 1953, the Royal Yacht Britannia traveled more than one million miles around the world. Many of the royals honeymooned on the yacht. Due to the state of the economy and the expense of maintaining the Britannia, the ship was decommissioned in 1994 destined to become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. Ed and I toured the ship amazed by the elegance and comfort of the royal apartments. We appreciated the audio narration provided as we explored one splendid room after another.
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Photo by L. Walkins, 1995
St. Andrews — A quick train ride from Edinburgh, St. Andrews is revered as the Home of Golf. To play a round on the Old Course must be a dream come true for enthusiasts of the ancient game. During one visit, I went to the British Golf Museum in St. Andrews and spent the afternoon learning a lot about history of the sport. However, there is much more to this lovely coastal resort. It is home to a respected university and the site of many historical ruins, including St. Andrews Castle, a medieval fortress and St. Andrews Cathedral, once the largest cathedral in Scotland.
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Photo by L. Walkins, 2010
Holyrood Palace — Mary Queen of Scots lived out many dramatic moments of her tumultuous reign in Holyrood Palace. Most notably, her favored Italian secretary, David Rizzio, was killed in the Queen’s private rooms in the palace. This gruesome event sent her on a fateful path that led to her eventual execution in England. Today, Holyrood Palace is the home of Queen Elizabeth II and her family when they are in Edinburgh. I have toured Holyrood several times, lunched in its pleasant café, wandered through the palace grounds and bought souvenirs in its charming gift shop.
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Photo by L. Walkins, 2006
Inveraray Castle — On the same day Ed and I visited Oban, we also toured Inveraray Castle in Argyll. We were on a bus tour of the West Highlands. Ancestral home of the Clan Campbell, the castle is the residence of the Duke of Argyll. Ed and I had a grand time wandering through the castle’s armoury hall, state dining room, tapestry drawing room, kitchens and picture turret where family memorabilia is displayed. We were intrigued by the fact that the present duke is married to Eleanor Cadbury of the Cadbury Chocolate family. We were also surprised last winter when we recognized Inveraray Castle as one of the settings in the popular BBC series, Downton Abbey.
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Photo by L. Walkins, 2010
Sheep Heid Inn — In 2010, I had just finished writing my novel, Forget-Me-Not. When I went to Edinburgh in August, I made an effort to visit some of the settings from my book, including Duddingston Loch, where both Darcy and Mary fretted about the nature of true love. Ed and I admired the scenic lake and then went for lunch at the oldest pub in Scotland, the Sheep Heid Inn, established in 1360. Historically, this cozy pub has been frequented by famous monarchs and poets like Mary Queen of Scots and her son, James VI, as well as Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns. Ed and I loved the atmosphere as well as the hearty food. I enjoyed a tasty chicken and chorizo salad, while Ed devoured a filling Angus beef burger.
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Photo by L. Walkins, 1995
Loch Ness — In our travels around Scotland, my friend Susan and I took a day cruise on Loch Ness. It was a beautiful, sunny day. A pleasant scientist named John piloted the boat and told us some interesting facts about the loch and its notorious monster. He also regaled us with the history of Urquhart Castle, which graces the shore of the famous loch. As we approached the castle, we could hear a lone bagpipe player making music from its ramparts. We got chills!
How I wish I were planning a trip to Scotland like Becca. Whenever I become nostalgic for my favorite travel destination, I like to lose myself in the pages of one of the Isabel Dalhousie or 44 Scotland Street novels by Alexander McCall Smith and take a vicarious literary journey to walk the streets of Edinburgh with his quirky characters. Scotland is a place of dramatic history, unique traditions and breathtaking landscapes — a place of wonder!!
Words and Photos by Linda A. LeVasseur 