Orkney Stretching out into the North Sea among strong winds and rough seas, Orkney and Shetland are Scotland’s most northern isles. The most southerly of them and a short distance from the northern Scottish mainland is Orkney, also referred to as Orkney Isles, rising modestly from the sea, this cluster of more than seventy islands is a sparsely populated but very fertile land ideal for farming. During the long summer days the land is awash with wild flowers covering the meadows with enormous bright skies, with the sound of millions of sea birds along its stunning coastline. Shetland … [Read more...] about Orkney and Shetland Islands, Scotland
Scotland Info Blog with News and Background Info
Loch Awe, The jewel in Argyll’s crown
Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle I hate to start this article with an obvious Cliché but the word most used by visitors to describe their time by Loch Awe in Argyll is “Awesome” and however cheesy it sounds it pretty much hits the nail on the head. The facts speak for themselves; at 28 miles in length it is the longest fresh water loch (or lake) in the UK, it holds the current record for the largest Brown Trout caught in the British Isles and has, Kilchurn Castle, arguably Scotland’s most impressive & Iconic ancient building and ancestral home of clan Campbell, at its … [Read more...] about Loch Awe, The jewel in Argyll’s crown
People Make Glasgow a Great City
It could perhaps be interesting to compare the Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow but when you've visited them both you know it doesn't make real sense, they are a world apart and that's why you should visit them both to find out for yourself. But If you really want to bring it to the point I think it's safe to say that Edinburgh is more of a Tourist City and Glasgow a People's City. Let me explain. Edinburgh is a stunning city, probably one of the prettiest in Europe, with Edinburgh Castle proudly situated at the top of the Royal Mile and the seat of the Scottish Parliament and … [Read more...] about People Make Glasgow a Great City
The Long Road on the Isle of Jura
The Isle of Jura is not an island for an impromptu visit since it doesn't have a direct car ferry link with the mainland. Only in the summer there is a passenger ferry, a RIB for 12 persons, operating a service from Tayvallich on the mainland to Craighouse on Jura. So Jura is quite remote and one of the few inhabited islands in Scotland not being serviced by Calmac directly. The only car ferry to Jura is operated by the Argyll and Bute Council and sails between Port Askaig on the Isle of Islay to Feolin on Jura. It's a five minute crossing over the Sound of Islay, the fast flowing channel that … [Read more...] about The Long Road on the Isle of Jura
Major Road Improvements A9 Perth to Inverness
Those of you who frequently, or occasionally, travel to the north of Scotland know that the A9 between Perth and Inverness, a total of 112 miles, is not the most pleasant road to drive, and not the safest either. The scenery might be breathtaking in most places but quite frequently, especially in the busy season, there are traffic jams due to roadworks, accidents or very slow moving vehicles. When you're lucky and find yourself on a section of dual carriage way you can overtake but as soon as that ends the road becomes single carriageway again. As slow moving vehicles also make use of the A9 … [Read more...] about Major Road Improvements A9 Perth to Inverness
What to Pack for a Winter Hiking Holiday
Winter Clothing: A Guide for Hikers Who Want to Stay Warm Keen hikers will know that, in order to complete a successful and safe hike, a range of equipment and clothing is needed, whatever time of year the trip. When it comes to clothing, certain items - such as boots, waterproof jackets, lightweight base layers, hiking socks and more - are needed all year round, but in winter, there are additional extras that are needed to keep you protected from the elements. Where’s Your Head At? When hiking in the winter, you will also need to ensure that your head and face are well protected. In … [Read more...] about What to Pack for a Winter Hiking Holiday
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