What makes Scotland so distinctive?
There are some things that are uniquely Scottish but in truth, there's no single element that defines the country. Rather, it's a subtle blend of many different ingredients that have been added to the mix down through the centuries.
Here, you can find a flavour of these - Scotland's often turbulent past, her extraordinary people, the rich diversity of her arts and culture, and the many other features found around the country which have produced a nation that treasures its past and keenly anticipates its future.
Perched on the outer rim of Europe, Scotland forms the northern part of Great Britain and is about two-thirds the size of England and Wales which occupy the remaining portion. It is surrounded by sea on three sides: to the west and north by the Atlantic Ocean and on the east by the North Sea. Its only land border, that with England, runs for approximately 60 miles (96 km) along the line of the Cheviot Hills.
Scotland's geography has been integral to its political, social, economic and cultural development, themes which are explored elsewhere on the site. In this section, you can discover more about the physical make-up of the country, together with some facts and figures about its people.
From the stone circles of Orkney to the new parliament building being erected in Edinburgh, Scotland's dramatic history spans 8,000 years, years marked by invasions and independence, wars and religious upheavals, intrigues and subjugation. Yet it also saw the flowering of an imagination and inventiveness across many different fields of human endeavour and resulted in Scotland occupying a pivotal position, not only in a British context but in a European and worldwide one also - 19th-century Glasgow's title as Second City of the British Empire was no idle boast! Such a history has left its mark on the nation's psyche - as well as the landscape - and has contributed in no small way to the fierce pride with which the Scots view themselves and their country today.
Historically, Scotland has always been a popular destination for those seeking a truly romantic setting in which to make their wedding vows and several recent high profile weddings have served to highlight the reputation of Scotland as a great place to tie the knot. As a country, Scotland is famous for its beautiful and unspoilt scenery, its distinctive culture and its dramatic history. In addition it is renowned for the high standard of its cuisine and the quality of its accommodation, which ranges from bed and breakfasts to magnificent castles. Perhaps most importantly though, Scotland is famed for its hospitality and the genuine warmth of its people.
So, whether you are planning to 'run away' to Gretna for a small intimate wedding or to do something on a much larger scale, be it in a hotel or castle or even on a canal boat, Scotland offers endless possibilities to make that special day truly memorable.
What makes Scotland such a hugely popular tourist destination is the sheer range of activities packed into such a small and accessible country. Whether using organised tours or exploring at your own pace, you can revel in the lively, cosmopolitan entertainment of the towns and cities, enjoy the wealth of artistic and cultural activities running throughout the year, sample some of the best cuisine in the world, explore the country's dramatic and colourful history and natural heritage, spectate from the sidelines or take a more active role in a wide variety of sporting pursuits, or trace your roots here.
One visit simply won't be enough!!
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