Frommer's Scotland 8th Edition - To Parent Directory

22CHAPTER 2 . PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO SCOTLANDfrom its major river, the Tay, runningfor 192km (119 miles). One of theloveliest regions, it’s known for salmonand trout fishing. Major centers arePerth, former capital of Scotland,standing where the Highlands meetthe Lowlands; Dundee, an old seaportand royal burgh on the north shore ofthe Firth of Tay; and Pitlochry, a popularresort that’s an ideal base for touringthe Valley of the Tummel. Thearea abounds in castles and palaces,including Glamis, linked to Britishroyalty for 10 centuries, and Scone, anart-filled palace from 1580. The greatcity of the north, Aberdeen is calledScotland’s “granite city” and ranksthird in population. It’s the best centerfor touring “castle country.” Braemaris known for its scenery as well as forbeing the site of every summer’s RoyalHighland Gathering, and BalmoralCastle at Ballater was the “belovedparadise” of Queen Victoria and is stillhome to the royal family. Finally, youcan follow the Whisky Trail to checkout some of Scotland’s most famousdistilleries, including Glenlivet andGlenfiddich.INVERNESS & THE WESTHIGHLANDSLand of rugged glens and majesticmountain landscapes, the Highlandsis one of the great meccas of theUnited Kingdom. The capital isInverness, one of the oldest inhabitedlocalities in Scotland; another city ofgreat interest is Nairn, old-time royalburgh and seaside resort. Top attractionsare Loch Ness, home of the legendary“Nessie,” and Cawdor Castle,the most romantic in the Highlands,linked with Macbeth. The CaledonianCanal, launched in 1803,stretches for 97km (60 miles) of manmadecanal, joining the natural lochs.As you proceed to the north you canvisit the Black Isle, a historic peninsula,before heading for such farnorthern outposts as Ullapool, an18th-century fishing village on theshores of Loch Broom (and for some,a gateway to the Outer Hebrides), andJohn o’ Groats, the most distantpoint to which you can drive, near thenorthernmost point of mainlandBritain, Dunnet Head.THE HEBRIDEAN ISLANDSThe chain of the Inner Hebrides liesjust off the west coast of the mainland.The major center is the Isle of Skye, amystical island and subject of the Scottishballad “Over the Sea to Skye.” Ifyou have time to visit only one island,make it Skye—it’s the most beautifuland intriguing. However, the Isle ofMull, third largest of the InnerHebrides, is also rich in legend andfolklore, including ghosts, monsters,and the “wee folk.” Iona, off the coastof Mull, is known as the “Grave ofKings,” with an abbey dating from the13th century. Those with time remainingcan also explore the OuterHebrides, notably Lewis, the largestand most northerly. Along with theisland of Harris, Lewis stretches for acombined length of some 153km (95miles). This is relatively treeless land ofmarshy peat bogs and ancient relics.THE ORKNEY & SHETLANDISLANDSThese northern outposts of British civilizationare archipelagos consisting ofsome 200 islands, about 40 of whichare inhabited. With a rich Viking heritage,they reward visitors with sceneryand antiquities. Major centers of theOrkneys are Kirkwall, established byNorse invaders and the capital of theOrkneys for 9 centuries, and Stromness,the main port of the archipelagoand once the last port of call before theNew World. Lerwick is the capital ofthe Shetlands and has been since the17th century. All these islands are filledwith ancient monuments: The mostoutstanding are Midhower Broch(brochs are fortified structures, oftencalled “castles of the Picts”); tombs onRousay, dating from the Iron Age and