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5 Must-Sees of Scotland

A cornucopia of sights and delights, the mountainous terrain of Scotland hosts some of the world’s most intriguing and unusual tourist destinations. Here's a list of five must-dos while in the wild and wondrous realms of Scotland.

A cornucopia of sights and delights, the mountainous terrain of Scotland hosts some of the world’s most intriguing and unusual tourist destinations. Here’s a list of five must-dos while in the wild and wondrous realms of Scotland.

 

5. Dive in to Loch Ness

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Impressive depths (700 feet no less!), endless breadths (32 kilometres) and cusped by the lush, green mountains of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is a sight for the eyes … and camera lens.

Some may prefer to spend their afternoon taking in the scenery and sipping tea out of a thermos. Others may enjoy a nice stroll through Urquhart Castle with ruins that date back to the 13th century. Then there are those willing to take to a boat to catch a glimpse of the elusive Loch Ness monster or attempt to chase its tale on a monster swim.

 

4. Taste the Obscure

Camera Obscura Vortex

No, I don’t mean the haggis.

Step in to the mind of Thomas Short, a scientific instrument maker from the 18th century who is hailed as the builder of the ‘great telescope’ or camera obscura.

The lens, according to leaflets from that time, claimed that it could ‘show the eye of a fly ‘magnified into an expanse of 12 feet.’

Nowadays, the lens is housed at Edinburgh’s tower Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Tower.

It is complimented by a maize of mirrors and light shows, optical illusions, 3D pictures and puzzles that are guaranteed to bend the mind.

 

3. Whiskey trail a go-go

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Distillery barrels full of Scotland’s finest.

What’s a tour of Scotland without a whiskey trail? From Glen Moray to Glenfiddich, Scotland provides the perfect setting to taste the malted history of whiskey at its finest. While the journey of Scotland’s drink du jour took 500 years in the making, your tour of the whiskey trail may take only a few days. That is, depending on how many distilleries and tasting rooms you decide to sample.

Now remember, whiskey is drunk by the tongue but experienced by the nose, not that your listening at this point.

 

2. Do the Segway strut

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Not the most practical way to get around town but segway riding can provide an active afternoon (and a barrel of laughs if drivers have decided to complete the whiskey trail before embarking on a segway).

The two-wheeled, self-balancing device, is an alternative way to take in the sounds and sights of Scotland. Enjoy the wind in your hair as you breeze through the Solway Coast or glide through Crieff Hydro on the back of this unusual beast.

 

1. Storm the Castle

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Edinburgh Castle in all its splendour.

Not catching a glimpse of Scotland’s most famous castle, Edinburgh, is like not taking an obligatory selfie in front of the Eiffel tower. Or worse, not placing a bet in Vegas.

The monstrous block of history houses chapels, war memorials and war museums that will keep you intrigued for most part of the day.

They say you haven’t been to Scotland till you’ve imagined yourself, kilted to the gills, advancing upon Edinburgh Castle. Charge!

Do you have a Scottish destination to add to our fabulous five? Speak now or forever hold your Crieff!