Visit Scotland

Alright, since none of you are on the books to come and visit us in Scotland, I have no choice but to resort to peer pressure. According to CNN Travel, Scotland is one of the top 7 travel destinations of 2013. Which is convenient for you  since you already know someone who lives there and has plenty of free time to show you around. So what are you waiting for? Come on over.

I promise there is no shortage of breath-taking scenery, dramatic history, premium Scotch whisky, delicious sticky toffee pudding, sweeping coastlines, and rugged mountains. Not to mention a host of cultural festivals and castle ruins to explore. Plus, it might be your final year to visit Scotland as part of the United Kingdom.

In 2014, the country will vote on whether it wants its independence from the rest of the British Isles. It’s been a long and tumultuous road to freedom, from Braveheart and Robert the Bruce to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite rebellion. 

It’s fascinates me that after all that fight, the Scots might willingly choose to stay under English rule. There are several valid reasons to stay put as part of the UK, but economically, the Scots have the North Sea oil reserves, and the European oil industry mostly operates out of right here in Aberdeen. Add in tourism and whisky/beef/seafood exports and you’ve got yourself a pretty sound economy in addition to a strong national identity. I’m by no means an expert and really don’t have much of an opinion either way, but if you’re interested you might want to read up on the topic here.

All I'm saying is that if travelling more was one of your New Year’s resolutions, take this as sign and give Scotland a try.

Jonathan and I can’t wait to get out there and explore more of this enchanted country. We are already hatching plans to visit the Orkney Islands and do some hiking along the West Highland way. Once August arrives, we will certainly head to Edinburgh for the famous Fringe Festival and Military Tattoo. Hurry up, Spring and Summer!!!