Or at least at one point, it was.
This was the message you used to see when arriving at one of Scotland’s main airports, train stations, or bus stations.
Now you’re greeted with a simple ‘Welcome to Scotland’ message, which is a shame, because I really liked the pride and symbolism in the longer message. Sure, it was somewhat an inaccurate statement – I mean, is it really that small of a place? I think the Vatican City and Monaco might beg to differ. And it’s not technically a country – here we tend to refer to it as a nation, which is more accurate as you can see from this definition of a country.
Why I Love Scotland
However, just because they took the signs down doesn’t mean it still isn’t the best small country. It is a really special and really inspiring place – and I don’t just mean as a film studio for Braveheart
Just a few of the reasons why I love Scotland:
- Nature & City in Harmony. It’s so easy to get out of the city and explore nature – you can even get on walking trails in the city and feel miles away. My Edinburgh favourites are the Water of Leith and the Innocent Railway Tunnel but you can’t rule out walks along the River Clyde in Glasgow.
- Tremendous National Heritage. It goes a bit beyond the cheesy kilt shops along the Royal Mile. The songs, the storytelling, and the history that is soaked into the soil here is absolutely amazing. And people remember it too – it’s not just stuff long forgotten. Including all the dead people. Yes, there are dead people buried everywhere in Edinburgh
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- Casual, Relaxed Culture. Unlike London, things here in Scotland run at a bit of a slower pace, which suits me just fine. (In fact, on a trip last year to Campbeltown, I think things ran backwards for a second, but that might have been one too many ales). While I would agree some Scots like their drink a wee bit too much, my point is that it is totally ok and accepted to spend a Saturday exploring some of our great museums, a glass of wine at lunch, and a long outdoor stroll to round off the evening.
- World Class Culture. Edinburgh was the first UNESCO City of Literature. Glasgow is now a UNESCO City of Music. Both cities host art exhibitions with stuff that’s been through some of the world’s most prominent cities. And don’t get me started on the theatre scene – there are great performances on every month of the year, not just during the Edinburgh Festival.
- Smart, Friendly, Inspiring People. I’ve met such helpful and inspirational people here in Edinburgh. It sort of feels like I’ve been on this life long journey and finally would up here just to meet and learn from some really clued-in folk. If you’re reading this, you know who you are and thanks for the support.
Ok, I’ve rambled on long enough about Scotland. It is great. It really is. Do you have a Scotland story to share with us? Share in the comments or drop me a line if you want your own guest post.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I love Scotland. There is abundant, fascinating history and culture, as you note, but I also think that, physically, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, with its splendid mountains, lochs, and glens. I also love the people. As with most countries that have histories, climates, and terrains that are a bit difficult, the people have developed both a tremendous sense of community and a great sense of humor. History, natural beauty, great people, and bagpipes — it certainly offers everything I look for in a destination.
Cynthia’s last blog post..Australia, The Movie
Thanks Cynthia – I’m glad you agree. Heaps of Scots emigrated to Australia, didn’t they?
Do you really look for bagpipes in your travel destinations?
My father’s mother is from Bathgate and her father’s from the Orkney Islands. I spent a summer in Edinburgh and a week in the Orkneys. I studied Scots Gaelic back in university and briefly considered doing a PhD in Pictish Studies in Edinburgh.
So yeah, I have to admit – I love the country!
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome’s last blog post..Life always changes: a lesson my dogs taught me
Reasons to love Scotland? Oh so many…
Haggis, whisky, stovies and Irn Bru
Iain Banks and Alasdair Gray
The northwest coast from Skye upwards
Incredible history (for such a wee place anyway!)
The fact that being able to wear a kilt practically guarantees you at least one free drink in any pub in the world
Too many others to list while at work…
Yup, I love the place!
Hi Cannonball, So I guess this would be a bad time to ask what you wear under your kilt? Just kidding. Anyway, we are starting to amass quite a list. Don’t worry – you’ll see more of Scotland on this blog in the future, for sure.
Greetings, Andy.
While I wouldn’t necessarily pick a destination based on whether or not they had bagpipes, I would certainly find the bagpipes if any were to be found at the destination. Surprisingly, I even found a bagpipe concert in Jordan, when I visited recently.
Cynthia’s last blog post..Albany Coast, Torndirrup Peninsula
Wow Cynthia – you are quite the resourceful traveller then. Excellent! Maybe you should write a book about bagpipes around the world?
Well, thanks to “The Clearances,” there are Scots just about everywhere on the planet. We have nearly 2,000 pipers here in Chicago, but I’ve heard that even Russia has Highland Games.
Cynthia’s last blog post..Albany Coast, Torndirrup Peninsula
Speaking of Highland Games, that reminds me – is everyone signed up for Homecoming Scotland?
I spent a wonderful year living in Edinburgh. I fell in love with the city, and look forward to visiting it again already. I would say Edinburgh is the best small/big city. So much to do… but you can walk so much of it!
Indeed – we look forward to seeing you soon, Cheryl! Thanks for stopping by here and saying hello.