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Scotland is a country in the northwest of Europe, with a devolved parliament and a constitutional monarchy. It has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, and is part of the United Kingdom but not part of the European Union.
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Scotland, most northerly of the four parts of the United Kingdom, occupying about one-third of the island of Great Britain. The name Scotland derives from the Latin Scotia, land of the Scots, a Celtic people from Ireland who settled on the west coast of Great Britain about the 5th century ce. The name Caledonia has often been applied to Scotland, especially in poetry. It is derived from Caledonii, the Roman name of a tribe in the northern part of what is now Scotland.
An austere land, subject to extremes of weather, Scotland has proved a difficult home for countless generations of its people, who have nonetheless prized it for its beauty and unique culture. “I am a Scotsman,” the poet and novelist Sir Walter Scott wrote in the 19th century; “therefore I had to fight my way into the world.” Historically one of Europe’s poorest countries, Scotland has contributed much to political and practical theories of progress: forged in the Scottish Enlightenment in the hands of such philosophers as Francis Hutcheson, Adam Smith, and David Hume, who viewed humankind as a product of history and the “pursuit of happiness” as an inalienable right, this progressive ideal contributed substantially to the development of modern democracy. Scots have also played a vital role in many of the world’s most important scientific and technological innovations, with inventors, engineers, and entrepreneurs such as Alexander Graham Bell, James Watt, Andrew Carnegie, and John McAdam extending Scotland’s reach far beyond the small country’s borders. Few students of English-language literature are unacquainted with historian Thomas Carlyle, poet Robert Burns, and novelist Muriel Spark.
Scotland’s relations with England, with which it was merged in 1707 to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain, have long been difficult. Although profoundly influenced by the English, Scotland has long refused to consider itself as anything other than a separate country, and it has bound itself to historical fact and legend alike in an effort to retain national identity, as well as to the distinct dialect of English called Scots; writing defiantly of his country’s status, the nationalist poet Hugh MacDiarmid proclaimed: “For we ha’e faith in Scotland’s hidden poo’ers, The present’s theirs, but a’ the past and future’s oors.” That independent spirit bore fruit in 1996, when the highly symbolic Stone of Scone was returned to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, from London, and in 1999 a new Scottish Parliament—the first since 1707—was elected and given significant powers over Scottish affairs.
Edinburgh is a handsome city of great historical significance and one of Europe’s chief cultural centres. Other significant principal cities include Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Perth, all centres for industry, transportation, and commerce.
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Scotland is bounded by England to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north, and the North Sea to the east. The west coast is fringed by deep indentations (sea lochs or fjords) and by numerous islands, varying in size from mere rocks to the large landmasses of Lewis and Harris, Skye, and Mull. The island clusters of Orkney and Shetland li...
Learn about Scotland, the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, with its rich history, diverse geography, and distinctive culture. Explore its capital Edinburgh, its islands, its castles, and its people.
- Castle Rock, Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle. The most famous fortress in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle has played a dominant role in the city’s skyline since the reign of King David I during the 12th Century.
- Inverness: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. If you think of Loch Ness, near the small city of Inverness, you’ll likely picture the mythical monster, which, according to legend, has made a home of the loch for countless centuries.
- St. Andrews: The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. The Scots are responsible for many inventions, including the postage stamp, tarmacadam, the steam engine, the bicycle, and not least, the telephone.
- Trossachs National Park: Loch Lomond. Situated about 14 miles (23 km) north of Glasgow, and part of the Trossachs National Park, lies Britain’s largest lake – Loch Lomond.
Apr 24, 2023 · Covering an area of 77,933 sq. km, Scotland is 2 nd largest country in the United Kingdom. Located in the southeastern part of the country, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth estuary is Edinburgh - the capital and the 2 nd most populous city of Scotland.
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Scotland is a place of epic natural landscapes, engaging cities and rich cultural heritage. Start your adventure and discover our hidden gems to create memories with friends and family. But don't just take our word for it.
Discover the fantastic range of things to see and do in Scotland. Including days out ideas, attractions, outdoor activities, nature spots, events and more.
May 13, 2021 · Discover the stunning scenery, rich culture and lively pubs of Scotland with this guide to its top destinations. From Edinburgh and Skye to the North Coast 500 and Loch Lomond, find out where to go and what to see in this beautiful country.
