European Travel Information "Designed by Travellers ... for Travellers"

Scotland

General Information about Scotland

Scotland is part of Great Britain, the largest of the British Isles and shares its southern border with England. Great Britain is made up of England, Scotland and Wales. Great Britain is part of the United Kingdom, which also includes Northern Ireland.

Scotland is made up of over 700 islands and has significant sea boundaries with the North Sea to the East, the Atlantic Ocean to the North and West, and the Irish Sea to the Southwest. The population of Scotland is over 5 million and while Edinburgh is the capital, Glasgow is Scotland's largest city.

There are three distinct geographical areas within the Country. The Northern and Southern ares are made up of mountains and highlands (also know as uplands), with a relatively low lying central area. Scotland's climate is very changeable, with a winter average temperature of 6°C and the summer average temperature of 18°C.

There are many historical sites to visit in Scotland, some dating back to prehistoric and medieval times. Scotland is home to many castles, monuments and structures, such as the Standing stones on the Machrie Moor. Some of Scotland's castles even provide accommodation, for those who wish to experience something different. There are a large number of hiking, walking, and climbing trails and trips, as well as a number of ski resorts for those interested in snow sports.

Scotland has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles. These vary from castles, country houses, log cabins, hostels, caravan parks, to bed and breakfasts and five star hotels.

Climate

Learn About The Climate In Scotland

The warmest months to visit Scotland is from May through to September with average summer temperatures of 18+ degrees. The weather is Scotland can be very unpredictable, sunny one minute and raining the next. Winter months in the north can be quite severe particularly in the mountainous regions with snow occurring. The average temperature in winter is between -2 and 10 degrees. Rain in Scotland is most frequent in the springtime.

Geography

Geographical Information On Scotland

Scotland is split into three different regions of the Highlands, the Central Lowlands, and the Southern Uplands. Scotland can be found on the outer rim of Europe, with a total land mass of 48,950 square kilometres. Its highest mountain is Ben Nevis measuring up to 1344 metres and its longest river is the River Tay which is over 193 kilometres Scotland has a population well over 5,094,800 and the capital city is Edinburgh and has been its capital since 1437.

Economy

Learn About The Economy In Scotland

The official currency of Scotland is the Pound Sterling. The tourism industry is a huge support to the country's economy with food and drink be in the top five. Scotland exports large quantities of office machinery, computers as well as chemicals. They mainly export to the US, Netherlands, Germany, France and Spain.

Festivals and Events

Discover What's On In Scotland

Every year is full of events and things to do in Scotland starting on 1st January there is The Loony Dook where the new year is celebrated with people plunging into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth. Any survivors are warmed up with a hot toddy and soup afterwards and money raised during the day is donated to charities. Then from the 30th March- 4th April the Edinburgh International Harp Festival is held and has been running for over 25 years and is a event to remember. If you like walking then the Langholm Walking Festival is a great way to see some of the local countryside, held in June over three days.

Apartments in Scotland

Attractions, Activities and Tours in Scotland

Guesthouses in Scotland

Hostels in Scotland

Hotels in Scotland

Tours in Scotland

European Explorer would like to wish you an enjoyable stay in Scotland.