60 Second Geography:Scotland The Romans stopped at York - they never conquered Scotland. Gaelic language survives in the more remote areas of the country even today. The landscape is dotted with mystical pagan ruins and the people remain as independent as they are friendly. Traveling to Scotland is traveling to a land of mountains and hills, of poets and warriors, where a drive to remain free from domination by others never failed its people. • More than two thirds of Scotland is mountainous and the Highlands remain a bucolic setting for unspoiled lakes and valleys. • Scottish tourism accounts for approximately 5% of the nation’s GDP and is primarily in the hands of small business enterprises. • Homecoming Scotland is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, during 2009. • Scotland’s national drink, whisky, is uisge beatha, meaning “water of life” in the Gaelic. • Speaking of Gaelic, this vestige of the celtic heritage of Scotland is still spoken by many and road signs bear witness to the culture that underlies the modern veneer.
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4 || TERRA TRAVELERS
City breaks in Scotland take advantage of the increased tourism and accessibility of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling. There are 5 times more people of Scottish descent in other countries than there are in Scotland itself. Genealogy is one of the most often cited reasons for travel to Scotland. Learn more at www.ancestralscotland.com. Scotland boasts some of the world’s greatest freshwater and sea fishing, and different species and locales make it a yearround reason to visit. Throughout the summer season, the Highland Games take place from Cowal to Tomintoul. Historic and modern track and field events, piping and Highland dancing competitions are the major attractions for visitors from around the world. The freshwater lakes in Scotland, or “lochs” as they are known, are major attractions scattered throughout the country, with ancient castles overlooking the mysterious deeps. Skiing is a popular winter attraction from December to April. Special interest and activity holidays based on golf, heritage, the islands of Scotland, fishing and whisky are serviced by a wide variety of destination tour operators specializing in each and accessible through tour operators in the United States and Canada.