Scotland is filled with magical, mythical wild landscapes, unique animals and wonderful people. Despite having the same population as Massachusetts, it’s filled with adventure and charm! From the moment that you land, you will notice how green Scotland is and how the grass is dotted with little white dots, the sheep. It is a country that has an ancient history and a rugged coastline. Edinburgh (the capital city) attracts many tourists and is home to the cafe where the Harry Potter series was written. In fact, J.K. Rowling got much of the book’s inspiration from living in Scotland. Glasgow is known as the “friendliest city” with its access to the waterways on the River Clyde in the West.
Spread throughout the lush landscape, there are many castles that date back to the 9th century and numerous tales of viking invasions and battles with the English! In the Northeast, Balmoral castle is where the royal family stay over the summer, and it was the late Queen Elizabeth’s favorite residence. Sporting events like football (soccer) and curling are popular, and it is the home of golf with the oldest course, Saint Andrews, founded in 1552.
For a small country, there are three official languages spoken – English, Gaelic and Scots. Gaelic today is mostly spoken in the highlands and islands. Its national animal is the unicorn, which symbolizes purity, innocence, masculinity, and power. Scottish citizens invented many things that changed the world – Alexander Graham Bell (Phone), Alexander Fleming (Scientist – invented Penicillin), John Logie Baird (electric clock and television), Robert Alexander Watson-Watt (developed a working Radar during WWII), Charles MacKintosh (waterproof fabric or the raincoat), Kirkpatrick MacMillian (the bicycle), Alexander Cummings (Flushing toilet), William Cullen (the refrigerator). While you are there, you have to try skiing, water sports, rugby, hunting or climb the Munro mountains, just to name a few.
The most famous thing in Scotland, however, apart from the bagpipes, kilts, shortbread, haggis and whisky, is the Loch Ness monster! There is a myth that there is a dinosaur-like monster called a Nessie living at the bottom of the largest body of freshwater in Britain. There have been sightings over the years, and it is a great tourist attraction. Surprisingly, over 90 percent of the population live in less than five percent of the country across the central belt, and there are 790 islands where only 99 are inhabited. Due to the inclement weather, people can experience all four seasons in one day, so it’s no surprise that a Scotsman invented the raincoat! Most people in Scotland live in brick houses with sidewalks everywhere and narrow streets, some even are made of cobblestones. It is very easy to get about the country due to the many options of public transport such as rail travel, ferries, buses and bicycles. Most people can walk to school and work in their daily lives. Wherever you go, people are always willing to help and show you the best places to go. The highland cows are so cute, and I love going there every summer, so I would highly recommend visiting if you can! It will blow your mind!
By Sorina Yeghian ‘26, Food and Wellness Editor
