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All about Scotland - Scottish Places, Culture and Wildlife

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Suggestions for Visitors to Scotland

This list includes places to see, gift ideas and animals unique to Scotland. There's everything from a visitors guide to St Andrews and to the Kingdom of Fife, to the lowdown on hunky Scottish actor Dougray Scott!

The Scottish topics featured here are a combination of those that I have written about myself and some of the best work from other writers here on Squidoo who share my love for Scotland. Their talent has been used to create pages on Scotland's best tourist destinations and cultural experiences. This includes a guide to Scottish Wedding Music, an entertaining tale of a search for the perfect Scottish souvenir, and the Loch Ness Monster! All this and a tour of Scotland's castles too.

I hope you enjoy this virtual tour of the best of Scotland!

Contents at a Glance

Some General Information About Scotland
Quizzes About Scotland
Fife in Scotland
St Andrews in Scotland
Pittenweem Arts Festival in Fife
Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, Outer He...

By me (WordCustard)

I was asked by another writer here on Squidoo to put together some Reasons to Move to Scotland. I think she was convinced! I wonder if you will be too?

The second page is one I put together as a guide for novel writers, to help them accurately create Scottish characters and settings. However, it's also worth a read if you'd simply like to know more about Scotland and its people.

Quizzes About Scotland

By me (WordCustard)

If you think you can tell the difference between a haggis and a sporran, or know a thing or two about Scotland's capital, why not challenge yourself with a quiz?

Places in Scotland and the Islands

Fife in Scotland

By me (WordCustard)

I live in the region of Fife in the east of Scotland. This was once a kingdom and is home to a number of fascinating historical towns and sites, as well as the beautiful coastline and fishing villages of the East Neuk.

If you are planning to visit Scotland, why not put Fife on your itinerary?

St Andrews in Scotland

By me (WordCustard)

The ancient town of St Andrews is famous for golf, the oldest university in Scotland and the Cathedral ruins. It is located in the top corner of Fife and is a must-see place that can easily be combined with visiting the rest of Fife.

Of course, if you are a keen golfer or are visiting to see The Open or Dunhill Championship, St Andrews may be the only place on your list!

Pittenweem Arts Festival in Fife

By Squidoo's 'LisaAuch'

Pittenweem Arts Festival takes place each summer in the little fishing town of the same name on the coast of Fife. Lisa shares her passion for this festival and some of her own experiences in this look at the cultural event.

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Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides (Scotland)

By Squidoo's 'OhMe'

Although I'd love to be able to claim this beautiful account of a visit to Stornoway as my own, it is in fact by 'Queen of Squidoo' (her town actually calls her that, and she has well-deserved the title too!) OhMe. As Pendleton SC's greatest ambassador, she was naturally among a group to visit their twin town in Scotland, Stornoway. Find out what they got up to right here!

Scottish Castles

by Squidoo's 'dc64'

Your visit to Scotland simply wouldn't be complete without seeing one of our glorious castles. But which one to choose? You are in luck, this series of beautiful pages will act as your virtual guidebook to the best of Scotland's castles.

The below is the first in the series, so be sure to visit the subsequent pages too.

Home of Golf

Golf in Scotland

By Squidoo's 'Joan4'

If you like golf, you won't need me to tell you that Scotland is the home of golf. Neither would Joan's husband Whitey, who is a keen golfer. Find out all about his golf tour of Scotland's best courses, from St Andrews and Carnoustie to North Berwick. This photographic guide to Scotland's best courses from a golfer's point of view is a great way to see what pleasures await...

Trump Golf Resort Scotland

By me (WordCustard)

Have you heard yet about the luxury golf resort that Donald Trump is building in Aberdeenshire, Scotland? He's planning it to be the greatest golf experience in the world. However, there has also been some controversy and protests. Find the latest information on this golf resort development here.

Scottish Gifts and Souvenirs

Gifts from Scotland

By me (WordCustard)

The landscapes and culture of Scotland have inspired numerous artists, jewelers and craftspeople.

Find classic Scottish designs commemorated in fine jewelry - from the Celtic knot to the thistle and even the Scottie Dog!

Read books about Scotland and books by Scottish authors. Select from Scottish music and laugh along with the best of Scottish comedy.

Admire the artistry of famous Scottish painters, such as Jack Vettriano and the Scottish Colourists, or wonder at the architecture and design of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

You can even find the best Scottish food right here!

The Slippery, Soggy Search for Scottish Scarves

By Squidoo's 'sylvestermouse'

Here's an entertaining true life tale from a visitor to Scotland. Join the author as she does battle with the Scottish weather, steep cobbled streets and tour guides in a bid to get her hands on the perfect souvenir! A must if you have ever visited Edinburgh, and a great read even if you haven't.

Scottish Wildlife

By me (WordCustard)

Scotland, with its low density population, is a haven for a wide range of wildlife. Dolphins and seals can sometimes be spotted from the coast, and deer can leap out unexpectedly into the road. Birds found locally include the oystercatcher and the puffin.

Scotland is a last refuge too for some more endangered species. These include the Scottish wildcat and the red squirrel.

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Loch Ness Monsters

By Squidoo's 'jptanabe' and 'suannaduffy'

Does the Loch Ness monster exist? Many have tried to find out, but nobody knows for sure. Jennifer is originally from Scotland and she and her family have visited the Loch, keeping their eyes open for signs of Nessie. Here is her guide to sightings of and speculations about Loch Ness monsters. Don't miss Susanna's fantastic account either -- it has some fascinating information on the history of Nessie sightings, the geography of the area and on the various theories.

Scottish Music and Traditions

Scottish Music

By Squidoo's 'ChapelHillFiddler'

I'm delighted to be featuring a page created by a talented musician here on Squidoo who has written extensively on the topic. Her Scottish Wedding Music lens not only takes a look at the music itself, but also explores the customs of a traditional Scottish wedding.

Hogmanay - a very Scottish celebration

By me (WordCustard)

Scotland is the home of Hogmanay, a New Year's Eve celebration that extends over the national holidays on 1st and 2nd January. Come celebrate Hogmanay with us: learn about the customs and traditions, sing Auld Lang Syne, and watch the Edinburgh fireworks.

Halloween in Scotland

By Squidoo's 'LisaAuch'

Here's one not to be missed. In this impressive page Lisa Auch tells us all about the origins of Halloween and how it has been celebrated over the years in Scotland, including some Scots terms that you won't hear anywhere else! Why not stop by and celebrate a very Scottish Halloween!

Famous Scottish People

A Handsome Scottish Actor

By me (WordCustard)

Dougray Scott has appeared in several popular Hollywood movies such as Mission Impossible II, Enigma and Ever After. He is orginally from Fife in Scotland and still returns on a regular basis as Chieftain for the Markinch Highland Games.

(Note the image seen here is courtesy of AllPosters via their affiliate scheme and can be purchased via the link on the Dougray Scott page.)

A Sensational Scottish Scientist

Geologist Iain Stewart

Iain Stewart is a geologist, originally from East Kilbride, who has become a familiar face around the world for his BBC documentaries. This likeable and enthusiastic presenter infuses geoscience with a passion that makes it interesting to even the most reluctant viewer.

He has stayed true to his roots in Scotland and his homeland is the focus of Men of Rock, his third major solo documentary for the BBC.

Must See Sights of Scotland

Penguins of Edinburgh Zoo

By Squidoo's 'JPTanabe'

JPTanabe was a student in Edinburgh and shares here one of her favorite memories. Discover the Penguin Parade and even find out about a penguin who received a knighthood!

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Take a Journey though the Blogosphere

What's being said about Scotland today?

Inverness hotels record 'astonishing' increase in customers as city becomes ...: INVERNESS has emerged as a tourist hotspot, with the city's hotels recording "astonishing" increases in occupancy and revenue. Year-on-year revenue, known as "rooms yield", in December rose 18 per cent, according to a monthly study by accountants and ...
Gardeners relieved about shed WC plan: One of Perth's most popular tourist magnets ? described as the finest two acres of cultivated garden in Scotland ? the National Trust for Scotland-owned (NTS) oasis on the slopes of Kinnoull Hill packs in visitors during summer.
tourist bitten 'down under' by deadly snake: Man relieves himself in garden after night at pub Highly poisonous tiger snake bites his testicle Lucky - US man has a terrifying brush with death A BRITISH tourist is lucky to be alive after a painful and embarrassing encounter with one of the ...

Quality Scottish Souvenirs

A Lovely Way to Commemorate a Vacation in Scotland

Just click an item to visit the store of the designer -- all designs copyright of the respective Zazzle stores linked to below.

Have you written on a topic related to Scotland?

If so, and you'd like to see it here, drop me a line!

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oxfordian Jan 9, 2012 @ 10:40 pm | delete

This so makes me want to go to Scotland even more than I already do! Here's an bonnie blessing for ye!

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KarateKatGraphics Sep 28, 2011 @ 7:47 pm | delete

wonderful compilation; blessed :)

I've been to England & Ireland but not Scotland yet. really want to go!

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Heather426 Aug 10, 2011 @ 11:57 am | delete

Wow, I had no idea you had so many Scottish lenses! I'm more than half Scottish by blood, so will have to investigate these lenses. Well done!

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Sylvestermouse Mar 17, 2011 @ 10:14 am | delete

Adding a kiss for luck on this St. Patrick's Day!

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WordCustard Mar 18, 2011 @ 4:36 am | delete

Thank you, lucky leprechaun! I always appreciate your visits.

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awelldressedbullet Mar 6, 2011 @ 10:15 am | delete

~ Blessed by a Squidoo Angel visting from Canada ~

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WordCustard Mar 7, 2011 @ 3:07 am | delete

Thanks so much Kathy! Much appreciated.

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makingamark Feb 12, 2011 @ 7:16 pm | delete

I'm a huge fan of compendium lenses done well - and this is a great one. Blessed and added to The Best of the UK. I shall doubtless return to find more lenses to review! :)