Six Must-See Spots In Scotland

Image: PHOTO: The Edinburgh Fringe, a fantastic art festival. (Courtesy Flickr/Raymond McRae)
Image: PHOTO: The Edinburgh Fringe, a fantastic art festival. (Courtesy Flickr/Raymond McRae)
Kristina Rundquist
by Kristina Rundquist
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Mon March 20, 2017

There's more to Scotland than "Wicker Man," "Rob Roy," "Braveheart" and "Trainspotting."

While movie lovers are already familiar with many of Scotland's iconic sites and attractions thanks to the many films that have been shot here, nothing quite beats seeing it for yourself.

And CIE Tours International can certainly help with that.

Once in the land of tartan, visitors will discover a region rich in culture and history and long on breathtaking scenery. With so much from which to choose, it can be hard to winnow down the must-sees. Here's our list of the top six things to see and do in Scotland:

Edinburgh Fringe. An arts festival like no other, the Edinburgh Fringe transforms the city for three weeks every August with hundreds of performers showcasing their theater, dance and musical talents. In 2016, the Fringe offered up 50,266 performances ranging from comedy and cabaret to children's shows and spoken word and everything in between. Visitors to Edinburgh Fringe can expect to see performances from unknown artists as well as award-winning thespians and musicians.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Spend the day at Edinburgh's iconic castle and then return that evening for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland's greatest staged events. Thrill as the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and military bands from around the world perform military tattoos with precision against a backdrop of lights and fireworks.

Loch Ness Cruise. Will you be the one lucky enough to spot this shy monster of the deep? Some cruise lines offer live sonar to improve the odds of spotting shy Nessie so choose wisely. Depending on your time frame, opt for a longer cruise that will include a stop at the 13th-century Urquhart Castle and a journey down the Caledonian Canal, a striking feat of early 19th-century engineering.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Touring The Home Of Guinness [/READMORE]

Glencoe. Stunning. Striking. Unforgettable. One visit to Scotland's most picturesque glen and you will know why people have described it and the surrounding mountains in such grand terms. Depending on the season, Glencoe is a perfect place for long hikes (bring a jacket even in summer as it gets chilly) or a popular ski area.

Isle of Skye. Like much of Scotland's countryside, the Isle of Skye can aptly be described as rugged, but this island epitomizes the Highlands and its majesty. This small island is home to rugged mountains, soft beaches, bright green hillsides and Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. While here take a tour of the Talisker Whiskey Distillery and then head off to Fairy Glen to catch a glimpse of these magical creatures. Depending on how long you spent at the distillery, we bet you'll see one!

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. One of Scotland's most popular (and free) attractions, this Glasgow museum boasts an impressive collection of art, historical artifacts and natural history. Thanks to a recent refurbishment that has allowed it to house approximately 8,000 works of international significance, it is worthy of a full day's exploration. It's truly fun for all ages.


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Kristina Rundquist

Kristina Rundquist

Kristina Rundquist is an Atlanta-based freelance writer with more than 14 years experience working within the travel industry.

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