Scotland has given the world golf, argyle sweaters, and… Scotch! The country’s legacy is being recognized with Homecoming Scotland.  There is no better time to ‘come home’ and join the festivities.
Scotland became part of the United Kingdom in 1707, an uneasy alliance that continues today when Scots retain their own independent legal, educational and religious system. The country remains a leading cultural and commercial hub.  As a matter of fact, the Bank of Scotland first opened in 1695 and the checkbook, the decimal point and the overdraft system were all developed here.  Finances and politics aside, Scotland is rich in culture, entertainment and gastronomy.  And with majestic landscapes and historical surroundings it offers something for everyone. 

Edinburgh

Begin your visit in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and its second largest city.  As you arrive in the center of town you’ll be overwhelmed by Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the landscape. This is the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has maintained its historical flavour with narrow streets and medieval buildings. Here you’ll find the Royal Mile and hundreds of shops and restaurants offering extensive culinary options. Important landmarks include the Supreme Court, the Scotish Parliament, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Royal Museum.

From there move on to the New Town which was created in 1766 to ease the Old Town’s overcrowding.  George Street is the main thoroughfare with Prince Street as the shopping epicenter. New Town was built in an orderly grid and is considered one of the best examples of Georgian architecture.

Getting Around

Public transportation is common and efficient, and car rentals abound, but to make life easier use a chauffeur driven car service which can be hired hourly, daily or weekly.

Butler’s Chauffeur Drive

T: +44 (0) 131 335 0111

www.edinburghchauffeur.co.uk

And expand your travels with local tours around the country.

Rabbie’s

www.rabbies.com

 
Where to stay

Hotel du Vin

Initially an asylum, the property has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel with 47 exquisite rooms offering luxurious essentials. Enjoy a top notch restaurant, al fresco dining and, as the name implies, an extensive and superior wine selection.

Hotel du Vin

11 Bristo Pl
Edinburgh

EH1 1EZ
T: 0131 247 4900
http://www.hotelduvin.com 

Other hotel options include

The Caledonian Hilton is centrally located with amazing views of the Castle www.hilton.com/caledonian Rocco Forte’s Balmoral Hotel, an old railway hotel converted into a luxurious property www.thebalmoral.com

There is the highly rated and opulent Prestonfield House http://www.prestonfield.com

And the newly opened Hotel Missoni www.hotelmissoni.com

 
Where to Eat

Take a break from shopping at the famous Harvey Nichols and visit the Forth Floor Restaurant.  From here you have spectacular views of the city, fresh seafood and an innovative menu.    

The Forth Floor Restaurant

 Harvey Nichols

30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh

T: +44 (0)131 524 8350

http://www.harveynichols.com

Superior dining options include the lavish Rhubarb www.prestonfield.com

The Tower, a beautiful rooftop restaurant above the new Museum
www.tower-restaurant.com and

The Witchery, a sixteenth century restaurant located at the gates of Edinburgh Castle
www.thewitchery.com

What To Do

Yes, there are museums, restaurants, nightclubs and great shopping but a visit to Scotland is incomplete without the Scotch Whisky experience.  This is your introduction to the subtle nuances of whisky, its history and how it’s created.  More importantly, you get to try the different elements that make up the spirit and create your very own Scotch!

The Scotch Whisky Experience

354 Castlehill,

The Royal Mile,

Edinburgh EH1 2NE

T: +44 (0)131 220 0441
www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

After your master class complete the indulgence with dinner.
Amber Restaurant @ The Scotch Whisky Experience

354 Castlehill,

The Royal Mile

Edinburgh

T: +44 (0)131 477 8477

www.amber-restaurant.co.uk

Day Trip 

A few hours from Edinburgh is Balquhidder glen, a destination rich with history, postcard perfect natural beauty and extensive wildlife. Here you’ll find the 2,000-acre Monachyle Mhor farm, and its award winning hotel and restaurant. The farm produces fresh lamb, beef and pork; while wild venison is harvested from the hills as part of a sustainable management program. All these ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces by Chef Tom Lewis who heads the 25 year old property. Lewis’ effervescent personality and cooking prowess has made the restaurant an essential destination.  The quaint hotel has a warm and intimate decor and amidst such tranquil setting it’s an ideal escape from civilization. 

Monachyle Mhor Hotel

Balquhidder,

Lochearnhead,

Perthshire, FK19 8PQ

T: 01877 384622
www.monachylemhor.com

Another Day Trip option is

The Glengoyne Distillery

Located in a wooded valley in the southern Highlands of Scotland is the Glengoyne Distillery, which has been producing single malt scotch whisky for nearly 200 years. Here you can enjoy a private master blender session and blend your own recipe.

The Glengoyne Distillery,

Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow   G63 9LB;

T:  +44 (0)1360 550 254
www.glengoyne.com

Glasgow

Scotland’s largest city began as a major hub for transatlantic trade and remains an industrial powerhouse. But with several universities and a young population, entertainment and nightlife thrive.   George Square lies at the center, housing the headquarters of the city council.  As the UK’s second retail district, shopping choices are plentiful. Be sure to visit Buchanan Galleries, the St. Enoch Centre and Princes Square.

Where to Go
Leading Glasgow cultural landmarks include The Theatre Royal (home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet), The King’s Theatre, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), the Centre for Contemporary Arts and CineWorld, the world’s tallest cinema. 

Where To Stay
MalMaisonA converted Episcopal church has made room for a hotel that will pamper your spirit and comfort your soul.  Situated within walking distance of most important city attractions it features a great restaurant, a gym and a champagne bar perfect for drinks and late night ‘liar’s dice’ challenges.
MalMaison Hotel

278 West George St
Glasgow, G2 4LL, United Kingdom
T: +44 141 572 1000

www.malmaison-glasgow.com 

Other hotel options include the Radisson SAS Hotel with excellent service and award winning architecture www.glasgow.radoissonsas.com

And Marks Hotel, an elegant 103 room boutique property  www.markshotels.com

Where to Eat
La Vallee Blanche

A lively West End restaurant with an attractive clientele, serving French cuisine with a Scotish twist.

360 Byres Road

Glasgow

www.lavalleeblanche.com

T: + 44 0131 334 3333

Other dining options are The Grill on the Corner for great steaks
www.blackhouse.uk.com 

The Red Onion offers a contemporary design with an eclectic menu
www.red-onion.co.uk

And don’t miss Two Fat Ladies one of the oldest and best known restaurants in the city 
www.twofatladiesrestaurant.com

For more information on Scotland be sure to check  www.visitscotland.com