A Dream Vacation to Scotland

© Copyright Ian Taylor and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

I have always been fascinated with history. I can lose myself for hours simply researching different civilizations and the ways of life of our ancestors. I am particularly in love with Scottish history. There is so much rich history in the land. From ancient battles, wars with England, battles with Vikings, clan feuds….Not to mention the amazing stories of the people who lived through it all. We all hear about William Wallace (Braveheart), but there are so many more legends and tales that derive from Scotland. All of this has fueled my endless need to learn more. So when asked where I would go for a dream vacation, Scotland is always the answer. There are so many places I would like to visit; however, for the sake of time I picked out the main places I would go if I was given the chance to tour Scotland. You will find that all my stops center around historical castles (including castle ruins) and the events/historical figures that brought them to life for me.

The first place to visit is the capital of Scotland: Edinburgh. There are many amazing sites to be seen in Edinburgh. One of which, Holyroodhouse Palace, is the official Scottish residence of the Queen. It  is said to date back to the 12th century. Holyroodhouse Palace is a must for me because of the time Mary, Queen of Scots spent there. Queen Mary lived at the palace between 1561 and 1567. Her story is one full of love, intrigue, and betrayal. For those who do not know it, I absolutely recommend reading it!

© Copyright kim traynor and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Next stop, Edinburgh Castle. This castle overlooks the city and, to me, seems to be the heart of Edinburgh. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle was occupied by both the English and the Scottish during the wars between the two countries. Today, Edinburgh Castle is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. You can even visit the National War Museum within the castle which highlights over 400 years of Scotland at war.

© Copyright David Dixon and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Moving on from Edinburgh, next we visit Stirling Castle. Stirling Castle is a impressive structure that sits atop an imposing rock. It is right by the site of two battles that were turning points in Scottish history. The first being the battle at Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace helped to defeat the English resulting in his being named Guardian of Scotland. And the second was the Battle of Bannockburn, where troops led by Robert the Bruce defeated the English and secured Bruce’s seat as the King of Scotland.

© Copyright kim traynor and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

I would then head to the highlands of Scotland. The highlands are a place of extraordinary beauty. The land is absolutely captivating. Every picture I see, the landscape is simply fantastic. As if some parts have never been touched by the hands of man. The first stop would definitely be a trip to Loch Ness. What is a trip to Scotland without a stop at the home of “Nessie”, arguably the most infamous sea monster? Not to mention the incredible vision of what is left of Urquhart Castle located right on the banks of the Loch. This castle, which was captured by Edward I of England ( also known as Edward Longshanks) during the beginning of the Wars of Scottish Independence, has a long bloody history because of its strategic position. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Scottish Highlands.

 © Copyright Robin Drayton and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

I could spend all day talking about all the other castles I want to see in the highlands. Eilean Donan Castle (one of the most photographed Scottish castle), Kilchurn Castle (located on the glorious Loch Awe), and the magnificent Cawdor Castle (whose name may sound familiar if you have ever read Shakespeare’s MacBeth) are just a few that are worth looking in to.

I want to finish up with the place that started my fascination with Scotland. Dunvegan Castle located on the Isle of Skye, and the history surrounding it, are responsible for my love of this magnificent place. Dunvegan Castle is the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan Macleod. One legend from this clan involves what is known as the “Fairie Flag of the Macleods”. One story holds that the flag was given to the clan by a Fairy Queen. It is supposed to help the clan in times of need; however, it can only be used 3 times. So far, the flag has been used during two ferocious battles in which the Macleods were thought to be against insurmountable odds. Both battles ended in favor of the Macleods.

© Copyright Duncan McNaught and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

The history of Clan Macleod, and subsequently Dunvegan Castle, has remained my preferred part of Scottish history. The Clan has inhabited the castle for over 8 centuries and is still in possession of it to this day.

As with all Dreams, mine must end here. One day I hope to be able to take my trip to Scotland. Until then, I will continue to research the rich, romantic, and often times bloody history of the land and marvel at the spectacular photographs of this magical place.

Have you been to Scotland or dream of going there someday?