The Highlands are a special and beautiful area in Scotland, United Kingdom. They begin some kilometers north of Glasgow, Stirling and Dundee but exclude the eastern coast around Aberdeen. They have been less influenced by the English reign than the so-called Lowlands. Therefore the special culture has been preserved more than in the southern regions – this includes the clans, language (Gaelic) and the tradition to make whiskey. Continue reading “Discovering the Highlands”
Winter is coming
It is one of these places in Scotland where movies and TV series have been filmed: Doune Castle, located in Doune near Stirling, Scotland. It is a medieval castle from the year 1390 which is in good condition. Author Walter Scott (look for the Scott Monument in Edinburgh) used it as a place in his book Waverley (the railway station of Edinburgh is named after it).
Continue reading “Winter is coming”Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel is a wonderful Gothic church located in Roslin, Scotland – not too far away from Edinburgh. It is a small church with the most beautiful interior I’ve ever seen; and it is really good set in scene. The chapel dates back to the 15th century CE and was built by Sir William St. Clair from 1456 on. The basic structure follows Herods temple in Jerusalem. Continue reading “Rosslyn Chapel “
Best views on the city
Calton hill is a hill in Edinburgh, Scotland not far from the city center. It was once the location of the city jail and is since 1999 the seat of the Scottish government. Tourists get up there to have nice views on the city center around the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat and to discover the different buildings on the hill. Continue reading “Best views on the city”
Arthur’s Seat
If you want to go hiking in Edinburgh, Scotland you might look at for Arthur’s Seat. It is the 251 meters high Hausberg of the city located 1.5 kilometers east of the city center. It is unclear why it is named “Arthur’s Seat“; some suspect that the name comes from the Gaelic “Àrd-thir Suidhe” meaning “place on high ground“. Continue reading “Arthur’s Seat”
Scott Monument
The Scott Monument in Edinburgh, Scotland is a town’s landmark and the biggest monument honoring a writer in the world. It commemorates Sir Walter Scott and is located in the Princes Street Gardens not far from the main railway station named after his novel Waverley. It was built from the year 1840 on. Continue reading “Scott Monument”
Princes Street Gardens
If you’re tired of walking around in the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland you might consider a break in the Princes Street Gardens. They are located underneath Edinburgh Castle and can be found along the Princes Street beginning at the Waverley train station. This area was originally a lake that was continuously contaminated by sewerage from the old city center and was therefore dried-out. The park was then created in 1820. Continue reading “Princes Street Gardens”
HMY Britannia
The Britannia was a yacht used by the royal family from 1954 to 1997. It was utilized for 696 journeys to other countries and Prince Charles and Lady Diana had their honeymoon on the ship. In 1986 it was used to evacuate 1000 refugees from Yemen. Later it anchored in Leith now belonging to Edinburgh, Scotland and is maintained and used as a museum ship. Continue reading “HMY Britannia”
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is the most important sight and the town’s landmark of Edinburgh located on a mountain high above the capital city of Scotland. It was first mentioned in the 7th century CE and was home to Maria Stuart. Here you can see the crown jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Scone on which the Scottish and later the English kings and queens have been crowned. Continue reading “Edinburgh Castle”
Butterflies & shabby chic
I don’t know too many reasons to get to the small town of Uslar in Germany. It is not the most beautiful place on earth but it offers one speciality you don’t see that often: a butterfly park. From April to October you can be surrounded by huge tropical butterflies and enjoy another climate zone: the place was heated at the time of our visit to 29 degrees Celsius. Continue reading “Butterflies & shabby chic”