The territory of Scotland is morphologically divided into three belts: the Southern Uplands, characterized by low mountains and gentle hills near the border with England; the Lowlands, crossed by three crucial rivers for the country’s economic development, such as Clyde, Forth, and Tay; and the Highlands, the northern highlands, with notable peaks like Ben Nevis (1343 meters) and plateaus covered with peat moorland.
As a consequence, the landscape is extremely varied and offers a spectacular alternation of deep, wild valleys called glens; meadows dotted with wooded patches and plateaus carpeted with heather; extremely rugged coasts where the sea has carved real fjords and curious winding water bodies called lochs, as well as the famous lakes, in whose dark waters castles and fairy-tale manor houses reflect or where imaginative monsters slumber.
The most industrialized part of Scotland has developed in the middle belt of the Lowlands, where the rivers’ force provided the energy needed to create imposing metallurgical centers, renowned wool mills and weaving factories, and lively shipyards nestled in safe ports carved within the fjords.
Scotland’s Capital: Edinburgh and Other Cities
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, some of the most densely populated urban centers, are located precisely in the Lowlands. Furthermore, it is in this area that rich coal mines were exploited, now replaced by oil extracted in the North Sea. Scotland is a very generous land in many respects: nature, history, culture, folklore, the character of its people, tourist facilities, and entertainment opportunities.
It is truly hard to get bored during a weekend in Scotland or a holiday in this land, even if the weather changes quickly and often and you have to dress in layers like onions; even if the wind lashes the moors and forces you to take shelter in a pub.
Scotland: Between Whisky and Kilt
In the land of whisky, kilt, and bagpipes, not everything is extreme: there are also summer days with very warm sun; there is the warmth brought by the Gulf Stream that makes gardens bloom with curious tropical plants and, above all, there is the jovial nature of its inhabitants, proud not only to be Scottish but also to welcome everyone, from first-timers to seasoned visitors. Scotland is indeed one of those countries suited to many, many trips because there are just as many ways to discover it and to feel less and less like a stranger each time.
Scotland Factsheet
- Country: Scotland
- Area: 78,782 km²
- Capital: Edinburgh
- Population: 5,120,000 inhabitants
- Language: English, Scottish Gaelic
- Religion: majority Presbyterian, minority Anglican and Catholic
- State system: Constitutional monarchy with the United Kingdom
- Main cities: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Stirling
Useful Information about Scotland
- Currency: British Pound (0.61 €) and Scottish Pound (0.61 €)
- International dialing code: +44
- International vehicle registration: GB
- Driving side: left
- Entry documents: ID card or Passport
- Vaccination required: No
- Electric current: 240V, 50Hz
- Units of measurement: metric decimal
- Time zones: -1 hour (compared to Italy)
- Fixed-date public holidays: January 2-3, April 14, May 1, May 29, August 7, December 25-26
- Climate: summer not very hot, winter cold but not freezing
- Average temperatures: 10°C (3-4°C in winter, 14-16°C in summer)
- Transport: direct ferry from Belgium with Superfast Ferries. Airlines: Ryanair, Flyglobespan, Jet2.com, British Airways and others. Trains: UK Railways and Network Rail
- Airports: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness
