Scotland Travel Guide

Scottish Place Names and Their Meanings

Ian Rose — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:37:51 +0000

A first-time visitor to Scotland can sometimes be a little intimidated by the names of towns and places on the map. Scottish place names are a combination of English, Scots and Gaelic languages, with other influences thrown in as well, so we’ve put together this guide to help visitors to Scotland with the basics. [...]

The World’s Oldest Golf Course

Ian Rose — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:23:09 +0000

It is a well-known fact that among the many contributions Scotland has made to the world, the Scots invented the game of golf, so it is fitting and not too surprising that the oldest playing golf course in the world can be found here, just outside of Edinburgh. It is called Musselburgh Old Links, [...]

The Cross and the Lion: The Two Flags of Scotland

Ian Rose — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:32:49 +0000

Scots have always been proud of their heritage, and have remained fiercely independent of spirit despite centuries of British rule. As with any nation, Scotland’s flag is a symbol of not only the country, but of its people and history. However, unlike many other nations, Scotland could be said to have two flags, [...]

Around the Blogs: 8 February 2009

Ian Rose — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:26:25 +0000

It’s been a while since we took a look at the newspapers and blogs around Scotland, so here’s a round up of recent posts from around the country. There’s talk of independence, not to mention a look at some very hot Scots, and a story from Scotland’s past. Scotland’s Most Eligible : Scotland on Sunday [...]

Glasvegas: The Next Great Scottish Band?

Ian Rose — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:11:29 +0000

With the release of their second full-length album in December, Glasvegas have proven themselves to be more than just a flash in the pan. They might very well be a lasting name in British rock.

Scotland’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign

Ian Rose — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:16:52 +0000

While there are a long list of reasons to visit Scotland in 2009, for some people the best one is a no-brainer. Football.

The Economy and Your Scotland Trip

Ian Rose — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:31:31 +0000

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, and without access to cable news, you’ve already heard plenty about the worldwide economic slowdown. The United States, England and others around around the world have had their share of financial woes in the past year, and Scotland hasn’t been spared either. A number of stories [...]

The Cheapest Beds in Glasgow

Ian Rose — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:28:53 +0000

Scotland visitors soon realize that it’s not always the cheapest vacation spot, especially for Americans suffering from the ills of the dollar. But if you want to explore Scotland’s largest city on a tight budget, here are four of the cheapest hostels in Glasgow. All of these offer beds for less than [...]

Around the Blogs: 30 December 2008

Ian Rose — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:56:35 +0000

Here’s a quick look at what’s going on in the world wide haggisphere as we all raise a glass to 2008 and welcome the new year. Happy Hogmanay, everybody. The Scottish government has announced a £10 million prize for advances in renewable wave and wind energy. Well done to Holyrood. (Wave Energy Today) Thinking of [...]

Robert Burns : Scotland’s Favorite Son

Ian Rose — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:25:13 +0000

For outsiders that have an impression of Scots as tough, hard-working folk, it might be surprising to hear that their national hero is a poet. No one person is more closely associated with Scotland than Robert Burns. Known in Scotland by the familiar name of Robbie (or Rabbie), Burns is still a source [...]