 Highland Games The
precise origins of Highland Games is unknown but in all probability they
derived from the trials of strength, speed, agility and skill which were
commonplace at the various religious fairs, military musters and cattle fairs
of medieval and early modern Scotland. The clans' warriors used these events to
test their physical prowess in much the same way as modern soldiers engage in
physical training. Yet these original competitions did not call simply for
feats of strength since poets, bards and musicians also performed and competed.
Happily, the more specialized pursuit of 'twisting the four legs off a cow for
which a fat sheep is offered as a prize' does not feature in the modern games.
This usually comprises running and jumping, throwing stones or hammers,
tugs-of-war, tossing the caber, as well as a variety of piping and dancing
competitions There is a full programme of Highland Games across Scotland
throughout the summer season. One of the most famous is held in the late summer
at the Braemar Gathering, traditionally attended by the Royal Family. Most
Highland Games are on a far smaller scale, but featuring world Highland dancing
championships, pipe band championships with over 150 bands, solo piping, track
and heavy athletics, shinty championships, trade stands and children's
activities.
WHISKY TRAIL You explore the Whisky Trail, where Scotland's distilleries
are located. This weaving road though the hills along the River Spey is the
setting for Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and other distilleries. You stop at the
Glenfiddich Distillery, where the Grant family has produced fine whisky since
1887. Glenfiddich is the only distillery in Scotland where malt whisky is
bottled on the premises, so you can see the whole process for yourself. Then
try a dram and discover the unique taste of traditional whisky. In ancient
Gaelic "Uisge Beatha (pronounced ish-ge ba-ha) has become the modern
Whisky. The Highland toast is "Slainte" (pronounced slawn-cha) or
"to your health".
Celtic Sites in Scotland The highest concentration of ancient Celtic
sites in Scotland is near Aberdeen and one the east coast of Scotland. Here are
just a few: Arbroath is a large town on the east coast of Angus. It is home to
the famous Arbroath Abbey where in 1320, Scotland's nobles swore their
independence from England in the famous 'Declaration of Arbroath'. Arbroath is
a large town on the east coast of Angus. It is home to the famous Arbroath
Abbey where in 1320, Scotland's nobles swore their independence from England in
the famous 'Declaration of Arbroath'. This the basis of the American version.
Stones: Several very impressive single standing stones survive in striking
locations, possibly covering burials or marking access points to significant
areas of landscape. They appear to date from the Bronze Age (second millennium
BC). Meigle If you have any interest at all in this little understood era of
Scotland's history then a visit to Meigle is highly recommended. The collection
is remarkable, We know most about the Picts from the carvings they left from
the period between their conversion in about 650 to their eventual assimilation
into Alba. These can be seen dotted spectacularly across much of the eastern
side of Scotland north of the River Forth. And the largest single collection of
Pictish Carved Stones in Scotland is gathered together in the Museum in the old
schoolhouse in the village of Meigle, Perthshire. This can be found between
Forfar and Coupar Angus on the A94.
Here are our choices for: Scotland Travel - Scotland
Tour, short Scotland Vacations, and Scotland Tourism
Information - the most complete travel information including - Edinburgh hotels
- Everything you want to know about traveling to Scotland -Scotland Travel
Agents - Scotland Hiking - Scotland Cycling - Scotland Golf - Scottish
castles (including
castle accommodation), landscape, history and sites of interest, Scottish
Castle Hotels, Scottish Inns, Scottish B&B's -
Aberdeen - Dundee - Edinburgh - Glasgow - Inverness- Perth,
Edinburgh Tattoo Packages.
For travel to Scotland, we have day tours of Edinburgh and
tours to the Scottish
highlands, longer, Scotland motorcoach tours,
self-drive tours with car rentals and bed and breakfasts, hotels and castles,
train travel, barging and cruising on the canals Scotland. We offer chauffeur
driven itineraries, apartment and castle rentals, Scotland walking tours
bicycling tours, fishing in Scotland, Scotland golf , Harry Potter tours,
custom family tours to Scotland, and so much more. Planning a honeymoon in
Scotland? Visiting by ship for a short time - we also have shore excursions for
cruise ships or private day tours. If you don't see it here, please ask. We
more than likely can arrange it for you. Click here for air inclusive self
drive specials for one week or two weeks. Why take an escorted vacation of
Scotland? These escorted
tours of Scotland may be combined with a stay in Edinburgh, or with
Scotland.
www.Scotlandtravelexpert.com |
.jpg)
.jpg){kind=small}
