Sights in Scotland

I have always wanted to visit Scotland.  The history, culture, and of course the accents are all so enticing!

Ever since I visited Neuschwanstein Castle when I was younger, I became fascinated with castles.  As a history major, I learn a lot about monarchs, royal families, and the like.  Yet when you step into a castle, this history truly comes alive!  Scotland is home to many castles, two of which I would love to visit.

Stirling Castle is surrounded by cliffs, making it the center of many historically important battles in Scottish history.  Most of the standing buildings of the castle are from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.  And Mary Queen of Scots, one of the more famous queens in Scottish history, was crowned here in 1542...how cool!  Not far away is Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's most famous castle.  The castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Scotland - and not surprisingly so due to its rich history as an ancient stronghold, military base, and royal home.  After being crowned at Stirling Castle, Mary Queen of Scots resided in the Edinburgh Castle!

via travelsofadam.com and undiscoveredscotland.co.uk

Scotland is also the home of my favorite pastime - golf!  The Old Course at St. Andrews is commonly thought to be where golf was born.  The thick fescue grass lining the fairways, the deep sandtraps, and the pristine conditions would be a beautiful background yet a daunting challenge for a day on the links.  And walking across the bridge on the 18th hole like so many golfers before me would truly be a dream come true!

via golfdigger.co.uk

I'll leave you with one last reason that I want to visit Scotland - the official animal is the unicorn -  seriously!

Happy travels,
Sarah