Scotland, the beautiful 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Collection of scenes of Scotland 

I have never not enjoyed being in Scotland, and this most recent trip was no exception. The weather was wonderful and the sights were beautiful (see below!). In this tumultuous Brexit climate, an escape to the Highlands was in order. Scotland is a fascinating place for many reasons: it feels more wild and rugged and generally less crowded than its southern neighbour; it has an incredibly interesting history; and, lastly, is the home of my favourite biscuit: shortbread. While I've been to Scotland many times, I've only been to the Highlands once. It was lovely to go back again this summer and see it again. I've since read and seen all of the Outlander series, which made it even more fun! 

What was particularly interesting this visit was the stark contrast I felt between Scotland and England. For example, the quality of the roads in Scotland were markedly better practically the moment we crossed the border. Things seemed in better nick, generally. With the Brexit debates raging on and with the UK, at that time, set to leave Oct 31st, there was a certain atmosphere helped along by news on the radio, telly and newspaper headlines. It felt rather ominous, if I'm honest.

In order to ignore the cloud of debate, I put my head in the past, visiting historic places and the odd film location (e.g. Glenfinnan Viaduct which we see in Harry Potter [the Hogwarts Express scene]). It was wonderful to visit Culloden Moor, for example, and understand the sheer impossible odds the Scottish faced. I had a bit of an Outlander moment, too, when I found the remembrance stone for Clan Fraser.

The last time I was in Inverness I stayed at a small B&B where the owner made her own homemade shortbread for the guests. I enjoyed seeing 'the gateway to the Highlands' again this year (though I had to buy my own shortbread). It felt much bigger this time around - not quite the small town I remembered! It was great seeing Fort William again too. The trip between these two places is just stunning. Looked for Nessie again, but still no luck. ;-)

As it was summertime, there were loads of tourists everywhere, but it wasn't at all crowded like it can be in other places. It was
wonderfully relaxing to get away from it all, though there was not enough time as usual. I cannot wait to get back to Scotland for another visit with hopefully more time to take in all in.