DK Travel : Scotland

Scotland has an overwhelming abundance of natural beauty, hundreds of castles stand proud from its long and turbulent past, and an innate flair for enterprise and travel has endowed the nation with artistic treasures from around the world. The culture remains vibrant today, and there’s much to celebrate. Here’s a distillation of Scotland’s best.

Industrial Revolution

James Watt’s transformation of the steam engine (see Rotative Steam Engine: James Watt (1736–1819)) heralded the advent of the Industrial Revolution, which had a profound effect on Scotland, and Glasgow in particular. The demand for steam forced every coal mine into maximum output, and the production of cotton, linen, steel and machinery boomed. Glasgow became known as “the workshop of the Empire”.
Ingrams

Small B&B hotel, nicely placed in the New Town – quiet and leafy, yet close to many good restaurants, plus the shops of George St, Rose St and Princes St. Smartly decorated rooms, in a 19th- century ilk, with the modern requirements of TV and drinks facilities.
Inter-Continental The George

The George retains many period details and trades on its evocation of a bygone era – the early 19th century to be precise. Price category a little misleading, as cheaper deals can nearly always be struck.
International Newsagent

The place to go to keep abreast of all the foreign news/ stories from back home. Good selection of foreign-language papers and magazines.
Inveraray Castle

Despite the ravages of fire, clan Campbell’s family seat is a splendid pseudo-Gothic palace with pointed towers marking its corners. It was built for the Duke of Argyll in 1745. The lavish interiors were designed by Robert Mylne and contain Regency furniture and priceless works of art. The Armoury was stocked to fight the Jacobites and is an awesome display of weaponry. If you have time (it’s about a 90-minute round trip) walk to the hilltop folly in the grounds.
Inverewe Gardens

These world-famous gardens were nurtured into astonishing fertility in 1862 by Osgood Mackenzie, and became his life’s work. Exotic plants, shrubs and trees from all over the world, in a stunning location on Loch Ewe (see Inverewe Gardens) .
Inverewe Gardens

A west coast phenomenon, these much-vaunted gardens are worth travelling a long way to see. The sheer richness and variety of plant life growing in what many consider to be a cold wilderness is a tribute to a plant enthusiast’s vision, hard work, nature’s bountifulness and warm Atlantic winds (see Inverewe Gardens) .
Inverleith Hotel

Victorian town house hotel, close to the glorious Botanic Garden (see Logan Botanic Garden) . Try for the sumptuous four-poster room, or consider the Georgian self-catering apartment in the New Town.
Inverlochy Castle

Many culinary awards have been bestowed upon the restaurant of this prestigious hotel. Three dining rooms, a lavish set menu (Modern British cuisine) and a lengthy wine list.
Inverlochy Castle, Fort William

So long among Scotland’s elite it has become the yardstick for excellence. Sumptuous décor, falconry displays on the lawn and a surrounding mountain landscape. The King of Norway presented the dining room furniture, and he wouldn’t be disappointed with what’s served upon it.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under £15
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under £50
- £50–100
- £100–150
- £150–200
- over £200