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.

Balfour Castle, Orkney

Stay here if you can, but if not at least visit. Guided tours of this delightful home are possible during the summer. Not daily, so phone ahead (see Balfour Castle, Orkney) .
Balmoral

The most prestigious of Edinburgh’s old-school hotels, right in the heart of things on Princes St. Sports facilities and two great restaurants, Number One Princes Street and Hadrian’s brasserie.
Balmoral

This is the Queen’s choice. Queen Victoria purchased the estate in 1852 and transformed the existing castle into this ungainly but imposing mansion set in spectacular grounds. It is still the private holiday home of the royal family, and provides a wonderful insight into contemporary stately living (see Balmoral and Royal Deeside) .
Balmoral and Royal Deeside

Bordering the salmon pools of the River Dee, Queen Victoria bought this castle – her “dear paradise” – in 1852. Balmoral remains the holiday home of the monarch to this day and, consequently, the rolling countryside around the banks of the river has taken on the royal moniker. Cast an eye round the castle’s sumptuous ballroom, then make the most of the enchanting forest walks.
Bannockburn Heritage Centre

The site of the decisive battle in 1314 (see Battle of Bannockburn) is marked by a visitor centre and an arresting equestrian statue of Robert the Bruce. At the centre, kids can try on helmets and chainmail, and view Bruce’s cave to watch the fabled spider who inspired him to renew his fight.
Barnhill, Jura

George Orwell sought the isolation of this house when he came to Jura to write Nineteen Eighty-Four . You get to stoke the cooker with coal, much as the writer would have done in 1946. If you don’t have a four-wheel drive you’ll have to walk the last 5 miles (8 km). Check out the Corryvreckan whirlpool, but don’t – as Orwell did – get caught in it.
Barra

This small isle encapsulates all the charm of the Hebrides: scintillating beaches, the culture of the Gaels, tranquillity and road-priority to sheep. No matter how you arrive, it will make a deep impression: planes land on the sands of Cockle Beach, while ferries sail into a delightful bay where the 11th-century Kisimul Castle poses on an island of its own. A soothing place to unwind.
Battle of Bannockburn

Facing an English onslaught in 1314, the Scots – led by Robert the Bruce – achieved a dazzling victory. By defeating the English, the Scots won back their nation and their pride. Their right to independence was ratified by Papal bull in 1329, though the war with England continued for another 300 years.
Battle of Culloden

In 1745, James VII’s grandson “Bonnie Prince Charlie” secretly sailed from France to Scotland to reclaim the British throne. He amassed an army which fought its way to a panic-stricken London. Short of their goal, the “Jacobites” lost heart and returned north. The Hanoverian army, augmented by royalist Scots, slaughtered the rebels at Culloden, the last battle fought on British soil.
Battle of Flodden

To assist France, James IV invaded England in 1513 and met the enemy just over the border at Flodden. In the massacre that followed, 10,000 Scots died, James included, and, as his heir was still an infant, a power struggle and an era of instability ensued.

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