February 10th, 2010  Posted at   Travel Edinburgh
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Scotland’s geography has been integral to its political, social, industrial and cultural development, discover more on the physical make-up of the country, along with some facts and numbers about its folk.

What makes Scotland so unique? There are some things that are uniquely Scottish but honestly, there isn’t any single element that outlines the country. Rather, it is a refined mix of many alternative ingredients that have been added to the mix down thru the centuries. Here, you will find a flavor of these – Scotland’s often turbulent past, her striking folk, the wealthy variety of her humanities and culture, and the numerous other features found round the country which have produced a country that treasures its past and keenly predicts its future.

So whether you select a dedicated city-break or use them as a base to explore the encircling country, Scotland’s towns supply a really notable experience.

A country’s creative and cultural life asserts much about its folks and the vibrancy and creativeness we display across a wide selection of artforms quickly dispels the parable of the dour, downbeat Scot. In successive generations, Scotland has produced painters, writers,  sculptors, musicians, composers and dancers whose gifts have received both countrywide and global commend.

A number of these artforms – like our traditional dance and music – are uniquely Scottish both in style and inspiration and are appreciated mainly at home. Others – like theatre, opera and painting – draw on and incorporate influences from somewhere else in the world and accordingly receive wider recognition. All have the power to enthrall, challenge, incite and evoke.

Scotland’s position on the edge of the EU continent with sea on 3 sides implies the weather is extraordinarily varied. Records show that May and June are sometimes drier than July and Aug. In general, the east coast has a tendency to be cool and dry, the west coast milder and wetter. July and Aug are usually the warmest months, average temperature of 15-19oC / 60-68oF.

Traditionally, Scotland has always been a preferred destination for those looking for a really romantic setting in which to make their marriage promises and a couple of recent high profile marriages have served to focus on the reputation of Scotland as an excellent spot to tie the knot. As a country, Scotland is known for its gorgeous and immaculate scenery, its characteristic culture and its dramatic history. In addition it is known for the high standard of its cuisine and the standard of its accommodation which goes from bed and breakfasts to impressive castles. Maybe most significantly though , Scotland is known for its hospitality and the real heat of its people.

So, whether or not you are planning to ‘run away’ to Gretna Green for a small intimate marriage or to do something on a much bigger scale, be it in a hotel or castle or even on a canal ship, Scotland offers unending chances to make that special day actually notable. Edinburgh has a net of local bus services permitting frequent travel thru Edinburgh and the Lothians making this a great – and cheap – method of getting round the town. Local bus firms offer daily bus tickets, which enable you unlimited travel in and around Edinburgh. To save money on sim only deals while traveling try SIM only deals that save money and are exclusively provided by Vodafone

You purchase these tickets, and single journey tickets, on board the bus from the driver – remember that no change is given, so you can need the precise fare. If you are heading further out, you can purchase your coach tickets for UK and Scottish travel from the bus station in St Andrew Square ahead. And if you are heading to the airfield a regular express service runs from Waverley Bridge to Edinburgh airfield, with pick up points on the way. You may take in the sights of the town on one of many Edinburgh bus tours – Town Bus Tour tickets can be purchased in real life at the Edinburgh and Scotland Info Centre, three Princes Street or on Waverley Bridge, which is where the tours start. The following firms can offer more info ; For travel in and around Edinburgh including Edinburgh airfield, town bus tours and night buses. Also try out other great contracts such as the Orange Dolphin SIM Only

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August 17th, 2010  Posted at   About Scotland
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There are just a few things that you can’t imagine Scotland without.One of them is wood wind instrument that usually is composed of reeds and a kind of bag full of air. What’s the name of that instrument? Bagpipes naturally. We have differing kinds of bagpipes relying on country that they were made and use in. As in all nations they’re the same instruments but even the sounds they give are dissimilar. The most famed bagpipes are the Scottish one. Though the history demonstrates that bagpipes, as an instrument at all, were invented somewhere else. First bagpipes are even recorded around four hundred BC and they were made from dogskin (bag) and bones (chanters).

In some sources there is claimed that this instrument was brought to Brit Isles from Rome in 8th century and became popular 400 years on. Just a few examples of bagpipes from before eighteenth century left. They show the art of making pipe was not developed back then. When only appeared in the UK they started to play a great role. Specifically in Scotland were pipers occurred of the harpers in the 16th century. After 2 centuries some major studies about this instrument appeared as as an example William Dixon’s from Northumberland manuscript (1730). The great role of nationwide instrument they’re playing minimized when the western classical music developed and a production of instruments connected with it. Other bits of the world got data about existing of that sort of instrument thanks to enlargement of Brit Empire.

Also a big numbers of pipers were schooled to join army service and take part in First and 2nd World War, were pipes become famous on the full world. Police forces in Scotland or Canada have formed pipe bands and a few of them existence until today ( f.e.The Tayside Police Pipe band that was set up in 1905 ). In different states (UK, New Zealand) bagpipes were used (and still are) in formal ceremonies.

Today it’s become a standard convention to play bagpipes for army and police funerals, commonly at the funerals of high-ranking civilian public officials, and at more content gatherings as marriages, dances and parties. They’re still played in a commercial and noncommercial ways. Bagpipes are also well known in folk music. As it comes to materials and its appearance in a number of cases they do not differ so much as the one played in Middle Ages, made from wood and animal skins, and in some other cases they’re fully new – have bags made from gore tex or bring and electronic sound. Aside from all that history side at the 21st century bagpipes is still one of the things that first appear in our mind when we think about Scotland. It’s so powerful image that Scotland means tartan (pattern and material), Scottish gifts (kilt, cashmere headband), picnics spent on the warm blankets and bagpipes. The history demonstrates that Bagpipes roots are in fully different place but Scottish folk love the sound of bagpipes the most.

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August 2nd, 2010  Posted at   Hotels In Scotland
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When selecting to go to Scotland there are plenty of different towns or cities each offering a different experience of what Scotland has to supply ;

Edinburgh has its museums and Castle not to mention its annual Fringe Holiday; Glasgow has its cosmopolitan shopping and sexy nightlife; St Andrews has its well known golfing course and college; the Highlands have Inverness and Aviemore both set amid the amazing views of the Cairngorms and surrounding mountains; and then the West Coast has its attractive coastal lines offering impressive perspectives and the opportunity to take part in acute water activities. So selecting a Scottish destination can be difficult, and part of enjoying your visit is the experience you have from your hotel or BB.

The ingredients needed from a hotel to offer an actually Scottish experience are incremental, and I have listed some which, in my judgment make a trip to Scotland really unique. Tasty food is a crucial component of any hotel but visits Scotland and expects a different level of delicious food. Scotland is known for much fresh meat, salmon from our brooks and haggis caught on our highland hills. Hostels take pleasure in serving standard meals like ‘haggis, neeps and tatties’, stovies, and a Scottish Birdie ; if you’ve chosen your Scottish hotel well, you will be in a position to partake of other Scottish fancies like Aberdeen rowies, Irn Bru, shortbread and tablet.

If you’re feeling terribly disobedient, you can sneak away to a local chipper and taste one of Scotland famous battered Mars bars… Definitely one for the sweet toothed. All washed down with a standard whiskey toddie.

Scottish folks are known for their content nature and our hostels are little different, a good atmosphere is a priority when talking of Scottish hostels. What’s concerned in making a good atmosphere? Some neighbors supporting a bar stocked with Tennents and the finest Whiskeys, onstage music and amicable hoteliers prepared to bend right over to guarantee your visit goes without a hitch. For the final Scottish atmosphere go to a ceilidh, a conventional Scottish gathering concerning folk music ; bagpipes, fiddles and accordions, and a lot of dancing, the most noted dance being the Gay Gordon’s. Ceilidh’s aren’t common-place in everyday Scottish life, but are typically held on memorable occasions including marriages, Robert Burns day, New Year and the like.

A family friendly is naturally part of having a good atmosphere, and any good Scottish hotel will accommodate the tiny tykes and supply children’s activities. Interiors play a critical part of any Scottish hotel; be it a cost-effective hotel in Dunoon or a luxury boutique in Edinburgh.Tartan carpets, bundles of thistle and log fires are all things cherished in a normal Scottish hotel, but even the more modern hostels still keep our Scottish charm with retro detailing combined with latest Scottish art work ; all of which so distinct from any other nation that they could not be found some place else. Everybody jokes about the Scottish being tight fisted but this also implies our hotel are reasonable ; of the hostels in the town centers will be expensive but head for the country and you’ll find the best hostels with price for cash.

If you’re look for a conventional Scottish hotel then visit the Osborne Hotel in Dunoon, offering brilliant Scottish service amid the attractive views of the Firth of Clyde.

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July 18th, 2010  Posted at   Scotland Culture
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The Xmas vacations in Scotland were not the same many years back as they are now. Yuletide itself was till fresh times a solely Spiritual festival (the New Year, now called Hogmanay, was and remains the main vacation for Scots). It was banned to celebrate Yuletide till 1950′. This ban lasted for approximately four hundred hundred years due to John Knox, the non secular reformer in Scotland, who had a large influence on Scottish Church, and possibly due to him the ban was exactly imposed in law.

Till the sixties last century Yuletide was not even a public vacation so folk hardly celebrate it. Adults were working though the kids had their presents. It seemed like you might almost say: “Want to have a genuine conventional Scottish Christmas? Go to work on Xmas day! “But most of folks didn’t like that and today Yuletide looks just about the same as the US version. And Scottish Xmas is a mix of different customs from Europe and USA. In result, everything goes around shopping, food, Yuletide tree and decorations. Shopping heat starts really early – just before Hallowe’en when shops start filling up with a selection of present ideas.

Shopping centers are adorned with fairy lights putted not just into the trees but nearly everywhere. And also as in America Santa appears in mall and kids can stand in the line to inform him what they need for a Xmas present, and are given a tiny toy. One of the signs the Yuletide are coming is that the neighbors are decorating their homes. They do it customarily with light up musical Santas climbing into windows and fake snow being rolled out across roofs.

The tiniest one can join in the countdown by employing advent calendars, which have small doors that opens for each day in December with a little chocolate in it and picture behind. The calendar is finishing on Xmas Eve. Naturally on this day kids are thrilled with excitement of waiting for presents, generally left under the Yuletide tree. Infrequently youngsters can find their gifts the following day – in stockings filled by Santa as youngsters were sleeping. On Xmas day all family is gathering round the table, eating turkey, pudding or chocolate cake (Swedish Xmas log), drinking wine or champers, and with a little luck waiting for snow. So as can clearly be seen it’s just as in any country in Europe or in USA.

The things which are unique for Yuletide in Scotland are principles linked with Scottish Xmas like “Bees leave hives Christmas Morning” or a Black Bum cake. There also are Scottish gifts. Only in Scotland you could get for a present: original Scotch whisky, wool kilts (in Tartans or in solid colours), and even picnic blankets or a Scotland’s Unique Kitty Breed – the Scottish Fold. And also categorical is that the gifts are opened terribly carefully to be sure the wrapping paper can be employed once more.

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July 3rd, 2010  Posted at   Scotland Culture
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In certain nations, the Apr Fools’ jokes must be made before midday on one Apr otherwise it’s the prankster who becomes the Apr Fool. Origin The origin of the customs of the day is cloaked in poser. Some believe it is probably going to be a relic of merriment held to mark the vernal equinox. These parties of the first days of spring, started on the 25th of March, and stopped on the following of Apr.

Definitely there’s some proof to proffer that Apr first was noted as a general holiday in pagan Britain. More typically, the customs are connected with the switch to the Gregorian calendar in France in the sixteenth century. Traditionally, many parts of the planet, celebrated Apr first as New Year’s Day – due to its relationship with the start of spring. France was one of the first states to take on Jan first as their official New Year’s Day, by decree of Charles IX in 1564. This was before the 1582 adoption of the Gregorian calendar. The gifts and conventions which had been the feature of the first of Apr switched to Jan first. Nevertheless many of us either declined to accept the change or didn’t hear about the news a few years.

Those that still celebrated April 1 were seen as ‘fools’ by the general citizens, and fair targets to be the butt of practical jokes and tricks were known as a “poisson d’avril ” or “April fish. ” The practices spread to Britain and Scotland in the 1700′s, and was brought to the North American colonies by both the English and French. The practice of Apr Fools’ Day, sometimes called All Fools’ Day is noted in many states on Apr one. Typically the target of the day is attempting to play a practical joke on a victim who becomes known as an Apr Fool. The practical jokes can range all the way from easy to explain.

Whatever the trick, the prankster usually ends it by roaring to his victim, “Apr Fool!” Apr Fool’s day around the globe Scotland in Scotland, Apr Fool’s Day is celebrated over a couple of days – day one is named Taily Day and the second day is dedicated to practical jokes concerning the ass. The “kick me” sign can be worked back to Taily Day.

Mexico Mexico’s identical to Apr Fool’s Day is on December 28th. Originally, the day was a sombre remembrance of the massacre of the trusting youngsters by King Herod, though over the years, it has evolved into an airy commemoration involving practical jokes and tricks. France in France the Apr fool is often known as ‘poisson d’avril’ (Apr fish). It isn’t known what precisely the fish alludes to, but it could be related to the sun leaving Pieces (the fish) at the beginning of Apr. Part of the convention in France was the placing of dead fish unknowingly on the backs of buddies. Today, real fish have been replaced with fish-shaped paper shapes that youngsters attempt to sneak onto the back of their friends’ shirts.

Shops and bakeries also offer special fish-shaped candy. Netherlands the Dutch have separate reasons for celebrating the first of Apr. In 1572, Holland was under Spanish rule. On Apr one, 1572 Dutch rebels grabbed the city of Den Briel. This marked the beginning of the general civil rising against the Spanish across Holland. The Duke of Alba was the chief of the Spanish armed forces at the time, and he couldn’t forestall the rebellion from gathering momentum. Bril is the Dutch word for glasses, so it was announced that “Alba lost his glasses.

“The Dutch celebrate this with jokes and humour on the first of Apr.

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June 30th, 2010  Posted at   Thurso Surfing
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Scotland is not generally on the top of many lists for a surfing destination, let alone the harbour situated in Scotland’s northerly town of Thurso.

Taken from its Norse Settlement name “Thor’s River”, Thurso is host to a world-class right hand point break & annual international cold water surfing competition.  First surfed by famous Scottish surfer, Malcolm Findlay after he returned from a four-year stint with the French Foreign Legion in 1974, surfing Thruso is not for the faint hearted.

Thurso is home to the Scotland Leg of the O’Niell Cold Water Classic: “The O’Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland is one of those events that make our sport so special,” ASP Europe President David Mailman said. “It is a unique and challenging destination that brings diversity to the tour and is a draw card that never fails to deliver for the best surfers on the planet.” With a purse of US$ 145,000, the event has put Thurso & Scotland on the map as a world class surfing destination.

Receiving a generous mix of ground and windswells: Thurso offers “A good right hand point break, can be a good long ride, and can give away some good barrels”. The beach break provides left and right-handers, the power of the waves rolling in from the Pentland Firth has been compared with those of Hawaii.

Surf Equipment/Hire In Thurso

For those needing to hire or purchase board, wetsuits or repairs, the helpful folk at Tempest Surf Shop are they crew to help you on your surf trip: They also have a cafe serving local food where you can find out more about local surfing. Tempest Surf, Thurso Harbour, Caithness, KW14 8DE. Tel: 01847 892500. Email: info@tempestsurf.co.uk

Surfing Thurso Harbour Reef: Information

Break Type: Reef

Wave Direction: Various

Ideal Wind: Southerly

Ideal Swell: Northerly

Ideal Tide: All

Hazard: Rocks, sometimes pollution

Average Water Temp: 6-15 Degrees

Difficulty: Expert

Nearest City: Glasgow

Nearest Airport: Glasgow

Rating: 4/5

Competitions: O’Niell Cold Water Classic

Thurso Accommodation

Accommodation in July & August can be found at the Thurso Youth Club Hostel:

Address: Old Mill, Millbank Rd Thurso, KW14 8PS

Telephone: 01847 892964

Category: Hostel

Nearest Beach: Thurso

Web details: tychostel@btinternet.com

This hostel occupies a converted 200-year-old water mill and is ideally located overlooking river and park. Providing comfortable accommodation in a friendly environment, a staff member is on duty throughout the day to provide any assistance you may require. Facilities include a large fully equipped kitchen, dining area, games room, TV & video lounge, secure cycle storage and private parking. Price includes continental breakfast and use of Internet and laundry facilities. Discount for groups of 10+.

Other Surf Breaks around North East Scotland

The North East Coast of Scotland is home to several quality breaks promising some great waves and chilly temperatures:

  • Strathy
  • Melvich
  • Sandside Bay
  • Brimms Ness
  • Skirza
  • Sinclairs
  • Ackergill

For more information on surfing in Scotland, Momentum Surf shop located in Edinburgh can provide a thorough guide to surfing throughout Scotland: http://www.momentumsurfshop.com/scotland.htm

Comparative Information: Scotland vs South Africa, Australia & Hawaii

A quick comparative overview of international surf beaches:

AVERAGE WATER TEMP

Dunbar, Scotland 10C

Bondi Beach, Australia 23C

Oahu, Hawaii 26C

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa 18C

AVERAGE SWELL SIZE

Dunbar 6ft

Bondi 4ft

Oahu 5.5ft

Jeffreys Bay 5ft

AVERAGE AIR TEMP

Dunbar 9C

Bondi 22C

Oahu 25C

Jeffreys Bay 16C

This article has been written by Travel Insurance Direct who provide comprehensive travel insurance for Australian surfers on the road. Cover for 2 weeks surfing in Scotland is available from $88.00.

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