GOOD TO KNOW

• Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, may not be its largest city, but it certainly holds a unique charm. Its rich architectural heritage, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a sight to behold. 
• Scotland is the northernmost country in Great Britain. Great Britain is divided into four historical regions: England (53%), Scotland (32%), Wales (9%) and Northern Ireland (6%);
• Currency (GBP)
• Population 5.4 million

• Scotland is not part of the EU, so a passport is also required for citizens of European Union member states.

• An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will also be required from 2 April 2025, and it can be applied for from 5 March 2025. According to preliminary information, the application will take 3 days and cost 10 GBP. I will share more information about this in early March when the ETA environment opens.

• For the gourmet experiences, Scotch whisky is the country's best-known export. The national dish is haggis, which is served here in many different ways, both as a main course and as a pie filling;

• Scotland is the birthplace of golf. The Old Course at St. Andrews is considered the home of golf and has been played since the 15th century;

• Scotland's national animal is the unicorn, which symbolizes purity, innocence, and power in Celtic mythology. But it's not the only mythical creature here—Loch Ness is said to be home to the Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie.

• The national flower is the thistle;

• Scotland has over 790 islands, 130 of which are uninhabited;

• Scotland's coastline, stretching 9,910 km, is a natural wonder. When you factor in the islands, the coastline extends to a breathtaking 16,500 km, twice the length of England;

• Edinburgh Castle sits on an extinct volcano, towering over the city;

• For nature lovers and active holiday enthusiasts, I recommend spending at least a few days in the Scottish Highlands and also visiting the islands of Islay, Jura and Mill in the west;

• Scotland is full of towering castles, with an estimated 1,500;

• When visiting Scotland, it's essential to be prepared for the weather. The raincoat, invented by Glaswegian Charles Macintosh in 1824, is a testament to the country's unpredictable climate. A good raincoat is still a must when exploring Scotland's beauty;

• Scotland is the birthplace of golf. The Old Course at St. Andrews is considered the home of golf and has been played since the 15th century.