Voted the most beautiful country in the world by Rough Guide in 2019, Scotland is definitely worthy of your sense of sight. But what about the other 4 senses? Here is our ‘low down’ on what treats your other senses can expect on a family adventure in Scotland.
Scotland holds a very special place in our hearts. It’s our home country and everything listed below not only reminds us of home but why we love it so.
Feel
A Warm Welcome
Scotland was voted the most welcoming country back in 2017 and Glasgow has been voted one of the friendliest cities on numerous occasions. Whether it’s a quick blether with the taxi driver or the infamous weather small talk at the bus stop, you are sure to never feel alone.
A Chilly Loch
We didn’t promise these would all be pleasant! Although lochs can be unpleasantly cold, its only for the first wee while (we promise). Most loch water comes direct from the mountains and rain of course, it’s such a beautiful way to connect with nature and will definitely leave you with a story to tell!
On top of the world at Ben Nevis Summit
Scotland’s landscape is scattered with Munros and mist-shrouded hills, but none can compare to Ben Nevis. There are two main walking routes up Ben Nevis. The Mountain Track (sometimes called the Tourist Track or the Pony Track) is used by most walkers, whilst the Carn Mor Dearg route presents a more challenging climb for more experienced hikers.
See
A Ceilidh
The Gaelic word for a casual party that includes traditional Scottish folk music and everyone joins together for a dance. Yes. Everyone. Don’t worry if you don’t know the steps to Dashing White Sergeant right now, you will by the time you’ve left the dance floor.
A White sandy Beach
Believe it or not, Scotland isn’t all hills and rocks. We are lucky enough to have some of the most beautiful white sand beaches that could only be imagined to exist in the likes of the Maldives or Caribbean. The weather may not always turn up but the untouched beauty and rare wildlife you can find nearby is worth every minute!
The Wildlife
Whether you’re in the glens or out at sea, Scottish Wildlife can be seen anywhere! From the majestic red deer stags roaming the grasslands to some rather lazy yet comfortable looking grey seals decorating the coastal rocks. If you time your travels right, you may even have the chance to come across the resident dolphin and orca groups.
Smell
The ancient Caledonian pinewoods after rainfall
This is a tough one to describe. Imagine the smell of warm rain, the needle-covered forest floor is soft to tread with dampened moss, bark and leaves and the surrounding pine trees damp to the touch, releasing one of the most comforting and natural aromas that assures you that you’re here.
Fresh Wild Heather
A little less rain for this one you’ll be pleased to know! Heather is a shrubby plant that grows tiny bell-like flowers. Walking along the path, you’ll pick up the subtle floral notes followed by the more distinctive earthy, herb-like smell as the plants graze your legs, perfect in autumn.
Peat within the Whisky distilleries
The peaty flavour found in Scotch whisky comes from the malting process. The drying barley absorbs the smoke from the burning peat.
Hear
The Bagpipes
The Great Highland bagpipe is as central to Scottish identity as tartan and Robert Burns. Walk down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and you’ll hear hat familiar wail; the true sound of home. Well… for us.
Our National Accents
There’s no pinpoint answer on just how many accents you’ll find in Scotland…. there’s so many! It may take a few minutes you get your head around it but you’ll soon see we are not all aggressive sounding, kilt-wearing groundskeepers (bonus points if you get the reference).
Edinburgh Castle’s 1 o’clock Gun
Ships in the Firth of Forth once set their maritime clocks by the One o’clock Gun. The firing of the gun dates back to 1861, when businessman John Hewitt brought the idea to Edinburgh from Paris. The gun is still fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day. Crowds gather to enjoy the spectacle, the sound often surprises people on Princes Street below.
Taste
Irn-Bru
2 words. Liquid Gold. This bright orange, sugar filled, fizzy delight is a national treasure. There is a slight marmite-like debate on the drink – you either love it or hate it. Either way, have you even been to Scotland if you did’nae try Irn-Bru?
Haggis
Ye olde Haggis – Scotland’s National dish. It’s the fugu of Japan, escargot of France and kokorec of Turkey, perhaps a little questionable to some but loved by many!
Whisky
It’s believed whisky-making began in Scotland as winemaking methods spread from monasteries in Europe; with no access to grapes, monks used grain mash instead to produce an early form of the popular spirit. The name itself derives from the Gaelic name, uisge beatha, which translates loosely to ‘water of life’ – and who are we to deny that?! Plus, whisky really does taste better here.
