Seeing unique cultural experiences in Scotland is out of the ordinary. Discover a nation of history, from Highland warriors in kilts to charming towns with cobblestone streets. From Edinburgh Castle’s grandeur to a Ceilidh dance’s excitement, this book opens the door to unique experiences. Be prepared to be enchanted by Scottish hospitality and this magnificent nation.
Basic Scottish Etiquette Travelers Must Know
Just before I start, I want to say a few things that will make any tourist’s trip to Scotland better.
- Don’t ever try to copy the accent. No matter how good someone thinks they are at it, they can’t do it well. It might also make people angry.
- If people you don’t know greet or smile at you on the street, don’t be scared. Glasgow is a great place to see this. People are very friendly there, and it’s normal to say “hi” or nod at people you see.
- Follow the rules when you’re driving. Most of the roads in the north of Scotland are a little small, and small town facilities like parking lots and roads have had a hard time keeping up with the huge number of tourists who have been coming there recently. It’s not okay for tourists to leave their cars on the sides of the road or on the main roads.
- Just ask if you don’t understand the tone of voice. It’s always expected, and no one will make you feel bad about it. Scotland has 10 different accents, all of which are different forms of English. Some Scots people can’t understand other forms of speech. If necessary, everyone can go back to simple English.
Now that we know the basic etiquette for visiting this beautiful country, it’s time to explore some unique cultural experiences in Scotland!
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6 Most Unique Cultural Experiences In Scotland
1. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle is a famous landmark in Scotland. It stands tall over the UNESCO Heritage Old and New Towns of the city. The best site to learn about Scotland’s history. The British Travel Awards rated it the greatest UK heritage attraction. The castle’s oldest portion, St. Margaret’s Chapel, was built in the 12th century and survived WWI. There’s no reason not to see this interesting part of Edinburgh’s history. The castle stewards give talks, and there is also an audio tour that can be played in eight languages.
2. Traditional Highland Games / The Braemar Gathering
Highland Games are held on the first Saturday of September every year. The Highland Games have been vital to Braemar since 1832. From Queen Victoria to her successors, the Gathering has remained formal. Going to the games is one of the best cultural things to do in Scotland since their stated goal is to “promote the education of the general public about the history, traditions, sports, language, culture, and heritage of Scotland.” There are lots of fun things to do at the Scottish Highland Games, from a tug of war to a battle for Highland dancing bands.
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3. Whisky Tour, Speyside
One thing that is truly Scottish is whisky, and the area of Speyside is deeply connected to the drink. Here, barley is distilled in fresh Highland water to make whiskey. This gives the finished product a different taste. It’s possible to find a Speyside whisky that tastes light and green or rich and sweet, so there’s something for everyone. There are also plenty of producers in the area. In fact, this is where most of Scotland’s distilleries are located. A Speyside whisky distillery tour is instructive and engaging from start to finish.
4. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow
The most dynamic city in Scotland is Glasgow. It has some of the nation’s most beloved cultural institutions including world-famous museums and galleries. This city is great for art lovers, and there are numerous methods to learn about Scotland’s art. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is a great venue to learn about Glasgow’s history. Since 1901, locals and tourists have loved this historic business. This Glasgow cultural history honor features 22 ongoing exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy organ performances and ancient artworks.
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5. Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh
As you might expect from a home where the Queen lives in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyrood House is very fancy. This house of Scottish history is a fascinating place to visit. It is a tall building at the end of the city’s Royal Mile. People who go to the Palace can learn about its connections to Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and other great Scots from the past. In the 1600s, the Palace was built. People who visit also get a unique look into the royal family’s modern life and can see how the Queen uses the Palace when she is in Scotland for official business.
6. Inveraray Castle, Argyll
Inveraray Castle seems like a fairytale. West Coast of Scotland. This castle is one of Scotland’s finest. It is the Duke of Argyll family house. Recently, though, the hit TV show Downton Abbey used Inveraray as Duneagle Castle, which put the town on the map for tourists coming to Scotland. The castle has beautiful grounds and a great collection of swords, muskets, and other weapons that show its past.
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Scottish Traditions Every Traveller Should Try
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Attend Ceilidh Dancing:
Kids in Scotland learn how to dance the ceilidh in gym class right before Christmas. For most, it was a very traumatic experience, but most Scots are glad they learned it when they were young. This means that the popular idea about Scottish ceilidh dancing is a pretty accurate one. A ceilidh was a traditional indoor party in the past. During the long, dark winter nights, families would get together in one house to read poems, tell stories, sing songs, and sometimes dance. These days, there is no writing, storytelling, or singing at modern ceilidhs; there is only dancing.
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Hire A Kilt – But Only For Hogmanay Or A Wedding:
A kilt is the perfect Scottish accessory. Scottish folk don’t mind non-Scots wearing kilts during weddings and Hogmanay. Scotland calls “New Year” “Hogmanay.” This matters more than Christmas.
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Listen To Royal Mile Or Buchanan Street Bagpipers
Even now, piping is a popular way for people in Scotland to show their culture. Many people have different ideas about where the bagpipes came from, but some say they came from Ireland or even Egypt. No matter where it came from, a big, noisy instrument was sure to be popular in Scotland.
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Attend The Stonehaven Hogmanay Fireball Ceremony
Stonehaven is a fishing port outside Aberdeen. Stonehaven is great year-round, but the Fireballs Ceremony is the ideal time to visit. In Scotland, fireball rituals have been going on for hundreds of years. People think they are part of a pagan ritual that stands for destruction and purification. People in Scotland like them because they remind them of the country’s history before Christianity.
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Conclusion
Get ready for your Scottish trip! Enjoy the thumping beats of the bagpipes, see the spectacular fire show of the Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony, or raise a glass of whisky to the fun at a Ceilidh. Find out more unique cultural experiences in Scotland with Viator! They offer a range of tour packages for you and your family.
Visit Viator and start planning your unique trip into the heart of Scotland’s lively culture today!
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