http://www.scotland.com/blog/ en 2008-12-31T11:41:47+00:00 hourly 6 2008-12-31T11:41:47+00:00 http://www.scotland.com/blog/haggis-hurling-an-unusual-sport 2008-12-31T11:41:47+00:00 en Editor Features The Scottish sport of haggis hurling has a somewhat controversial history. While it is claimed to be a traditional Scottish sport with an ancient origin, the game as it is played today is believed to have much more recent roots. Whatever the history of the game, its popularity has grown over the years and is played in far-off countries, such as the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, wherever groups of Scots have settled. http://www.scotland.com/blog/whisky-bars-of-edinburgh 2008-12-25T09:49:18+00:00 en Editor Travel ScotlandWhisky and ten bars in Edinburgh have joined forces to promote a product that is a part of the culture and heritage of Scotland, namely whisky. The distillation of whisky, or Scotch whisky, can be traced as far back as 1494. It became a very popular drink, even though at the beginning it was often used by monasteries for medicinal purposes. By 1707, distillers were driven underground as whisky was declared a prohibited product. This did not stop the distilling of whisky, but opened up a market for smuggling. http://www.scotland.com/blog/pay-a-visit-to-the-fascinating-fetlar-interpretive-centre 2008-12-15T12:24:56+00:00 en Editor Travel The picturesque island of Fetlar is often referred to as the Garden of Shetland, as it is blanketed in breathtaking green fields and land, which is mostly used for farming. Other than being the idyllic location for a peaceful vacation filled with natural wonder and magnificent bird watching opportunities, the island is also scattered with the remains and tell-tale signs of its distinguished history of Norse and Viking occupation and Stone Age relics. One can always spend days trying to locate these hidden sights, but visiting the Fetlar Interpretive Centre is far less time consuming and much more educational and fascinating. http://www.scotland.com/blog/explore-the-black-watch-museum 2008-12-09T11:13:36+00:00 en Editor Travel Located in Balhousie Castle on the north side of Perth, Scotland, the Black Watch Museum presents an in depth history of Scotland’s oldest Highlands Regiment in a manner that is interesting and informative. Lacking sufficient military forces, the Black Watch was formed from members of loyal clans in the wake of the 1715 Jacobite Uprising. The name Black Watch refers both to the dark colors of their tartan and the role that they played at that time in maintaining order and keeping on the watch for crime. http://www.scotland.com/blog/ski-mountaineering-through-scotlands-landscapes 2008-12-01T12:14:53+00:00 en Editor Travel Ski mountaineering enthusiasts readily agree that this burgeoning sport is one of the best ways to view Scotland’s hills in winter, while avoiding the inevitable crowds on piste. Ski mountaineering, also referred to as ski touring, is offered by a number of tour operators and ski schools to skiers looking for some adventure, and Scotland’s rugged landscape has some superb ski mountaineering options. http://www.scotland.com/blog/dark-sky-scotland-revealing-the-wonders-of-scotlands-night-skies 2008-11-24T11:54:22+00:00 en Editor News Dubbed as the “Dark Sky Scotland” project, Scotland’s tourism authorities, along with more than 30 interested organizations, are busy with plans to create “dark-sky parks” as a way of promoting the Scottish Highlands as a world-class stargazing spot. With 2009 being named as the International Year of Astronomy, it presents the perfect opportunity for the Scottish tourism industry to introduce the spectacular night skies of Scotland to seasoned stargazers, while inviting potential stargazers to discover this relaxing and therapeutic pastime. http://www.scotland.com/blog/old-fordyce-church 2008-11-20T09:34:29+00:00 en Editor Travel The quaint village of Fordyce in north-east Scotland features one of the country’s most fascinating ancient ruined churches, offering insight into the history of the town and area. Referred to as the Old Fordyce Church, the building is dedicated to St. Talarican (also spelled St. Tarquin) who was the first bishop of the area way back in the first century. http://www.scotland.com/blog/winterfest-glasgow-2008-a-feast-of-exciting-entertainment 2008-11-17T12:57:26+00:00 en Editor Features Glasgow is already one of Scotland’s biggest and busiest cities and every winter it gets even better. Each year thousands of people make their way to a number of carefully planned activities and shows as the countdown to Christmas begins. This year promises to be no different and family and friends can expect an exceptional program of great winter events. http://www.scotland.com/blog/verdant-works-a-fascinating-museum 2008-11-13T11:27:41+00:00 en Editor Travel Once upon a time, the city of Dundee, in Scotland, was known as one of the largest manufacturers of jute. Bustling with approximately seventy jute factories, the jute industry created thousands of much needed jobs and provided the public with a material that was considered to be vital. Its many uses made jute a popular product, but one by one the factories closed and the buildings become home to new business. Fortunately, one factory survived the closures, and became a museum to the jute industry. Just outside the centre of Dundee is the Verdant Works, where a modern public can explore the once thriving jute industry. http://www.scotland.com/blog/langholm-a-walkers-paradise 2008-11-10T13:07:46+00:00 en Editor Travel The picturesque burgh of Langholm lies at the confluence of the River Esk and the Ewes Water in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Known locally as “The Muckle Toon”, Langholm boasts a number of superb examples of historic architecture, set amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in South Scotland.