During my study abroad experience in Scotland, I had many opportunities to travel. While I did not see or experience everything a person should, the following pictures represent some of my favorite times and places in Scotland.
The first few pictures are from my time in Glasgow, since I attended Glasgow University, and the other half are from my trips around Scotland.
1. University of Glasgow
Located mainly in Glasgow, Scotland, the University of Glasgow was founded in 1451. In the English-speaking world, it is the fourth oldest university, and is ranked in the top one percent of the world's universities. The older parts of the campus are also well known for its Hogwarts-like appearance. If you like museums, Glasgow University also holds the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery. It contains one of the largest collections outside the National Museums, and it is Scotland's oldest public museum. Lastly, if you love spending time in libraries, I recommend that you visit the University's library because it is one of the largest in Europe. It is twelve floors in height, and houses more than three million books and journals.
The bell tower at Glasgow University:
The East Quadrangle of the main building:
2. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Once again, if you like museums, visiting the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must. This museum opened in 1901, and is situated near Glasgow University next to Kelvingrove Park. Its beautiful architectural style is Spanish Baroque and was built using red sandstone from Locharbriggs, Scotland. A perfect time to visit the museum is just before one when you can relax and listen to a stunning pipe organ recital located in the Center Hall. The art gallery is also quite impressive and worth meandering through.
Kelvingrove Museum from the University of Glasgow:
3. Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Worth a visit any time of the year due to the lovely gardens outside and the impressive gardens in the glasshouses, which hosts plants from around the world. Also, if you have any nuts on hand, take the opportunity to feed the squirrels! This is a common site to see especially during the winter months.
Me feeding a squirrel:
Inside one of the glasshouses:
4. Ashton Lane
If you love seeing adorable backstreets, then you should definitely visit Ashton Lane with its canopies and fairy lights. It is located just off of Byres Road in Hillhead, Scotland, and is noted for its bars, restaurants, and licensed cinema.
The night view of Ashton Lane:
5. Rosslyn Chapel
Located in Roslin, Scotland, this chapel, with its intricate Gothic architectural style, was built in 1446, and it continues to hold weekly services. It became more popular after appearing in Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code, and the following film. Although the entrance fee is a little steep, the interior is densely packed with carvings and detailed architecture, and its history is fascinating.
Side view of the Rosslyn Chapel:
6. The Kelpies
These 98 foot tall, and 300 ton, horse head sculptures are located in The Helix Park in Falkirk, Scotland. They were completed in November, 2013, and are the world's largest equine sculptures. Andy Scott, the sculptor of the Kelpies, states "I see The Kelpies as a personification of local and national equine history, of the lost industries of Scotland. I also envisage them as a symbol of modern Scotland - proud and majestic, of the people and the land. They are the culmination of cutting edge technology and hand crafted artisanship, created by our country's leading experts through international partnerships."
7. Palace of Holyroodhouse: the Queen's Summer Palace
During the summer, the Queen will live in this Palace located at the bottom end of the Royal Mile and opposite from the Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. An audio tour gives a detailed history of the Palace, including the 16th century apartments of Mary Queen of Scots. Taking pictures is not permitted inside, but they are in the palace Abby and gardens.
Front view of the Palace:
Palace Abby:
8. Glenfinnan, Scotland
Glenfinnan is a small village located in the highlands of Scotland, and it has three main attractions. The first is the stunning scenery. The picture I have does not even give the real view justice. Secondly, the Glenfinnan Monument commemorates the 1975 Jacobite Rising who fought in support of Charles Edward Stuart claiming the English throne. Glennfinnan is also famous for its viaduct. The Glenfinnan viaduct spans 1,000 ft, 100 ft above the ground. The Jacobite steam train arrives here from Fort William and Mallaig during the summer months, and regular trains are available all year round. Lastly, if you are a Harry Potter fan, the Glenfinann viaduct and the steam train are famous for its appearances in the second and third Harry Potter movies with the Hogwarts express calling at Glenfinnan station.
The Glenfinnan Monument next to a lake:
The Glenfinnan Viaduct:
9. Skara Brae
Skara Brae is located on the west side of Orkney, and island just north of Scotland. Radiocarbon dating sets this Neolithic settlement between 3200 BC and 2200 BC. Although several centuries old, the settlement is impressively intact despite the constant threat of coastal erosion. The walls are still standing, the allyways still have their stone slabs, and the interiors of each house show the same basic design indicating what life was like at the time. Inside each house there is a large room with a fireplace in the center, a shelf area across from the door, and beds on each side.
10. Jarlshof
Jarlshof is a prehistoric and Norse settlement found at the southern tip of Shetland. This site is especially unique due to the 4,000 years of human use in the same location. It dates back to 2700 BC, and it remained in use until the AD 1600s. This site includes the following settlements: Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, and Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead, and a 16th century laird's house.
11. Shetland Ponies
A common site among the fields of Shetland Scotland, an island north of mainland Scotland, are Shetland ponies. They are small and intelligent, and feature thick coats and strong build. So when you are diving about Shetland, keep an eye out and have your camera ready for these ponies!
Shetland pony (apologies for the picture quality):
12. Eshaness Cliffs
Located northwest of Shetland, these cliffs are breathtaking and awe inspiring. However, be mindful of the wind when standing near the cliff edge. Although getting there takes a little effort, it is well worth the visit!
If you decide to travel to Scotland, put these places on your itinerary. Obviously there are plenty of other sites to see and things to experience in Scotland, but I promise you, you won't regret adding these sites to your travel list.
