TRAVEL SPECIAL.... Experiences in Scotland

Experiences in Scotland





Scotland enjoys an array of incredible outdoor activities. Whatever your tastes, Scotland is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast

7 STANES MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

The extremely popular 7stanes are seven mountain biking centres that reach across the south of Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to Dumfries amp; Galloway . All seven centres can be found by a stone sculpture that reflects a local myth or legend, `stane' being Scottish for stone. Great for families, individuals and couples of all abilities, the routes take you through a variety of terrain including glens and magnificent forest trails.

CLIMB BEN NEVIS

If you're looking for serious adventure, try climbing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. Grab some experienced friends and climb the mountain via the tourist path. For more of a challenge, hire a guide and tackle Ben Nevis from its more demanding side via Carn Mor Dearg arête.

THE HIGHLAND FLING

If you fancy getting your adrenaline pumping with the thrill of a bungee jump, fear not, you do not have to cross the world to experience such a thrill. Head to Perthshire's ancient woodlands and try out the Highland Fling, the UK's first static bridge bungee jump! Experience the feeling of freefall as you plunge 40 metres towards the magnificent River Garry .

DIVING AT SCAPA FLOW

Scotland is one of the top ten diving destinations in the world due to the wreckage of an entire German fleet sunk at Scapa Flow in the Orkney islands in 1918. You won't believe your eyes as you uncover battleships, merchant trawlers and German ships in these sheltered waters, one of the most exciting dive sites in the world!

WALK THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY

Look out those hiking boots and explore the West Highland Way ­ a tremendous 96-mile route that runs from Loch Lomond to Fort William. Along the way you will experience some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery including the atmospheric Glen Coe and the imposing summit of Buachaille Etive Mor.

http:www.visitscotland.comsee-doactiveadventure

HARRY POTTER MANIA - The spell of Harry Potter

LIVE LIKE A WIZARD

2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book , and there's no doubt that this special story has many ties to Scotland, both through the books and the films. Author JK Rowling found inspiration for her wizarding world around her adopted home city of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands provided the perfect filming locations once the books were brought to the big screen.

In Edinburgh, the Elephant House café proudly claims to be the `Birthplace of Harry Potter', where the series was dreamed up over coffee and cake, the imposing castle-like façade of George Heriot's School has obvious architectural similarities to the wizarding school of Hogwarts, and Greyfriars Kirkyard, which Rowling was known to take a stroll through when taking a break from writing. Rowling also stayed at The Balmoral Hotel to finish writing the Deathly Hallows and the suite she stayed in has been renamed in her honour, and still includes her writing desk and a marble bust of Hermes which she signed upon completion of the book.

Many of the filming locations from the Harry Potter movies can be found in the West Highlands.Both Loch Shiel and Loch Morar were used as the Hogwarts Lake, Glencoe was also used as the backdrop for several scenes from the third film onwards, and one of the most iconic images in the Harry Potter films is the Hogwarts Express travelling over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on its way to the school. Visitors can book a journey on the muggle version of the Hogwarts Express, the Jacobite Steam Train, to experience the same route as Harry and friends.

http:www.visitscotland.comsee-doattractionstv-filmharry-potter-itinerary

SHOPPING IS FUN - Shop till you drop



SHOP THE SCOTTISH WAY

SIncotland offers a diverse and opulent range of luxurious shopping, all throughout the country .

our capital, Edinburgh, high street shop options can be found in Princes Street, which lies between Frasers in the west, and Jenners in the east. Visitors will find designer labels in both of these stores. With the castle rising majestically behind Princes Street Gardens it is a grand place to shop. Nearby George Street has a number of boutique stores. Of particular interest is Hamilton and Inches, Scotland's leading jewellery and fine goods store. The Company is a warrant holder to HM The Queen.

As a shopping playground, Glasgow seldom disappoints with its range of high street emporiums and vintage hangouts. Straddling the divide between old and new, Merchant City encompasses the city's ethos for boasting something for everyone. Buchanan Street is the high street haven and holds two major shopping centres in Buchanan Galleries and Princes Square, or the Italian Centre in the Merchant City is home for designer boutiques.

For more information: http:www.visitscotland.comsee-doshopping

SCOTLAND VR

People across the world can now instantly walk through the prehistoric village of Skara Brae in Orkney, soar over Edinburgh Castle like a bird, journey into the depths of The Hollow Mountain of Ben Cruachan and experience the Northern Lights ­ all from the comfort of their own home, with the release of a new virtual reality app from VisitScotland. ScotlandVR is a virtual travel experience, and the tourist board's first step with interactive virtual map technology, that allows people wherever they are in the world, to be fully immersed in this soulful destination. ScotlandVR app is available for all Android and Apple users and will effortlessly educate, and onward inspire people to book a holiday to Scotland. ScotlandVR is now available to download from Google Play and Apple Stores.

For more information, visit http:www.visitscotland.comapp

FLYING TO SCOTLAND IS EASY NOW

Scotland couldn't be easier to fly to with one stop connections to either Glasgow or Edinburgh from all of India's major cities with Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines and British Airways.

ET27MAR17