Scotland Insider Tips

Scotland | The modern game of golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century. First mentioned as 'gowf' in 1457, golf was originally played on a 22 hole course. It was reduced to 18 holes at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1764, and other courses followed suit. St. Andrews is dubbed the "home of golf" and exercises legislative authority over the game throughout most of the world (except for the United States and Mexico).

Scotland | Be sure to visit Strathisla, the oldest, continuously operating distillery in the Highlands. Home to Chivas Regal, the distillery offers a blending experience where you can mix in its mad professor-style blending lab and keep your own blend of fine malt whiskey. The two-pagoda distillery is atmospheric, with many of its stones coming from the neighboring 15th-century castle.

Scotland, Edinburgh | Like Rome, Edinburgh is also built on seven hills. Arthur's Seat is the main peak of the group of hills, which form most of Holyrood Park. It is situated just to the east of the city center, about one mile to the east of Edinburgh Castle. The hill rises above the city to a height of 822 feet, provides excellent panoramic views of the city and beyond, is relatively easy to climb, and is popular for hillwalking. Though it can be climbed from almost any direction, the easiest and simplest ascent is from the east, where a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch.