Aberdeen
Some 56km or 35 miles north of Montrose is the ‘Granite City’,
Scotland’s third-largest, largely built, as its nickname suggests,
of granite. It is the centre of Britain’s North Sea oil
industry. The city has a university, 16th-century cathedral
and a 14th-century bridge, the Brig O’Balgownie. Attractions
include the Art Gallery, Maritime Museum and Marischal
Museum. Inland on Royal Deesside, Braemar is the site
of the most famous of the Highland gatherings. There are several
National Trust properties within reach of Aberdeen, including Castle
Fraser and Fyvie Castle. For additional information contact
the Tourist Board
of Aberdeen
Dundee
North across the Firth of Tay in the former county of Angus
is Dundee. A city of jam, printing and jute, Dundee is also home
to the Discovery Point Visitor Centre, based around Captain
Scott’s exploration ship, RRS Discovery, which sits
alongside. Another popular attraction is Sensation, which
provides a hands-on exhibition about the senses. Verdant Works
tracks Dundee’s long tradition of jute trading, in the Textile
Heritage Centre. For additional information contact the Dundee
Tourist Board
Perth
In 1437 King James I’s own relatives murdered the unpopular
monarch here, and later John Knox preached one of his earliest sermons
in the town. Today, Perth boasts Scotland’s Garden
and the National Tartan Centre, along with two castles and
Scone Palace, where Scottish monarchs were once crowned. For additional
information contact the Perthshire
Tourist Board
Elsewhere
St
Andrews is northeast of Edinburgh in the ‘Kingdom’
of Fife, is known to be the home of world golf. The town
has a university, castle and cathedral. The Lammas Fair takes
place every month of August. Some 25km or 15 miles to the north
is Glamis, whose castle features in Shakespeare’s
Macbeth.
West of Dundee is the former county of Perthshire. This region was
centre of the Pictish realm, and also the northernmost area in Britain
occupied by the Romans.
Up the coast from Dundee is Carnoustie, also famous in golfing
circles around the world. Next is Arbroath, which has a ruined
Abbey and a strong fishing heritage – the famous ‘Arbroath
Smokies’ (smoked haddock) originate from here. Further north,
the town of Montrose has sandy beaches and fine broad streets.
North past Aberdeen to Peterhead and Fraserburgh,
the coastal trail leads through small fishing villages, then west
along the Moray Firth to the Georgian town of Banff and the
magnificent Duff House, where part of the collection of the
National Galleries can be seen. Further along this coastline is
Elgin, which has a ruined cathedral and a restored abbey
church. There are many highland gatherings and games in this area.
Beyond Inverness, the countryside is mainly glens, moorland and
forests, and home to some of Britain’s rarest fauna, including
wildcats and golden eagles.
Most of the towns and villages in this area are small. Highlights
include Dingwall and Invergordon. The towns of Thurso
and Wick mark the end of the railway line. John O’Groats,
north of Wick, is the northernmost village on the British mainland. |
