

Fierce battles of long ago are easily imagined in staggering stone fortresses. Scenic lakes (you decide if the Loch Ness monster exists), forests and coastlines, world-class cities and picture-book villages, and the legendary Highland Games just might inspire you to don a kilt during your visit.
If you love castles, this is the place. Scotland has everything from atmospheric medieval ruins to magnificent Georgian piles. Prefer a theatrical street party? The Edinburgh International Festival in late August is huge, but arguably bigger is Fringe, EIF's unruly offshoot; it spills out of theaters onto Edinburgh's streets. When you're ready to eat, know that Scotland is more than just haggis. Try fresh seafood, excellent red meats, and traditional ingredients such as oatmeal and wild berries used in new ways. Where there's food, there's drinks; the British government closely monitors the process of producing whisky—spelled without the "e" here. A typical distillery visit includes a presentation, a tour, and a tasting. Walk it off with a hike through a glens or a round of golf where the sport was born.
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