Situated within a vibrant Europe, Scotland is progressive nation built on dynamism, creativity and the fabulous warmth of its people.

Tourism is one of Scotland’s most lucrative assets, focusing on such attractions as golf, walking and a rich history. In industry, too, the country is pioneering and enterprising. Key business sectors include life sciences, electronic technologies, energy and financial services.

Scotland also boasts a thriving export market with an impressive global reach, especially in food and drink – including Scotland’s famous whisky – and chemicals. Scotland has been handing down its traditions for close to a thousand years now, since the earliest days of the clans in the 12th century. 

 

However, Scottish traditions are not something sterile under glass and steel in a cold museum. They are vibrant, living things, constantly growing and evolving, and every generation adds the thumbprint of its own particular Scottish culture to the whole. Take, for example, the 60 Highland Games that still take place all across Scotland annually - those are a uniquely Scottish mix of culture, sports, music and community.

The history of Scotland is fascinating and complex; there are Roman soldiers, Vikings, noble clansmen, powerful ruling monarchs and even enlightened philosophers. Scotland has experienced extraordinary growth and change during the course of its lifetime - it’s a place that has been invaded and settled many times and that has made mighty contributions to culture and society. Explore thousands of years of people and events with our timeline that highlights some of the most significant moments in Scotland’s fascinating history.

Isle of Skye - swim in fairy pools

Walk to the series of pools and waterfalls near Glenbrittle on the Isle of Skye. Look through the clear emerald water for the underwater arch between the two top pools. If you are feeling energetic, continue into Coire na Creiche on a five-mile circular walk that takes you into the magnificent Cuillin Mountains without any difficult scrambling or climbing.

Angus coast - pink sand beaches

The white sands of the west coast are renowned, but Lunan Bay is a lesser-known spot on the Angus coastline, in the east of the country, which has pink sandstone hues. The two-mile stretch is overlooked by Red Castle, a crumbling 12th-century fortress.

Orkney - see a 5,000-year-old village

Sophie Campbell, Telegraph Travel's Britain expert, recommends visiting Skara Brae on Orkney, a neolithic village that was uncovered when a storm disturbed a sand dune in 1850.