Everyone loves
Edinburgh and Inverness, but there is more to Scotland than the well traveled
sights. When it comes to hidden gems, Scotland shines. From stunning islands to
Neolithic Stone Circles, Scotland has it all.
Iona:
An ancient and
continuing place of pilgrimage in the Inner Hebrides. It is referred to as
“Scotland’s Sacred Heart.” Only the residents of Iona are allowed vehicles on
the island. Visitors’ cars are left on Mull before the ½ mile trip over
sparkling waters to the Island of Kings. Iona is considered a holy place where
the veil between the mortal and the eternal is very thin.
Cairngorm
Reindeer Center:
Britain’s only
herd of wild reindeer. There are about 150, and they are friendly and
beautiful. You can get close, walk among
the reindeer, and even pet them when you take a tour through the hillsides with
a ranger.
The Isle of
Skye:
Skye is the
most important center for Gaelic culture in Scotland. While there, take a
three-hour boat trip in a rigid, inflatable boat and check out the sea life.
It’s a good time, and great to be out on the wild, open ocean. If you prefer to
stay on land, a two-day trek of the Cuillin Ridge is the finest mountaineering
experience in the British Isles. A five-day basic rock-climbing course is
available.
Angus:
This area was the heart of the Pict culture
during the 7th and 8th centuries, and you’ll find a number of Pictish stones
with symbols carved on them.
Ring of
Brodgar:
At Callanish in
Lewis, and Brodgar in Orkney, neolithic people built magnificent stone circles
that rival Stonehenge. You can visit the Ring, the Neolithic Village of Skara
Brae, or take day trips to even more remote islands. The Aurora Borealis are
incredible here.
The Stone of
Destiny:
Legend has it
that in the 6th century B.C. two princesses from Jerusalem a stone called
Jacob’s Pillow—the very same that Jacob had lain upon while dreaming of angels
ascending a ladder. Legend goes on to say that Jacob’s Pillow became the Stone
of Destiny, and that kings from the line of David (and the princesses) were
crowned to rule the land around Lough Neagh. In 1296, the English took the
stone south, a symbol of their disdain and suppression of the Scots. For
centuries it rested beneath the coronation chair in Westminster Abbey and was
called the Stone of Scone. It was recently returned to Scotland and is now at
Edinburgh Castle.
Argyle, The
cradle of Scotland:
This was the
kingdom of Dalraida, founded by the “scot” that came from Ireland about 502 AD,
bringing Jacob’s Pillow. (Now known as the Stone of Destiny.) In 843 AD
marriage united the Pictish kingdom with Dalraida, creating Scotland as its own
entity.
The Brough of
Mousa & Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement:
Layers of
history were uncovered at this site near the southern tip of Shetland during a
storm. The shell of a 16th century
Laird’s House is the only structure to rise above the ground. It’s settled
above a prehistoric fort, which was converted during the Iron Age into a round
house. Around the site are the remains of a Viking farm from the ninth century
and a communal longhouse that is 68 feet long. Other layers include a
settlement from the 2nd century BC, and a medieval farm from the 14th century
AD.Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
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