Scotland

Scotland is a constituent country of the United Kingdom occupying the northern third of Great Britain, renowned for its dramatic Highlands, lochs and castles. Its capital is Edinburgh, while Glasgow is the largest city. With its own legal and education systems and a devolved parliament, Scotland retains a strong national identity.

Scotland features the rugged mountains and deep lochs of the Highlands, the rolling Southern Uplands, the fertile Central Belt where most people live, and hundreds of islands. Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the British Isles. The climate is cool, wet and changeable.

Scottish culture is famous for bagpipes, tartans and kilts, whisky, Highland games and a rich literary and musical heritage. Edinburgh hosts the worlds largest arts festival, the Fringe, and the country celebrates traditions such as Burns Night and Hogmanay.

An independent kingdom for centuries, Scotland repelled English domination before the crowns united in 1603 and the parliaments joined in 1707 to form Great Britain. It retained distinct institutions and regained a devolved parliament in 1999.