All of Scotland’s stories are somehow related to its drive for independence. Not surprising that the same drive animates today’s politicians.

Edinburgh was the country’s capital since the 15^th century while Glasgow, an industrial city morphed into a cultural capital these days. Edinburgh is also the residence of the British monarch in Scotland at the Palace of Hollyrood House and also the home of the order of the Thistle the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland. Close to Edinburgh is Rosslyn with its spectacularly decorated but unfinished chapel made famous by the “DaVinci Code” novel, the Blackness Palace, and the Palace of Linlithgow, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Stirling is associated with Scotland’s independence and is the home of William Wallace, its national hero. Scone palaces played a major role in the history of the country, being the coronation places for the Scottish kings stepping on the Stone of Scone. Nearby is Glamis, the Queen Mother’s Palace.

But what makes Scotland unique are the amazing national parks that invite you for hikes. Trossachs, Cairngorm, and nearby Loch Ness with their castle of Urquhart and Inverness, Ben Nevis, and Glen Coe with the Eilean Donan picturesque castle. Isle of Skye, the closest of the Inner Hebrides isles is a paradise for hiking. Old Man of Storr and Quiraing Loop are only two of the better-known hikes on the island. Around them, are waterfalls that collapse into the ocean, stone beaches, spectacular views, way more castles, old stone bridges, and charming villages, and of course a lot of whiskey distilleries.

(Scotland, UK, Fort Augustus)