Transcript Scotland Things to see and do! Teran Frick Getting Around Trains- some of the most affordable, quick options, especially for lengthy travel.

Scotland
Things to see and do!
Teran Frick
Getting Around
Trains- some of the most affordable, quick options,
especially for lengthy travel. http://www.scotrail.co.uk
Buses- best for short distances
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland_east/journey_
planning/timetables/index.php?operator=25&page=1&r
edirect=no
Glasgow
History/Architecture
Glasgow Cathedral: An example of great Scottish Gothic architecture, the cathedral has been in use as
a place of worship for more than 800 years.
City Chambers (18): This magnificent building in the heart of Glasgow is the headquarters for Glasgow
City Council. It is home to stunning marble staircases, mahogany-filled rooms and epic
chandeliers. Free guided tours are available twice a day at 10.30am and 2.30pm, or feel free to just
wander round yourself.
The Arts
Glasgow School of Art– A working school to this day, many a great student has graduated from this
prestigious school. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh – it has certainly put Glasgow on the
map for art.
Gallery of Modern Art –Located on the verge of Merchant City – the iconic façade is definitely worth
checking out. Just outside the main entrance, make sure to take a photo of the Duke of
Wellington sculpture, which can often be found with a traffic cone on top of it after the night
before.
Glasgow
Museums
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: This free attraction exhibits many wonders, including
Salvador Dali’s ‘Christ of St John on the Cross’ and various Charles Rennie Mackintosh
pieces. Even if museums aren’t your thing – the red sandstone building is impressive
nonetheless.
Hunterian Museum: Based within the University of Glasgow, this free museum exhibits
remnants of the lesser-known Antonine Wall. Built around the year AD 142 in the reign of
the Romans. It ran coast-to-coast across Scotland from the Clyde to the Firth of Forth. The
University building is well worth exploring as it is very “Hogwarts-esque”. Keep an eye out
for graduating students which will be robed up at this time of year.
Riverside Museum: Located on the banks of the Clyde, this free museum is Scotland’s Museum
of Transport and Travel. The collection is housed in an ultra-modern building with
fantastic views up the river. Why not visit The Tall Ship just next door; one of hundreds of
ships built in Glasgow’s famous shipyards.
Glasgow
Attractions
Shopping: Glasgow is known as the second best place to go shopping in the UK
outside of London. The city centre is packed with places to buy the latest
fashion. Buchanan Galleries is ideal if the weather is a wee bit “dreich”. Check
out Byres Road for vintage second-hand clothes shops as well.
Kelvingrove Park: The River Kelvin runs through these grounds that surround the
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. There are great opportunities for photos
of the ancient University in this vicinity.
Botanic Gardens (3): On a sunny day the gardens are packed with Glaswegians
topping up their tan. The exquisitely designed greenhouses host a wealth of
tropical and bizarre flora. After a stroll around the grounds, pop over to Oran
Mor (40)– the converted church which is now a pub – for a nice refreshing drink.
Glasgow
Transport
Subway – The ‘Clockwork Orange’ as
it’s known to locals. This fast,
easy to navigate mode of
transport is one of the best ways
to explore the city on a budget. A
‘Discovery’ ticket (unlimited all
day use) is £3.50.
Walk! (or you could pay for a cab if
you really need to!)
Glasgow
Eating out:
Glasgow has long been renowned for a good choice of international cuisine and is now quickly
emerging as a stylish, thriving city, one of the most exciting places in the UK in which to
eat out. There are restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
Republic Bier Halle on Gordon Street (just off Buchanan Street) offers a great selection of beers
from around the world and 2 for 1 pizza between Noon and 10pm everyday.
The Counting House at George Square is a pub situated in a former bank building. Food and
drink very reasonable and Thursday is “Curry Club” night with meals for two offered at
discount prices.
Café Andaluz on St Vincent Place offers Spanish Tapas, lunch and dinner menus available.
Student discounts offered (take your ID and Snapfax).
If you wanted to try quality, traditional Scottish fare the following places serve up authentic
fresh dishes using locally sourced ingredients but are a bit more expensive than the other
suggestions above.
The Bothy situated down a cobbled lane off Byres Road in the west end:
http://www.bothyglasgow.co.uk/
Stravaigin on Gibson Street near the University of Glasgow: http://www.stravaigin.co.uk/
Glasgow
******The Willow Tea Rooms: A Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed building
with a cute upstairs café and furniture to compliment Mackintosh’s designs.
Tchai-Ovna (Otago Lane – off Gibson Street, West End of Glasgow): A quirky,
laidback tearoom hidden away near the University of Glasgow. They offer over
80 varieties of tea from all over the world, as well as a range of vegetarian food
and even a Zen room. Andy’s tea tip: try the Yogi Yogi Chai – a spiced milk
concoction.
University Café (87 Byres Road, West End): One of only a few eateries in Glasgow
to have been mentioned in the New York Times. This old-school (opened in
1918) diner is the place to go for a hearty (*not healthy) Scottish breakfast. Make
sure to save space for the vast range of pick’n’mix (candy) behind the counter.
Glasgow
Nightlife:
Glasgow is considered Scotland’s number one city for nightlife. Remember your student ID as
most places offer discounted entry.
Check out these great websites for detailed listings of what is going on including gigs, art
exhibitions, comedy clubs and club nights in Glasgow:
http://www.seeglasgow.com/what's-on/
http://www.theskinny.co.uk/listings
Glasgow
Accommodation:
There are a number of cheap hostels, hotels and B&Bs in Glasgow.
Check out this website for cheap hotels and hostels: http://glasgowguide.laterooms.com/en/p3325/Hotels.aspx
Easy Hotel offers rooms from as little as £25 per night. http://www.easyhotel.com/hotels/glasgow_city.html
Euro Hostel http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/glasgow
Travelodge and Holiday Inn both have hotels in very central locations and are usually relatively inexpensive.
St. Andrews
History St Andrews Cathedral: Buy a joint ticket to enter both St Andrews Cathedral and St
Andrews Castle. Most of the Cathedral grounds are free to enter, but the paid ticket offers
entrance to an exhibition of stone carvings (more interesting than it sounds) and a trip up
St Rule’s Tower. St Rule’s Tower is one of the only surviving sections of the Cathedral
ruins, and if you can face climbing nearly 200 steps to the top, you will be rewarded with a
fantastic view of St Andrews’ town, the beaches and the North Sea.
St Andrews Castle: St Andrews Castle is also now in ruins, but there is a wonderful illustrated
history of St Andrews and the Castle in the visitors’ centre. The Castle itself hides some
harrowing sights from more dangerous times in history including the bottle dungeon, the
mine and counter-mine.
St Salvator’s Chapel: The beautiful St Salvator’s Chapel is found in St Salvator’s College. One of
the oldest surviving colleges of the University of St Andrews, St Salvator’s College is most
recently famous for being the home of Prince William in his first year of study in St
Andrews. It is a remarkable, beautiful structure with amazing wood carvings. St Salvator’s
Chapel also holds the pulpit which originally stood in Holy Trinity Church when John
Knox preached a three-day sermon.
St. Andrews
Museums
Museum of the University of St Andrews: displays to the public some of the treasures from the
University's collection of over 112,000 artefacts. What’s more, there is a great view of the
sea from the museum. It is free to enter and is another fantastic way to get a feel for the rich
history of the University and its relationship with the town of St Andrews. Opening times:
10am-5pm. (Found on the Scores)
St Andrews Museum-Kinburn Park, a short walk west of North Street. Built as a private
residence in 1855 and named after a Crimean battle of the same year, Kinburn Castle
became the home of St Andrews Museum in 1991. The Museum explores St Andrews'
heritage from early times to the 20th century, covering both the medieval period when the
Cathedral was one of the great religious centres of Europe and the growth of tourism
starting in the Victorian era. The museum currently has an exhibition called ‘Fabric of Life’
capturing tradition, change and survival from thriving textile industries from the knitwear,
tweeds and fine linen of Scotland through objects and photographs.
St. Andrews
Beaches
West Sands Beach: With a prestigious Blue Flag Award, this is one of the cleanest
beaches in the world, and probably one of the most diverse. Horse riders share
the sands with power-kiters, and the West Sands is one of the most popular
surfing beaches in Scotland. However, you are most likely to recognize this
beach from the iconic opening scene of the film ‘Chariots of Fire’. Why not
have a little jog along the West Sands to re-enact this powerful moment?
East Sands Beach and Harbour: The East Sands are an amazing beautiful stretch of
sand that’s like a mini bay really between the giant pier and the Kinkell cliffs.
***If you have a group and plan ahead of time, check out http://blownaway.co.uk
The guys that run the company are great fun and offer several different beach
experiences, like sea kayaking and land yachting!
St. Andrews
Food/drink
Ice Cream: St Andrews boasts two excellent ice cream parlours that entice visitors
even on the coldest of winter days, and often attract long queues in the summer.
B Jannettas on South Street boast 52 varieties of ice cream and Luvians Ice
Cream Parlour on Market Street have a long heritage of making Italian ice
cream in a wide variety of unusual flavours including such Scottish flavours as
Irn Bru and Scottish tablet.
***Fish Supper: grab a ‘fish supper’ – battered and deep-fried fish with a portion of
chips – from the Tail End Fish Bar on Market Street which is owned by the
same partners who brought fame to the Anstruther Fish Bar (an award winning
‘chippy’).
***Fudge Donut: Why not try a fudge donut at perhaps the best bakery in Scotland.
People come from all over to have one of these- it’s a must! You will find one at
Fisher and Donaldson bakery on Church Street.
St. Andrews
Attractions
The Old Course and the Himalayas Putting Green:
St Andrews is the world famous home of golf,
and no trip would be complete without a walk
down the 1st and 18th greens. Right next to the
West Sands these greens are open to the public.
Why not take a group picture on the Swilcan
Bridge?
Find about about the various ways to book a round of
golf on the Old Course. If you’re not a great
golfer, the best place to get a feel for the town’s
favourite sport is to play a round on the
Himalayas Putting Green, Officially the Ladies
Putting Club, founded in 1867 (found next to
the Old Course and right next to the sea). No
need to book in advance, just turn up and pay a
few pounds per person to enjoy the very first
‘mini-golf ’ course in the world.
Edinburgh
Scottish History
The Palace of Holyrood House: stands elegantly at the bottom of Edinburgh’s characterful Royal Mile. This sumptuous
Baroque Holyrood palace serves as the official residence in Scotland of The Queen and is used by the Royal
Family for State ceremonies. The palace is integral to Scottish history and is best known as the home of Mary
Queen of Scots, with some of the most dramatic episodes of her turbulent reign occurring at Holyroodhouse.
Mary was twice married in the Abbey and, in her private apartments, witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary
Rizzio by her jealous second husband, Lord Darnley. The palace also served briefly as Bonnie Prince Charlie’s
headquarters during the 1745 Jacobite uprising.
**The Scottish Parliament: as well as being the centre of Scottish politics, the Scottish Parliament is also a visitor
attraction, where you can learn about Scotland's political history, watch live debates and marvel at its unique
architecture. Entry to the Parliament is free and you can book a free tour to explore the impressive architecture
which was created by Enric Miralles, who sadly died before the building was opened. His designs drew inspiration
from a wide range of sources including the surrounding landscape, flower paintings by Charles Rennie
Mackintosh and the upturned boats on the seashore to create a unique space for Scotland’s new government
following devolution in 1999. www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/holyrood/index.htm
**The Royal Mile: Take a walk along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile which runs down Castle Hill in the old town centre. The
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh Castle is home to The
Scottish Crown Jewels; the Scottish crown is one of the
oldest in Europe. This majestic landmark with its
commanding position high above the city (Castle Hill)
offers stunning panoramic views over the city and
beyond. In its history Edinburgh Castle has withstood
many sieges and occupations, recent excavations have
shown there to have been a fort on the site since the IronAge. Today’s castle is a rich architectural mix reflecting
the castles varied uses as a palace, fortress and barracks.
www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/
Edinburgh
Greyfriar’s Bobby: Have your picture taken
with the statue of Greyfriar’s bobby. The
statue commemorates a little dog that
faithfully visited his master’s grave in
Greyfriars graveyard each day for 14
years. Having won the hearts of local
people, on his death he was buried near
to his master just inside the graveyard
entrance. The Greyfriars Kirk courtyard
is itself quite amazing and worth walking
around. It’s one of the most famous
inner-city graveyards in Europe. It is
estimated that there are many, many
layers of people buried on top of one
another in these grounds. ISS9TC will
visit the location in depth on Friday, 6th
July.
www.greyfriarsbobby.co.uk/home.html
J
John Knox House: John Knox House (43-45 High Street) is Edinburgh's
oldest Royal Mile mansion - the home of Mary, Queen of Scots'
Catholic goldsmith and the final resting place of Scotland's
controversial religious icon. Come and enjoy Edinburgh's vibrant
cultural centre on the Royal Mile and visit the historic John Knox
House and discover Scotland's stories. (Price £4.25 – Remember
Student Card!)
**Scott Monument: Dominating the gardens is the prickly Scott
Monument, a gothic structure built in the 1840s which is the largest
monument to a writer, Sir Walter Scott, in the world and can be climbed
for a small fee. There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument,
from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the
surrounding countryside. Find out more about Sir Walter Scott and the
monument in the museum room.
www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Scott-Monument.aspx
Edinburgh
Art- Museums are FREE!!!
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: Modern art lovers should visit
the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, a short and pleasant walk from
the city centre. Displays in the galleries’ two buildings include Cubist,
Expressionist, and Surrealist art, with highlights including works by Matisse,
Picasso and Dalí. Explore the delightful grounds which include a vast grass and
water landform sculpture as well as other artwork.
Scottish National Gallery: For lovers of fine art, the place to head is the Scottish
National Gallery which is located in grand interconnected buildings on the
Mound, between Princes Street and the Royal Mile. They house a superb
collection drawn from the early Renaissance to the late 19th century. Look out
for masterpieces from Raphael, Titian, El Greco, and Rembrandt to Van Gogh,
Monet and Cézanne. The Royal, also part of the complex, features a changing
programme of temporary exhibitions which have included work by Andy
Warhol and Elizabeth Blackadder.
Edinburgh
Museums
*Our Dynamic Earth: Our Dynamic Earth uses interactive exhibits to teach both kids and adults about the past present and future
of our planet. Whether coming face to face with an extinct dinosaur, feeling the sticky heat of a tropical rainforest or flying
over glaciers in prehistoric Scotland, Dynamic Earth presents all aspects of the planet we live in. Population growth,
concepts of time and the realities of climate change are just the tip of the iceberg (they even have a real one of those too!)
www.dynamicearth.co.uk/
**National Museum of Scotland: Following a major refurbishment project, the newly reopened museum now holds over 20,000
exhibits spread across 36 galleries. See the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, ancient Egyptian mummies and specimens
collected by Charles Darwin all under one roof. Step inside the treasure house of the National Museum of Scotland to
uncover stunning and surprising exhibits from around the world in its 16 new exhibition galleries, with 80% of objects being
displayed for the first time. www.nms.ac.uk/our_museums/national_museum.aspx
Museum of Childhood: is the world’s first museum which is dedicated to the history of childhood. See toys and games from across
the generations, marvel at teddies and dolls and listen to the sounds of a 1930s schoolroom. Get hands-on with the dressing
up costumes and games and make sure not to miss the brilliant collection of early Steiff Bears, Corgi cars and Barbie dolls.
www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Museum-of-Childhood
Writers’ Museum: in Edinburgh sits in the historic Lady Stair’s House which dates back to 1622, and celebrates the lives of three of
Scotland’s great writers - Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Hear all about these three great
literary men at the Writers’ Museum: see portraits of Robert Burns, the fishing rod and smoking pipe of Robert Louis
Stevenson and the actual printing press on which Sir Walter Scott’s famous Waverley novels were once printed.
www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/The-Writers--Museum
Edinburgh
Attractions
**Edinburgh Bus Tours: With 6 different types of bus tour to choose from why not take a trip on one and see and learn
about Edinburgh. The bus tours are reasonably priced and stop outside Waverly Station every 20 minutes.
www.edinburghtour.com/
**The Grassmarket: Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town (not far from the castle and the Royal Mile),
the Grassmarket area is one of the most vibrant, picturesque and hospitable areas of the city. A paradise of
independent merchants, designers and artisans, the Grassmarket Edinburgh is simply bursting with some of the
best shopping Edinburgh has to offer. www.grassmarket.net/
Edinburgh dungeons: Scare yourself silly in the Edinburgh dungeons. Let the dungeon take you on a journey (and rides)
through Edinburgh’s horrible history! An educational journey with a scary twist! www.thedungeons.co.uk/edinburgh/en/index.htm
Mary King’s Close Ghost tour: Hidden beneath the Royal Mile lies Mary King’s Close. These 16th and 17th century
streets below the city are full of history waiting to be discovered. Take an exciting tour (duration approx. 1 hour)
for £11 (student card required). www.realmarykingsclose.com/
Edinburgh
**Edinburgh Zoo: Edinburgh zoo is a great day out for all lovers of the natural world. Opened in 1913 it is now
one of Europe’s leading zoos for conservation and education. The zoo prides itself on its commitment to
educate visitors about threatened species and habitats. Covering over 80 acres of hillside (great views) it is
home to more than 1,000 animals. The zoo produces a daily ‘what’s-on’ sheet giving details of feeding
times, keeper talks and live animal presentations. The zoo has recently welcomed two pandas- Tian Tian
and Yang Guang. Catch the airport bus link (Airlink 100) to Edinburgh zoo which departs and returns
outside Waverly Station every 10 mins. www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
The Scotch Whisky Experience: Scotland’s national drink is honoured at the Scottish Whiskey Experience, on
the Royal Mile, where you can sample a dram at the end of your tour. Enjoy a barrel ride to learn all
about the whisky-making process and see the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whisky.
www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/
Go Shopping on Princes Street: Shop ‘til you drop on Princes Street which has a selection of high street and
designer stores.
Edinburgh
Free parks and gardens
**Walk up Arthur’s Seat: Arthur's Seat is the main peak of the group of hills which form most of Holyrood Park, a wild piece of highland
landscape in the centre of the city of Edinburgh, about a mile to the east of Edinburgh Castle. The hill rises above the city to a height of
251 m (823 ft), provides excellent panoramic views of the city, is quite easy to climb, and is a popular walk. Though it can be climbed
from almost any direction, the easiest and simplest ascent is from the East, where a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch.
Princes Street Gardens: Right beneath the castle and beside the city’s main shopping street is Princes Street Gardens which is a great place to take
a break from the hustle and bustle. Numerous statues and pretty flower arrangements are scattered across the park as well as an unusual
floral clock, a band stand, fountain and a play park. The park host concerts during the year and sparkles during the annual winter festival
with a German market, fair ground and ice rink.
**Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: another green attraction, near the boutique shopping area of Stockbridge. Founded in 1670 and covering 72
acres, the garden is considered to be one of the finest in the world. The John Hope Gateway, an eco-friendly interactive visitor centre
where you can discover more about work carried out by the Royal Botanical Gardens is also free to enter. http://www.rbge.org.uk/
Edinburgh
Eating out
***Oink (34 Victoria St, Grassmarket) – Delicious, pulled pork sandwiches at very reasonable
prices. www.oinkhogroast.co.uk/
Elephant House- “Birthplace of Harry Potter”- Be sure to check out the bathroom messages to
JKR!
Jekyll and Hyde pub deep in the very centre of 'Auld Reekie'. Here you will encounter sights and
sounds beyond those yet experienced by human kind. Take your pick from the seven sins
and the seven virtues, all chosen from the Dr's personal favorite cocktail recipes. www.eeriepubs.co.uk/jekyll-hyde
Kampung Ali Malaysian Delight The multitude of curries, soups and stir fries reflect the ethnic
diversity of Malaysian cuisine, from the coconut infused beef rendang to the Chinese
inspired chao koay teow. A bit further out, on Fountain Bridge, but well worth it.
www.list.co.uk/place/30916-kampung-ali-malaysian-delight/
Edinburgh
The Holyrood 9a Bar serving great burgers and selection of drinks, stones-throw
from Scottish Parliament building.
www.fullerthomson.com/downloads/menus/holyrood_menu.pdf
Café Royal in the heart of Edinburgh just of Princes Street, this “Edinburgh
Institution” is 180 years old. Surrounded by original stained-glass windows,
Victorian plasterwork and Doulton ceramic murals, you really feel that nothing
has changed in over 100 years. With a Scottish feel to the menu and friendly
service it’s worth a visit. www.caferoyal.org.uk/
Whiski Rooms great bistro/bar for a bit of lunch/dinner and one of the best Whisky
menus in Scotland. You can find live Jazz from 9pm on Thursday nights.
www.whiskirooms.co.uk/
Edinburgh
Accommodation:
There are a number of cheap hostels, hotels and B&Bs in Edinburgh.
(hostelworld.com)
***Budget Backpackers- http://www.budgetbackpackers.com
Easy Hotel offers rooms from as little as £25 per night;
www.easyhotel.com/
Euro Hostel; www.euro-hostels.co.uk/edinburgh/
Edinburgh- The Festival
City
 Known for festivals of music, movies, books, comedies
and much more, be sure to check out the local, current
listings.
 There are over a 100 venues in the city centre that are
utilized during these events and are very easy to find!
Stirling
Attractions-
Stirling Castle and Old Town Jail- take a tour of the historic
old military castle and city jail!
http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk
Bannockburn- take a 10 minute bus ride to the Bannockburn
Heritage Centre which commemorates the Battle of
Bannockburn and Scottish History.
http://www.nts.org.uk/property/bannockburn/
Stirling
Wallace Monument- make the
trek up to the highest point
from where William Wallace
stood at the Battle of Stirling
Bridge. One of the most
splendid views of the area.
http://nationalwallacemonu
ment.com
Tours
Wild in Scotland- small company that provides tours
throughout the country, including the Highlands and
Islands. Only open to people over 16 years of age- tours
are geared toward young adults. The most entertaining
and fun tour available!
http://www.wild-in-scotland.com
Highland Games
For a taste of Scottish traditions,
look into going to a
Highland game! From
carnival activities to
traditional athletic showings,
there’s something for
everyone.
http://www.shga.co.uk/visitorevents.php
Jacobite Express
A steam train, nicknamed the “Hogwarts Express” takes its
passengers on a journey that was used in the filming of
the Harry Potter movies!
http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/Jacobite_Det
ails.html
References
 Many of the recommendations I received from the
University of Stirling’s International Summer School
Coordinator and Interns. I either checked them out or
talked to people who did!
 ***indicate a high rating