Book your holiday flight to Scotland with Flights Direct and explore a land of grandeur and beauty where the people are proud and welcoming. As a holiday destination it's absolutely majestic. With its turbulent history and varied scenery, there are sights for all. You have a choice of four international airports to fly into: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick and Aberdeen. These cities are all great starting points from which to base your initial exploration of Scotland.

Great Cities in Scotland

Edinburgh

Scotland's capital contains a rich world of royal history-Edinburgh Castle grandly dominates the Old Town. Within the castle walls discover the 'Honours of Scotland' - Europe's oldest crown jewels, as well as the famous Stone of Scone, the ancient crowning seat of Scottish monarchs. Walk the Royal Mile through the Old Town to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which still today is the Queens official Scottish residence.

Glasgow

Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow is recognised for its architecture and design and is often described as Britain's finest Victorian city. Home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and many other museums, Glasgow showcases it love of culture. Famous architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh work is a huge part of the city's style, as are the gallery displays of art masterpieces from around the world. Glasgow's shopping experience is unsurpassed, chic and trendy Merchant City area and historic buildings make up Glasgows 'Style Mile'.

Glasgow

Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow is recognised for its architecture and design and is often described as Britain's finest Victorian city. Home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and many other museums, Glasgow showcases it love of culture. Famous architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh work is a huge part of the city's style, as are the gallery displays of art masterpieces from around the world. Glasgow's shopping experience is unsurpassed, chic and trendy Merchant City area and historic buildings make up Glasgows 'Style Mile'.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is Scotland's third largest city. Striking granite buildings that sparkle contribute to Aberdeen's heritage, as do the parks and gardens,-the Winter Gardens in Duthie Park is the largest garden under glass in Europe. The city is set on a dramatic coastline and it's maritime history is shown at the interactive Maritime Museum. Also Britain's largest National Park-Cairngorms is on the city's doorstep, with high mountain plateaus, lowland trails through pines and birchwood, Victorian sporting estates, and lochs and rivers for water enthusiasts.

Scotland's Attractions and Festivals

Beyond Scotland's cities the sheer variety of landscape makes for a breathtaking holiday experience. From lochs harbouring mysterious monsters, ancient standing stones and grand castles, Scotland's history will fire your imagination. Landscapes of mist shrouded highlands, rugged, wild moors, and dramatic sea coasts will inspire you.

The Scots celebrate their culture with Celtic passion, with festivals, and seasonal events throughout the year showcasing their unique heritage. Best known is probably the Highland games, and the premier event is the Braemar Highland Gathering which is often attended by royalty. Games and gatherings now take place throughout the country during summer in villages and cities, and are a combination of athletic events with music and dancing.

Other high profile events are the Edinburgh International Festival, the Military Tattoo in August featuring the massed pipes and drums, and the Spirit of Speyside Whisky festival in April

Many local festivals celebrate Scottish produce, coastal communities have seafood or boat festivals, while farming areas meet for agricultural shows.

Scotlands most widely celebrated traditional festival is Hogmanay on 31st December. marking the end of the old year, and parties take place everywhere in streets and villages.