Scotland boasts stunning castles, views, lochs, cities and historical sites. Here, Urquhart Castle overlooks Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. The castle changed hands many times during its history and, after many bloody battles, has been in ruins since the 17th century.
Courtesy Lulis Leal
Edinburgh Castle —
Possibly Scotland's most recognizable icon is majestic Edinburgh Castle. Its imposing structure rises from a mountain of jagged volcanic rock and towers over the city of Edinburgh.
Courtesy Lulis Leal
Edinburgh —
Edinburgh is split into the Old Town and New Town. The grand Royal Mile, shown here, is the main street running through Old Town. It connects the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the queen's official residence in Scotland.
Courtesy Lulis Leal
Edinburgh —
A glowing sunset lights up the architecture of Edinburgh.
Courtesy Ryan Winship
Isle of Mull —
Mull is the second-largest isle in the Inner Hebrides. From the scenic port of Fionnphort, shown here, you can catch a ferry to the smaller Isle of Iona, seen as the historical center of Christianity in Scotland.
Courtesy Arturo Lara
Isle of Iona —
Once on Iona, visitors can enjoy the peaceful Hill of the Angels, where it's said St. Columba used to pray. Columba founded a monastery on Iona and is credited with spreading Christianity in Scotland.
Courtesy Debi Bradford
Isle of Skye —
The Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides. It comes from the Norse, meaning "cloud island."
Courtesy Kelsey Anderson
Isle of Skye —
Skye's main attraction is its awe-inspiring natural scenery. Kilt Rock, seen in the background here, is named because its columns resemble the folds of a kilt. In the foreground is Mealt Falls.
Courtesy Debi Bradford
Loch Leven —
The many freshwater lochs of Scotland are famous for their beautiful still water and frequently misty surroundings. Glassy Loch Leven, here, is home to many species of birds.
Courtesy David Gibbs
Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe —
Here, Loch Leven meets Loch Linnhe in Ballchulish.
Courtesy Phil Conti
Loch Ness —
The most famous of the lochs by far is Loch Ness, supposed home of the infamous (and elusive) Loch Ness Monster. It's also home to the ruins of Urquhart Castle, seen in the first photo.
Courtesy Lulis Leal
Dunrobin Castle —
In Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle has been the stately home of nobility since the 13th century. It is one of the country's oldest continuously inhabited houses.
Courtesy Debi Bradford
Dunrobin Castle —
You can tour the castle and its grounds, and even watch a falconry demonstration.
Courtesy Debi Bradford
Orkney Islands —
Skara Brae, on the Orkney Islands, is one of the best-preserved prehistoric villages in Western Europe. The ancient homes are part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.
Courtesy Debi Bradford
Orkney Islands —
Also part of the same world heritage site on the Orkney Islands is the Ring of Brodgar. These large stones, placed in a circle, probably date to 2000 or 2500 B.C., according to Historic Scotland.
Courtesy Debi Bradford
Isle of Lewis —
Did you think Stonehenge was the only ancient display of stones on the British Isles? In addition to the Ring of Brodgar, Scotland boasts the Callanish (or Calanais in Gaelic) Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis. The main stones of the monument were put up 4,500 to 5,000 years ago.
Courtesy Rita Reynolds Gibbs
Isle of Lewis —
Also on the Isle of Lewis is Dun Carloway, one of the best examples of a Scottish "broch." Brochs were strong, tall circular dwellings. This one was probably built around A.D. 100, says Historic Scotland.
Courtesy David Gibbs
St. Andrews —
Anyone for golf? The coastal town of St. Andrews is known as the game's home. The famous Royal & Ancient Club also just made a landmark vote: The club decided to allow women to join its ranks.
Courtesy Lulis Leal
St. Andrews —
St. Andrews is also well-known for other reasons. The famous running on the beach scene from "Chariots of Fire" was filmed there, and Prince William and Kate Middleton met at the University of St. Andrews.
Courtesy Lulis Leal
Glen Coe —
Glen Coe is probably Scotland's most well-known glen, or valley.
Click the double arrow below for more photos of Scotland.
Courtesy Jill Thornton
Glen Coe —
A waterfall splashes down the slopes of scenic Glen Coe, popular for both long walks and bus tours.
Courtesy Jill Thornton
Stirling Castle —
The grand Stirling Castle was home to the Stewart dynasty. It is where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned at only 9 months old.
Courtesy Lulis Leal
Stirling Castle —
The castle is rife with Scottish history. "Braveheart" William Wallace led his famed defeat of the English army in 1297 at Stirling Bridge.
Courtesy Lulis Leal
Inverewe Garden & Estate —
Inverewe Garden features sub-tropical plants near Loch Ewe in the Highlands.
Courtesy Debi Bradford
Castle Stalker —
Castle Stalker (meaning "hunter") is surrounded by water near the town of Oban, creating this spectacular view. The castle, which dates to about 1320, is privately owned, so tours are limited.
Courtesy Ron Leckie
Glasgow —
Many tourists skip Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. But it has an urban charm all its own and is considered a cultural hub, especially for music.
Courtesy Lulis Leal
Glasgow —
Glasgow may not have the reputation for scenery that many Scottish cities and towns boast, but it has a beauty all its own. Here, the Victorian Glasgow Necropolis offers dramatic views.
