Modern technology has ruled our daily lives. We can accomplish so many things on our smartphones.

When you’re out in a travel, it becomes so easy to capture every moment using your phone’s camera and share photos in social media. There’s more room for travel inspiration as you search for destinations that are—as what netizens call it—Instagram-worthy.

One particular place in mind is the great Scotland. Situated in the northern part of Great Britain, researchers believe that the area was first settled by hunter-gatherers who migrated in the area around 12,800 years ago.

Glasgow City, the largest metropolis

First-time travellers always stop by at Scotland’s largest metropolis—Glasgow City. Standing over the River Clyde, the area holds the ever popular Broomhill District and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Broomhill has a lot of interesting landmarks. Tourists can stay at the Victorian apartments where they can have a good time interacting with the locals. Eat and dine at the seafood restaurant of Wee Lochan; take a slice at Papa John’s Pizza; attend a mass inside the Church of Scotland; and walk around the different shopping centres in Crow Road and Broomhill Drive.

Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum which reopened in 2006. The edifice was originally constructed in 1901 by Sir John W. Simpson and E.J. Milner Allen. The façade is adapts the Spanish Baroque architectural style while the interior is dominated by a pipe organ standing in front of the Centre Hall. Art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the works of renowned artists Rembrandt van Rijn, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Gerard de Lairesse.

Edinburgh, the Athens of the North

The capital city of Edinburgh was once given the title “Athens of the North” due to its scholarly environment once inhabited by geniuses David Hume, Joseph Black and James Hutton. As a result of the Jacobite Rising in 1745, Edinburgh was replaced by Glasgow as Scotland’s largest metropolis. But the city remains as an iconic place of antiquity with other historical landmarks which include St. Giles Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament Building.

St. Giles Cathedral was said to be constructed during the 12th century in honor of the city’s patron saint. Unlike any other cathedral, St. Giles is popular among the locals for its internal divisions serving different Presbyterian congregations. The cathedral’s majestic stained glass window depicts John Knox preaching in front of the Regent Moray. It also houses the Thistle Chapel built in 1911 by Sir Robert Lorimer. Visitors can also pay their respects to the memorials of James Graham, Marquis of Montrose; the author Robert Louis Stevenson; and Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyll.

A few blocks away from the cathedral is the Scottish Parliament Building. The post-modern building was built in 1999 by Architect Enric Miralles. The place faced controversy which delayed its public opening. Queen Elizabeth II officially inaugurated the parliament building in 2004.

Arbroath Coast and Scotland’s Enchanting Castles

A trip to Scotland will not be complete without visiting the Arbroath coast and its surrounding attractions. The town was once known as “Aberbrothock” from the Brothock Burn.

There is also Kerr’s Miniature Railway which is known as the oldest minuscule railway in Scotland. Arbroath is known for its fishing harbors. Learn more about its history in the Harbor Visitor Centre. Amazing performances wait at Seafront Spectacular. Other beautiful attractions are St. Andrews Church, Knox’s Church and the West Kirk. Feel the cold breeze and view the pristine waters of the ocean as you stand at the edge of the cliffs along the Arbroath coast.

Explore the past as you visit three of Scotland’s stately fortresses—the Inveraray Castle, Dunnottar Castle and Edinburgh Castle.

Inveraray Castle sits along the shore of Loch Fyne. The Gothic Revival architecture was constructed in 1750 by William Adam and Roger Morris and has long served as a residence of the 12th Duke. The castle houses over 1,300 armors and weaponries. Visitors will enjoy touring the castle and trying out different activities such as deer hunting, farming and forestry.

At the south of Stonehaven lies Dunnottar Castle. The medieval fortress is widely known for taking part in the Jacobite Rising and for serving as the hiding place of the Scottish Crown Jewels during Oliver Cromwell’s invasion.

Edinburgh Castle, on the other hand, stands over the Castle Rock and has taken part in different land sieges such as Jacobite Rising and the 14th century Scottish Independence. While the fortress holds the Scottish Regalia, it also houses Scotland’s National War Memorial and the National War Museum. Tourists visiting the area must see the Foog’s Gate dating back since the 17th century. The St. Margaret’s Chapel is considered as the palace’s oldest building. There are also other attractions such as the Argyle Tower, Mons Meg, Crown Square and the Great Hall that served as a barracks during Cromwell’s invasion.

New Travel Memories

No matter what we do, what would always matter is the experience and learning we acquire from the situation. As memories tend to be forgotten over a long period of time, it would be much better if we can freeze those moments through photographs which we can treasure for a lifetime. Take your camera to a beautiful country like Scotland and have a memorable adventure.