This
site is dedicated to independent travel
throughout Scotland for people of all ages
and budgets. We are based in Europe and
have designed this site for our fellow travellers
keeping in mind all the information, advice,
tips and tricks we would like to hear for
our own travels. We hope you enjoy the site.
Happy travels.
Dining in Scotland
Haggis, skirlie, stovies, rowies, haddock ... you'd never guess these terms referred to food unless you've been to Scotland. We explain some of the delicacies here....
Travel Planning
If you need help planning your itinerary in Scotland contact us. Chances are we've been there or know someone that has. We can give you advice on anything from accomodation, to eating and shopping....
National Icons - the Scottish kilt
Tartan derives from the French word ‘tiretaine’ meaning woven cloth – and first expressed the Celts’ love of vivid colours by way of the plaid, a large piece of cloth belted in the middle. It gradually evolved into the shorter kilt to make a garment more practical for work and battle....
FOCUS ON
The Scottish Clan
All people of Scotland belong
to a Clan, an extended family
group (or tribe) which has
a chieftain - the tribal head
man. A person's surname will
be the same as the clan name,
although those of smaller
subgroup may have a different
surname. These groups are
known as septs of the clan.
Each clan has a tartan - a
pattern used in the weaving
of the woollen cloth used
for the skirts worn by Scottish
men, called the Kilt. Only
clan members may wear a kilt
of that clan's tartan. And
the consequences of wearing
a tartan to which you have
no entitlement can be grave.
For this reason some manufacturers
have invented tartans not
belonging to a clan. Each
clan also has a clan badge
bearing the clan's motto.
To cross the territory of
a clan you should obtain a
"chitty". This is a paper,
signed by the clan chief,
giving you permission to cross
the clan territory. The chitty
confers a sort of "temporary
membership" of the clan on
visitors. The issuing of "chitties"
is a result of Scottish Tourist
Board efforts to persuade
the Scots to be more "visitor
friendly", however, there
are some clans who may shoot
strangers on sight, even if
they have a chitty, are wearing
an appropriate tartan and
playing the pipes.
To read more about dress and
customs in Scotland click
here
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