History

2. History From the stone circles of Orkney to the new parliament building being erected in Edinburgh, Scotland's dramatic history spans 8,000 years, years marked by invasions and independence, wars and religious upheavals, intrigues and subjugation. Yet it also saw the flowering of an imagination and inventiveness across many different fields of human endeavour and resulted in Scotland occupying a pivotal position, not only in a British context but in a European and worldwide one also - 19th-century Glasgow's title as Second City of the British Empire was no idle boast! Such a history has left its mark on the nation's psyche - as well as the landscape - and has contributed in no small way to the fierce pride with which the Scots view themselves and their country today.

3. Cities

4. The Six Cities of Scotland Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Stirling are all modern, dynamic and thriving centres which encapsulate all that is best about Scotland as it moves into the new century.Each has a distinctive character of its own but all guarantee their visitors a vibrant mix of history, culture and entertainment, stirred together. But if the cosmopolitan pace gets too much, then an escape to the tranquility of Scotland's breathtaking landscape is never more than a short trip from each.

5. Glasgow Right at the beginning of the 1990s, Glasgow celebrated its status as European 'City of Culture', and in 1999, its dazzling architecture won it the accolade of 'UK City of Architecture and Design'. Since then, the city has gone from strength to strength, building a reputation as a destination where a great experience is guaranteed if the visitor seeks culture, entertainment, good food and drink, an all-day shopping experience - or a taste of all of these.