You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to discover a country filled with astonishing nature, history, and adventure. Scotland offers all of this. With its rugged Highlands, deep lochs, and picturesque islands, the landscape feels both dramatic and comforting.
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Edinburgh, the capital, reflects this blend perfectly with its ancient castle rising above the city and its vibrant cultural life, including the world-famous Fringe Festival.
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Scotland’s past is rich with clans, battles, and legendary figures like William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots. Its traditions — from kilts and bagpipes to whisky and the Highland Games — remain deeply rooted in everyday life. Yet modern Scotland is equally impressive, known for its thriving arts scene, world-class universities, and important contributions to science and engineering.
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My personal love for Scotland began, like many, with the film Braveheart. Although not historically accurate, it sparked something in me. William Wallace was a patriot who fought for his country with pride and love. I always felt the same pride and love for my home country, the Canary islands, but I lived in Belgium my whole life. This distance from my home country made me admire Wallace’s determination in fighting for the place he loved. I’ve always felt that determined love for my country as well.
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When I first visited Edinburgh in 2010, while studying to become a travel agent at the age of 45, I felt an immediate connection. What I noticed very quickly was the kindness and helpfulness of the Scottish people. When I arrived at Edinburgh, Waverly Bridge I immediately saw Edinburgh Castle rise like a phoenix from his ashes above the city. I just stood there in awe. A moment I will never forget. When I first stepped off the bus at Waverley Bridge and saw Edinburgh Castle rise like a phoenix above the city, the castle took my breath away. I stood there for more than 10 minutes in awe. Back then, when you got off the bus, there were iron bars you could look through, giving you a perfect view of the castle. Today there is a concrete wall blocking most of it which saddens me in a way as it takes away my favourite view.
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Scotland instantly felt like home. The warmth and helpfulness of the Scottish people only deepened that feeling.