Scotland is a land of scenic beauty. The dramatic Highlands with their snow-capped mountains, wooded glens and shining lochs gradually dive way to the meandering salmon rivers, rich farmlands and picturesque villages of the Lowlands.

This is the land of tartans and fine malt whisky, of romantic castles and the haunting melodies of bagpipes. Scotland also has a rich cultural heritage, epitomized by the lively Highland Games which take place up and down the country between May and September. As many a gathering, you'll see the swirl of the kilt in events like tossing the caber, throwing the hammer and sword dancing, accompanied by the skirt of the pipes and the beat of masses drums. The appeals of Scotland are undoubtedly unique and the unbeatable hospitality of the Scottish people will make your visit one to be fondly remembered.

Scotland is bounded in the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, and in the east by the North Sea. The mainland stretches 440 kilometres from the north to south, has a maximum width of 248 kilometres and in grinded by numerous islands, of which the principal group are the Orkney and the Shetland islands to the north and the Hebrides to the west.

Scotland is also as close to Norway as it is to Scotland, and 500 years ago it was part of Norway. Today it is still proud of its traditional music, and it is famous for its wool and knitting designs. In the Western Isles, the Island of Harris produces some of the most famous cloth in the world, known as "tweed". The total area of Scotland is 78800 square kilometers, representing 32% of the area of Britain. The area comprises some 77100 kilometres of land and 1700 square kilometres of island water. The coastline, including that of the islands, measures some 10100 kilometres.