SCOTLAND
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Scotland is a country that is part of the island of Great Britain (along with Wales and England) and also belongs to the United Kingdom (which includes Northern Ireland). It is the northernmost part of the British Isles. Geographically, it borders only with England to the south. To the north and east, it is bordered by the North Sea and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Edinburgh is its capital, but Glasgow is the largest city. The official languages are English and Scottish Gaelic, a variant of Gaelic that is currently spoken very little.
It is estimated that the first settlers arrived in Scottish lands after the first glaciation, approximately 11,000 years ago. Millennia later, the Vikings came and occupied these lands.
During the expansion of the Roman Empire, which "Romanized" the British Isles, the southern part comprising Wales and England was called Britannia, and the northern part was named Caledonia ("Land of the Caledonians") because a large forest of Caledonian pine existed in what is now Scotland.
Centuries later, conflicts began between the kingdoms of the islands and European invasions. The Kingdom of Scotland formed alliances with France and remained an independent state until 1707, when the Act of Union was signed with England to create the Kingdom of Great Britain. Since then, the relationship between Scotland and the British government – a constitutional monarchy – has been challenging, marked by a “distant neighbors” dynamic, with ups and downs, bittersweet moments. In 1979, 1997, and 2014, referendums were held to seek independence from the United Kingdom or Great Britain, but the independence proposals were unsuccessful. However, today, following Brexit, there is Scottish unrest calling for a new referendum, as much of the population wishes to remain part of the European Union.
Until 1996, Scotland was divided geopolitically into 10 regions, but since then the configuration has changed and today there are 32 councils. Each of these councils has its peculiarities and attractions, so it is advisable to consult specialized tourism websites to see what interests you most and plan an unforgettable trip through relatively solitary and equally unforgettable lands.
The British Isles are low-lying territories with few hills or elevations. The true mountains are found in Scotland, with Ben Nevis being the highest peak in the United Kingdom. In Scotland, as throughout Great Britain, there are maps of public trails that anyone can follow, making hiking a very popular activity, especially in the areas of lakes and mountains.
Golf was invented in Scotland around the 15th century in St. Andrews, located in the region of Fife, which is why it is considered the birthplace of golf and also its capital, with seven courses in the area. It is so prestigious that six annual tournaments are held there, including the St. Andrews Links Trophy, one of the most coveted in the world.
Perhaps you know that golf, when invented, was an exclusive game for men, to the extent that its name is an acronym for "Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden."
Scotland is a country rich in traditions, legends, mythological characters, music with the bagpipe as its main instrument, mountainous areas, legendary lakes like Loch Ness near Inverness, where a prehistoric monster popularly known as Nessie is said to live, and the production of the world's best whiskies.
Did you know that in Mexico there is a group specializing in Scottish music? They are called “Batallón de San Patricio” – a very Irish name – and they play Scottish bagpipes. They give private concerts and also grace parties and official events with sounds so uncommon to the Mexican ear. They have been invited to celebrations in Europe and even in Ireland.
WHISKY
The most famous Scottish product in the world is undoubtedly whisky, an alcoholic beverage made by distilling fermented malt from barley, wheat, or rye, and even corn or other cereals. Its exact origin is unknown and is disputed between Scotland and Ireland, but in common parlance, to refer to a glass of whisky, one says, for example, “Waiter, serve me a Scotch.”
There are many whisky brands on the market, but only three types:
- Malt whisky: Mainly from barley, which, depending on its origin, can be Single Malt, made exclusively from malted barley in a single distillery, or Vatted Malt, a single type of malt from various distilleries.
- Grain whisky: Made from unmalted barley and other cereals such as corn.
- Blended whisky: The most common type in the Mexican market, a blend of the two previous types.
This raises the question: Which whisky is the best? An impossible question to answer. It is also impossible to say that the best way to drink whisky is straight, on the rocks, with a little natural water, with soda (highball), or with a splash of ginger wine (whisky mac). The best answer is yours, to drink whisky the way you like it. Cheers!
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One of the most beautiful and solitary regions of Scotland is the Highlands, where many traditions are preserved, whisky is produced, numerous lakes exist, and there are also castles – some from the medieval era and others with strong French influence.
https://machbel.com/15-castillos-escocia-sentirse-autentico-highlander-uno-salir-corriendo/
During these days of activities at home, apart from "home office" or online studies, while taking a break to see castles in Scotland, we can relax with Scottish music that includes bagpipes, violins, drums, and harps.
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