Scotland's Tourism

Scotland's Tourism

Scotland entertains visitors year round due to its beautiful scenery, history and genealogy. Many people travel to Scotland to understand their family history. The main tourist season is from April to October. Tourism plays a very important role in Scotland's culture. The major cities depend on tourism for jobs and infrastructure. Tourism employs over 200,000 people and generates over $6 billion. Most of the overseas visitors are from the United States (14%). The rest of the overseas tourists include Germany (11%), Irish Republic (8%), France (7%), Spain (6%), Netherlands (6%), Australia (6%), Canada (4%), Norway (4%), Italy (4%) and the rest of the world (5.57%).

Tourist Destinations - Attractions

• Edinburgh - The capital city, which includes the Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Our Dynamic Earth and the Royal Mile. The city also has three universities.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

• Glasgow - The second largest city, which includes the Burrell Collection, Glasgow Catherdral, the Glasgow Science Centre and the Kelvingrove Museum. It is believed that the Victorian and Gothic architecture, shopping and universities are big attractions. 

Glasgow Cathedral

• Stirling - A historical town nicknamed the "Gateway to the Highlands", which includes Stirling Castle, the Wallace National Monument and the Thieves Pot/Thistles Centre. 

Stirling Castle

• Aberdeen - Also called the "Granite City", includes two universities. Also found to be attractive because of its gothic architecture.
• St Andrews - Centered around golf, Aberdeen is known as the home of the modern game. The University of Aberdeen is the oldest university in Scotland.
• Perth - A very historic city known for its parkland. 
• Inverness - The administrative centre for the Highlands and serves as the transport hub.
• Ayrshire - Has history with Robert Burns, contains beautiful scenery, golf courses and outdoor activities.

National Parks

-The parks are wilderness areas under private ownership.

• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park - created in 2002
• Cairngorms National Park - created in 2003

Museums

 -Like every other country, Scotland has a very long list of museums. The national museums include:

• The National Museum of Scotland - It is composed of two museums, The Museum of Scotland and the Royal Museum.
• The National Museum of Flight - Located in East Lothian
• The National Museum of Rural Life - Located in South Lanarkshire
• The National War Museum - Located at the Edinburgh Castle