Explore the beauty and history of Scotland in its Homecoming Year
This year is Homecoming Scotland, celebrating the country's breathtaking scenery, traditional cuisine, fascinating culture and rich heritage. Scotland will also be welcoming athletes for the 40th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and teams of golfers from Europe and the USA will be teeing off for the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
Scotland is hosting a year-long programme of events to celebrate the Year of Homecoming 2014, from outdoor activities exploring the beautiful countryside to arts events and mouth-watering food and drink festivals. This is definitely the best year to discover the culture, beauty and heritage of Scotland.
Sample traditional Scottish cuisine
Haggis is Scotland's national dish and the main part of every Burns Supper, but what is it? Haggis is a savoury pudding which combines sheep or calf's offal with suet, oatmeal and spices. It is boiled in a bag made from the animal's stomach and served with tatties (potatoes), neeps (turnip) and a dram of whisky, the national drink which is being celebrated this May as part of Whisky Month.
Discover Scotland's natural beauty
With thousands of miles of unspoilt coastline, majestic mountains and dramatic highland sea lochs, Scotland offers breathtaking scenery. From the hills of the Lowlands to the Cairngorms National Park and picturesque Loch Lomond, there are plenty of trails and walks to suit everyone. Or perhaps discover a variety of flora and fauna on the remote Outer Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland archipelago.
A great way to explore Scotland's beauty is on a Scottish Highlands and Islands cruise. From aboard the 54-passenger ship Lord of the Glens, see the mighty Glencoe Mountains and the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, before ascending Neptune's Staircase and crossing the famous Loch Ness on our new Highland Sea Lochs itinerary. Or perhaps discover the majestic lochs of Scotland's Great Glen and explore the beautiful islands of Mull, Skye and Eigg, home to a variety of marine and bird life on our popular Scottish Highlands and Hebridean Islands cruise.
Immerse yourself in culture and history
Scotland has a rich history and culture, from major battles to architectural treasures and strong traditions - a captivating mix! The country is scarred with battle sites following its bloody past with England and is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Antonine Wall built by Roman soldiers. You can uncover Scotland's rich history on our fascinating itineraries. Visit Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Maclean Clan, the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of fifty Scottish Kings and the infamous battlefield at Culloden where 'Bonnie' Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746.