To really enjoy the scenic beauty of Scotland, I strongly recommend that one must drive around and explore the places around the city. We were a group of 21 people who ventured out on this driving expedition. We started our 10-day trip from Edinburgh in five cars and drove to Pitlochry. On the way, we stopped at St Andrews golf course, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. You’ll get a breathtaking view from the place. Our next stop was at Blair Athol distillery in Pitlochry. This was the first time we saw how single malt whiskey was made. Most of the trees outside the distilleries have become black because of the fumes that emit from the distillers. And that’s how the police would catch illegal distilleries.
Ekta Surana
After spending a day there, we drove to Inverness through Loch Ness (it is a large, deep, freshwater lake). This drive was the most stunning and memorable experience we had. The never ending lake by the picturesque road was unimaginably beautiful. We drove into the local streets and stopped at smaller towns. All the streets have benches for visitors who want to stop and enjoy a small picnic. The locals are very friendly. Once when we were enjoying our food (we had some Indian food) at one such picnic spot, we were welcomed by the locals who joined us. They loved our dishes.
Loch Ness is every child’s dream with the stories of the Loch Ness monster and its sightings every other year. Driving to the Isle of Skye was another memorable journey. Known for its rugged landscapes, fishing villages and medieval castles, the island is one of the largest islands in Scotland. The walk to the place is a little long, but it is all worth when you see the white beach ahead. My daughter, who has taken a liking to photography, has managed to get some awesome clicks and she is so happy about the photos she has captured.
As there are not many sign boards, one could easily get lost while driving. And it happened to us too. Unlike in our country, we hardly meet people in the streets of some villages. Once we were lost in some village. It was one of our friends’ 25th wedding anniversary and we decided to celebrate the occasion with the locals. We got the traditional kilt for men and dresses for women and had the locals play the bagpipes. We had dinner with the locals and their hospitality was outstanding.
Scottish make really good pasta and jacket potatoes with different fillings. Even the salads and quinoa are must tries! If you are going for a driving expedition, it is better to go without any fixed plan — don’t be a tourist, rather be an explorer.
— As told to Merin James
