12 Things I LOVE About Scotland

 

When I left for Brazil, I was elated to leave Scotland as I found Scotland to be really boring and rainy. However, now I see it as a huge privilege to live in such an amazing country, it's not perfect, just look at this post. I say this with complete honesty, living in Scotland has more advantages than disadvantages and if you come to Scotland as a tourist, you will be blown away. 

1. There Are NO Tuition Fees In Scotland

If you are Scottish are an EU citizen, you can study at university without needing to pay for it. It's insane when Americans tell me how much they have to pay, just to go to university. While in England, some people will have to pay about £10,000 per year and to me that is just insane. I've been told that student debt is something that some people can spend years to pay off and there are loads of protests in England every year over how students are expected to pay such extortionate fees. 

2. Scotland Is Not Dangerous

Being a victim of crime in Scotland is extremely low, not even if you're a tourist. As far as I'm aware, there aren't any scammers around Edinburgh who prey on tourists. Glasgow gets a bad rap for knife crime, however I have never been stabbed and stabbings are extremely rare. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh are incredibly safe cities with a competent police force. Pickpocketing and mugging would be incredibly rare in Scotland and simply not to worry about. I can walk around Glasgow at night and without having to worry about any sort of danger, the rough reputation of Glasgow is greatly exaggerated. 

3. Scottish Humour

What Scotland can pride itself in the fact that we are full of jokes, the humour can be self-deprecating too, if you asked me what it's like to be Scottish, I'd say: "It's shite being Scottish" Glasgow has a brilliantly dark sense of humour, in the words of comedian Janey Godley "If you told someone in Glasgow your dad has died, they'll ask what size of shoe was he?" As a people we love to have banter, even if it's with people we hardly know. Scotland is home to some of the greatest standup comedians, Frankie Boyle and Kevin Bridges are both natives to Glasgow. Furthermore, Glasgow is also where brilliant shows such as Still Game and Limmy's Show are set. 

4. We Are Extremely Kind-Hearted

Many people who visit London or Paris will find that when they get there, the people who live there seem to be very rude and have a get out of my way attitude. Scottish people are laid-back and fairly outgoing. Scottish people know how to change someone's mood on a bad day and it's heartwarming to hear of stories of Scottish people doing amazing acts of kindness. Scottish people are also extremely welcome to tourists and people in Glasgow look out for one another.

5. It Is a Country Beautiful By Nature

Scotland has previously been voted as the most beautiful country in the world and it is easy to see why. The rain may frustrate me, but Scotland is beautiful because it rains. Scotland was voted the most beautiful country in the world and I can understand why. Scotland has beautiful lochs, scenic glenns and incredible mountains. There are amazing natural landscapes in Scotland that I'm yet to see, however some of the best natural sites are in the Trossachs and the Isle of Skye is something that every Scottish person should see at least once in their life. 

6. It Is Great For Hiking 

As Scotland's nature is extremely stunning, it's no doubt a hiker's paradise. Unlike hiking somewhere like Australia or Canada, you don't need to worry about dingos or bears. My dad has been a keen hiker for over 10 years and has climbed all 282 munros, my first munro was Ben Lomond at the age of 8 and it certainly was a day to remember. There are hundreds of possible hiking spots in Scotland and there are mountains of all shapes and sizes. As long as you have a car, the opportunity to find some amazing mountains to climb is yours. 

7. The History Is Rich 

Most people know Braveheart, but historians would cringe at how historically inaccurate the film is. Outlander, a story literally about time travel is more historically accurate than the Hollywood portrayal with Jew-hating alcoholic, Mel Gibson as our national hero. My university is quite possibly built on the sites that William Wallace's army fought the English and the Wallace Monument is there to commemorate it. In Edinburgh, there are buildings all over that are hundreds of years old, there's something to be found out about on every corner. 

8. There Are Loads Of Beautiful Castles

As Scotland is rich for its history, there are loads of castles, something that one of my Brazilian friends is fascinated about. The most famous castle is of course Edinburgh castle which is located on top of a hill and is a huge tourist attraction nowadays. However, there are loads of old abandoned castles, an amazing sight I have seen is Eilean Donan Castle in the Highlands which is located on Loch Long. Furthermore, there are loads of old castles which you can explore the insides of such as Tantallon Castle near North Berwick and Newark Castle in Port Glasgow. 

9. The Football

We might not be in the biggest contenders such as Brazil or Germany as a footballing nation, but football wouldn't be the sport it is today without Scotland's massive contributions. Diego Maradona's first goal for Argentina was at Hampden Park against Scotland, it was a Scottish immigrant in Brazil who introduced football to the country and Queens Park is one of the first football clubs to have ever been established. Although Scotland hasn't qualified for an international tournament since 1998, we all stand behind our team when they need it. 

The Old Firm is regarded as one of the biggest football rivalries in the world and the Old Firm is something I really don't care about as a Hearts fan. I think the Edinburgh derby is just as passionate, but with less religious hatred and violence. Saying this as a Hearts fan, no matter what team you support, our atmospheres really are brimming with passion.

10. We Love A Drink

Something which brings Scottish people together is a wee dram, the stereotype that Scottish people love to get drunk is true, but it's also true for the Canadians, the Japanese, the Serbs, the Greeks, the French, the Spanish, the Italians, the Koreans, the Polish, the Russians, the Brazilians and the Czechs. It's not just a Scottish thing to enjoy getting absolutely smashed with your friends, however, we are the home of whisky. There are loads of distilleries around Scotland, however I still haven't made it to one to try some. 

Scotland's biggest beer is Tenant's, however it's an awful beer which is really just sparkling water and no different from Budweiser. However, Scotland is also home to the massively successful Brewdog which has gone global and produces tastes of all kinds when it comes to beer.

11. The Architecture 

No matter if you're in, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling or Inverness, there's always a reason to look up. Many of the architecture in the Glasgow city centre are works of art, while the architecture of Edinburgh and many other cities can date back many hundreds of years. Even though Stirling city centre doesn't have much going for it, the architecture gives the city some character. In the smaller towns of Scotland, both the old and new houses look picturesque. 

  

12. The Food

Although haggis might be the least appetising dish in the world, it is incredibly delicious, although I hardly ever have it for dinner. Scottish confectionary is very good, nothing quite beats a Tunnock's tea cake or caramel wafer. Scottish tablet is an amazing snack as well which is made with sugar and butter. Having fry up really is something, Scottish black pudding is another delicious food even though it's just dried blood.