From the spectacular mountain vistas of Glencoe to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the Cuillin of Skye to the renowned Loch Ness, ancient villages to hidden pubs around the country, Scotland offers an endless list of tourist attractions, designed to suit every age and interest. The country is an enchanting mix of beauty, romance, wilderness and environmental cleanliness, whose authenticity and honesty contributes to its popularity. Abundant in the country are walking holidays in magnificent mountains, water sports, adventure sports and climbing among others.

Scotland is also a great destination for anglers, golfers and art connoisseurs, who will find here everything they need for a memorable vacation experience.

Scotland tourism is one of the largest and most significant business sectors within the nation, providing employment for nearly 200,000 people and generating tourist spending of over $6 billion annually. Scotland tourism is also a key element in the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of the country, from rural areas to major cities. Most visitors to Scotland take particular interest in its large diverse cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, while some of them find secluded rural areas great for relaxation and recreation.

Much of the successful functioning of Scotland tourism is due to the capital city - Edinburgh, the ancient seat of Scottish royalty that boasts a variety of literary and historic connections. Considered by many to be one of Europe's most beautiful and fascinating cities, Edinburgh looks like a theatrical backdrop, rather than like a city. Such diversity is a result of work of distinguished Victorian and Georgian architects, who have worked here during 18th and 19th centuries.

The view from the Calton Hill across the River Forth to Fife is a real masterpiece, looking more like a scene from the ancient Rome. Edinburgh is a city where rich past blends comfortably with present, offering a diverse mix of sites and attractions that appeal to even the most sophisticated traveler. It is also one of the best endowed cities in the nation, in the sense that visitors are offered a great deal to do and to see. In addition, Edinburgh is easily accessible by air, sea, road and rail, which explains its position of the most popular destination in the United Kingdom after London. Some of the most outstanding attractions in the city include Edinburgh Castle, Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Museum of Scotland, Royal Scottish Regimental Museum, Palace of Holyroodhouse, National Gallery of Scotland and Scottish National Portrait Gallery among others.

Nestled in the west Central Lowlands along the River Clyde, Glasgow is recognized as the largest and well as one of the oldest cities in Scotland, which owes much of its growth to the XVII-XVIII century tobacco trade. It is also ranked with Scotland's most visited cities, which contributes essential to the development of Scotland tourism and its prosperity. Much of the city's heavy industry has been replaced by commercial businesses and modern hi-tech. Along with Edinburgh, Glasgow is a flourishing cultural center of the country, with the annual Festival of Arts and numerous tourist attractions, such as Burrell Collection, Glasgow Cathedral, the Tenement House, Glasgow School of Art and much more.

Those planning a holiday in Scotland should take advantage of Scotland Tourist Board, offering info on the top attractions, accommodations, transportation, local culture and everything you may require for your stay in the country.