The crown of eco-friendly city breaks

I surveyed the landscape surrounding Stirling Castle and could totally see why the castle was positioned here. Its commanding view stretched for miles to the distant mountains - and (like Edinburgh Castle), being positioned on top of a steep hill gave its occupants a distinct advantage over any attacks.  

Fortunately, those days are resigned to history books and films, visitors like me can enjoy the beautiful gardens filled with yellow roses and admire the apartments once graced by Mary Queen of Scots. 

It’s easy to see why Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II frequently stayed in Scotland in the summer - there’s so much rural, unspoilt countryside that the Royal Family could savour away from the crowds. 

The Greenest Major Cities 

You may be surprised to learn that Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow are three of the ‘greenest’ major cities in the UK and they're also surrounded by this natural beauty. 

Where History Was Made 

To the west of Aberdeen, located in the Cairngorms National Park, Balmoral is a cherished place where The Queen spent her final days, and where Prince Charles became His Majesty King Charles III. 

Before The Queen was laid to rest in Windsor, the coffin was driven to the Palace of Holyrood house in Edinburgh and then to St Giles’ Cathedral along the Royal Mile where the public could pay their respects. 

These locations in Scotland will forever be part of our history and will be places you’ll feel drawn to in the months to come now that this Scottish Palace has reopened. 

The lovely village of Luss 

One of the highlights of my time in Scotland was going to Luss on a clear summer's day. Less than an hour from Glasgow, Luss is a peaceful village with pretty cottages next to Loch Lomond - I could’ve spent all day here soaking up the sunshine and stunning scenery.  

There are a couple of holiday lets in Luss, as well as a campsite for an eco-holiday off-grid. I can appreciate the appeal of staying here for a few days and taking morning strolls along the Loch, kayaking, or taking the waterbus which links the eastern and western shores. 

Longer Nights and Northern Lights 

Its rural location makes it such a great area for stargazing, and as the nights start to become longer, there are even more chances of seeing the northern lights. 

I visited Luss and Stirling Castle by booking a tour with Discover Scotland Tours, it was the perfect way to explore this scenic area with a guide bringing all the history to life with stories and insight. 

Have you a story to share about your time in Scotland? We’d love to hear about it! Write to us at info@tripr.travel and we may feature your story too! 

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