There are six principal cities in Scotland summary information on which is provided below.

Stirling

Stirling is located in central Scotland, thirty eight miles N.W. of Edinburgh. Population 38,000. Stirling benefits from good communications: buses, trains and roads. Well served with shops, restaurants and accommodation providers. High volumes of tourists most of whom focus on top attraction, Stirling Castle.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city with population of 488,000. Located in central-south east of the country close to eastern shore. Here is the Scottish Parliament and many financial services businesses.

A very popular destination for tourists who are attracted by the famous castle and other sites such as the Royal Mile and Palace of Holyroodhouse. Visitor numbers peak in August due to a combination of the Edinburgh Fringe (cultural event) and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Edinburgh benefits from air, rail and road links. There is an extensive range of accommodation for visitors.

Glasgow

Glasgow is located in S.W. Scotland with population of 612,000 and as such ranks as Scotland’s largest city. Founded about 1500 years ago. This city was at forefront of the Industrial Revolution in 18th/19th centuries. Historically famous for shipbuilding on the River Clyde, now with a diverse economy and attracts large numbers of tourists.

Popular attractions include the medieval cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the Riverside (transport) Museum. Famous for the World Pipe Band Championships which take place during mid- August.

Glasgow is served by extensive rail, air and road links. There is a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

Inverness

Inverness is located about 160 miles north of Edinburgh and is known as ‘Capital of the Highlands’. Population is 47,000. An excellent base for touring the Highlands and islands such as Isle of Skye. Situated a few miles north of Loch Ness and as such very popular with visitors.

Inverness benefits from air, rail and road links. There is a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

Dundee

Dundee is a city based on the eastern side of Scotland, about 65 miles north of Edinburgh. Population is 148,000.

Main access to the city is by road or rail, although there is an airport for small aircraft.

Historically connected with the jute industry and shipping. Industries now include video games and publishing.

Popular visitor attractions include the RRS Discovery, a three masted research ship from 1901, and the V&A, a design museum located on the waterfront.

There is a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen has a population of 201,000 and is located on the east coast of Scotland, 128 miles north of Edinburgh.

This city grew from small beginnings, originally involved in fishing . However, Aberdeen is now principally a base for companies specialising in servicing the North sea oil extraction industry and as such it’s fortunes tend to be linked to the oil price and available reserves.

Aberdeen is also a ferry port offering regular services to Orkney and Shetland to the north. The city is also a good base for persons wishing to visit castles and whisky distilleries in the N.E. of Scotland, including Speyside.

Travellers benefit from good air, rail and road links. There is a wide range of accommodation for all budgets.

For more information on Scotland’s cities and other aspects of visiting Scotland refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4