Scotland for Dummies, eh? Not too sure how to take this and maybe I should read a copy from the library. Right off the bat, I can understand an 'Antarctic for Dummies' especially learning how to discover whisky there (
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8499931.stm) and the nature of the territory. But I'm not so sure we need such a volume on a country that borders England and a civilised nation (debatable) dating back to 800 AD. A country that gave the United States the foundation for its fundamental constitution in the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 AD, founding a University in Aberdeen 2 years before Columbus 'discovered' America and seemingly at least 50% of the signatures of the US Declaration of Independence were of Scot heritage.
However, 600 years on did not find many changes and only in the past 30 years has most change occurred for the average tourist punter. B&B's and accommodations in general, variety of foods, overall activities, road conditions and modern computer communications have excelled leaps and bounds over what was previously available.
The Scots are a curious lot, especially Glasweigns. Where Edinburgh has its head up its arse with superficial airs of actually being English and superior, Glasgow and the rest of Scotland are downright 'homely' in hospitality and curiosity over visitors. You'll have difficulty understanding these bastards if they choose to speak only in their local colloquialism, but a little perseverance and asking for explanation resolves any language barriers. Like Jamaica, the Scots do speak English fluently when they choose to do so.
I've never found Scotland to be a 'petting zoo', but the lassies are there and enjoy a good night out. Not a patch on Scandinavia, Iceland or Nova Scotia however... those countries (regions) are a completely different western ballpark.
I could go on...but why ruin the fun? A parting shot = Scotland is so much cheaper to visit than the other countries listed and just as fun!
