Many of us have bucket lists on some level. A list of adventures we want to experience in our lifetime. When visiting Scotland, people’s list may include playing golf at St Andrews, touring (and tasting) many of the world’s finest single malts whiskey distilleries, and attending Fringe Fest in Edinburgh. Now after my second visit, I say add three more: driving the roads, getting a bull’s-eye, and wearing a kilt.
hmm. it's on the other side.
Stay Lefty – Driving on the Other Side of the Road
For an American driving in Scotland is driving on the wrong side of the road. Let’s face it; it is not the right side (but the left). Personally as a lefty it makes sense on some level, but regardless of my preferred hand, driving on the opposite is adventure in itself.
My advice, rent a car in Scotland and head out from the city to the countryside. You don’t need, (nor would you want) a car in either Glasgow or Edinburgh, but you can certainly better enjoy the countryside and the adventure of tackling the “other” side of the road behind the wheel of a car.
green and rain... it's the Scottish countryside
Stay Brave – Shoot for the Bull’s-eye
Take to the field and test your skill with archery. One of the oldest sporting bodies, the Company of Scottish Archers, was formed in Scotland during the late 17th century and the sport gained popularity with aristocracy by the late 18th century (when it was no longer popular in warfare).
Scotland has a long history with archery, one even Disney didn’t ignore with its movie Brave. My advice, find an adventure outfitter and take aim. I found one on the Isle of Arran and honed my skills with bowstring. I did pretty well considering the elements.
shooting archery in Scotland
Stay Cultural – Wear a Kilt
Wearing a kilt can probably teach a man more about the Scottish culture than anything else. When invited to do so at a friend’s wedding I opted for it (think Black Tie optional) and I learned quite a bit about being a Scotsman.
What was a pleasant surprise, besides having Grandma’s quiz me about if I was a “true” Scotsman, was the fact all kilt wearers are part of the Scottish beach wedding photos. Fancy me.
There are plenty adventures that await a visitor in Scotland, plenty of “bucket list” items. Tackle a few, but for a deeper connection to its culture, history and for adventure definitely consider adding these three to your travel plans.
Stay adventurous, Craig
