Scotland

Scotland is a land of mountains, moors, rivers, lakes, and rugged coastline. For hundreds of years it had its own kings. Scotland's people, called Scots, continue to keep many of their own traditions.

Hills covered in rough grass and heather, known as the moors, are in the south of Scotland. Sheep and cattle roam the moors. Most Scots live in the cities and towns of the central lowlands. The two biggest cities are Glasgow and Edinburgh. Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, has a big arts festival every summer. Visitors walk along the main shopping street, Princes Street, and explore Edinburgh Castle. Inside the castle are the crown jewels of Scottish kings.

Hadrian's Wall This ancient structure divided Scotland and England. Named after a Roman emperor, the wall was built by Roman soldiers more than 1,800 years ago.

The Forth railroad bridge near Edinburgh The steel bridge was built in the 1880s. Not far away, a modern suspension bridge spans the inlet, the Firth of Forth. The Royal Mile leads from the castle to the palace of Holyrood House. Some of the buildings on this route date from the 1500s.

West of Edinburgh is Glasgow. Here many people are soccer fans. People meet in pubs, clubs, and coffee bars to discuss the Saturday or midweek game. Glasgow was once a great industrial city. It is now a cultural center with fine art galleries and museums. The city stands on Scotland's busiest river, the Clyde. The cruise ship' Queen Elizabeth 11, was built here. Modern factories produce electronic goods.

Many of Scotland's rivers flow into the sea through long inlets called firths. Leaving Edinburgh, you cross the Firth of Forth by a road or railroad bridge. North and west of the Firth is the town of St. Andrews, home of the world's oldest golf club. The game has been played in Scotland since the 1500s.

John Knox's House This is one of the oldest houses in Edinburgh. It was the home of the spirited preacher, John Knox, who died in 1572. He was Scotland's most powerful religious and political leader.