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THERE are few countries whose historical and
other associations present greater interest than Scotland. Only three
centuries ago it was, as a nation, almost in the same category as was
England in the days the
Saxons. Rival chiefs or clans were constantly promoting civil war, or
fighting among themselves. The reign of the unfortunate Queen Mary
affords some of the most painful incidents that can be found in the
history of any nation. In the course of events, however, at the
commencement of the last century, the Union between England and Scotland
was effected, and from that date the progress of North Britain in
commerce, the arts and sciences, and manufactures has been unparalleled.
Scotland, in fact, at the present day, by the enterprise, perseverance,
and energy of her inhabitants, stands foremost in civilised life.
Perhaps the truth is not exceeded if we remark, that there is not a spot
where civilisation has taken root throughout the world, that a Scotchman
may • not be found exercising his peculiar ;in
promoting general progress.
Until very recently the tourist knew little
of the beauties of the country, and still less of its historical
associations. To describe these and other objects of interest is the
purpose of the following pages. Fifty years ago, a journey to Edinburgh
was, in every7 respect, as serious an undertaking as one to
Egypt is at the present day. But the extension of the railway system to
the Ultima
Thule,the
example set by her Majesty, have led tourists of all classes to acquaint
themselves with the romantic scenery of Scotland, in place of a resort
to Germany and Switzerland, as was formerly the case.
Scotland may be practically considered as
consisting three
principal regions. In a line south of Edinburgh, drawn to Dumfries, and
near Carlisle, the scenery partakes much of the character of the North
of England. The Cheviot Hills introduce to the higher system of mountain
ranges in the north. In this portion, agriculture, the rearing of sheep
and cattle, arc the chief occupation of the inhabitants. Within the
central zone the leading historical incidents of Scotland have occurred,
the capital, Edinburgh, having been their centre. This also
includes Stirling, Glasgow, Falkirk, &c.; and here coal, lead, and iron
mining, textile and chemical manufactures, have attained the highest
position. The Clyde and the Forth, connected by a canal, become the
veins or arteries of immense commercial activity.
North of this the great mountain ranges commence, with
the magnificent lochs of sea and fresh water, that indent the whole of
the western portion of Scotland. In the Grampian range is Ben Nevis,
having a height of 4,370 feet, and Ben Macdhui, said to be 4,390 feet
high. In some of these mountains there are ravines from 1,000 to 1,500
feet in perpendicular depth. Still further north is a range extending
from the Atlantic to the German Ocean, one of the highest hills being
Ben Wyvis, 3,720 feet. In the West Highlands, the scenery from the mouth
of the Clyde is of the most romantic description, the Isle of Arran
affording a kind of microcosm of their topography and geology. The
inland lakes or lochs, such as Lomond, Katrine, Awe, Ness, Leven, &c.,
afford every variety of scenery, while those running in from the sea are
scarcely inferior in beauty; as, for example, Lochs Fyne and Long. In
these districts we need scarcely remind our readers that shooting and
fishing are carried on, and afford some of the strongest inducements for
the visit of the tourist. Deer-stalking is reserved for the more
northerly districts, as Sutherlandshire and neighbouring counties.
Scotland is rich in its archaeology. Edinburgh Castle and
Holyrood Palace still remain as monuments of histoiy. The same maybe
said of Stirling Castle, and the ruins of Linlithgow and other palaces.
As regards cathedrals, those of Glasgow and Elgin arc magnificent
specimens of ecclesiastical architecture. Among abbeys, those of
Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso, and Roslin Chapel are too well known to
require further than the mere mention. The style of these, and their
ornamentation, present some curious features of study, in an
ethnological point of view, when we contrast them with the character of
the Celts, little emerged from a state of barbarism at the period of the
erection of such buildings. It is singular, indeed, that the soft,
flowing lines of Scott, and the tender, or at times forcible poetry
of Burns, should have emanated from a people which even now retain, in
some places, traces of the feudal system.
Such are some outlines of various interesting matters
described in minute detail in this Work. With respect to the
Illustrations, they afford lively pictures of what the intended tourist
may expect to realise on visiting Scotland. On the other hand, those who
are familiar with that country will be enabled to reproduce in the
mind a constantly-recurring sense of pleasure.
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Scotland Picturesque; Historical;
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