Scotland Tourism received a warning that they may miss out on the opportunities knocking on its door in the form of sports extravaganzas like the London Olympics, Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and the Ryder's Cup to name a few. This was conveyed by VisitScotland Chairman, Mike Cantley who cautioned
Scotland Tourism industry to not let this golden opportunity slip by. He warned that the face of Scotland Tourism could change over the next three years only if the opportunities provided by the sports and cultural events were exploited to the fullest.
Cantley's appeal went out to all the units in Scotland tourism industry, from the smallest B&B to the largest resort and hotel, to capitalise on the much awaited events, like the Disney film, Brave, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and the Ryder's Cup in 2014.

A grand golf vacation which includes travel in Scotland is a dream for many golf lovers. When you get down to planning such a trip, the logistics can get a bit complicated, but there are some basics that can make it easier.

The first thing to know is that you shouldn't try and see all of the country in one trip, unless its a very long trip. While Scotland may look small on the map, it's roadways are seldom straight lines, especially around the lochs and coastline. Fuel costs are more expensive than in the US, and you don't want to spend most of your vacation in a car anyway. Instead, you should build an itinerary that makes sense and keeps you out of the car. Some of the richer regions for golf are Fife and East Lothian, or you can stay in Ayrshire for a few days to play the Prestwick Golf Club, Royal Troon Golf Club and Turnberry Resort.

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular Scotland tourism attractions. It is the home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and a must-see for any tourist in Scotland. One of the other famous Scotland tourism attractions is the Loch Ness; Scotland's longest lake. It is 1,000 feet deep with inky-black waters. The legend of the Loch Ness monster was born at this major Scotland tourism attraction. The Isle of Skye boasts of jagged mountain peaks, waterfalls, pinnacles, exceptional gardens and squares of farmlands. This is one Scotland tourism attraction that symbolizes the highlands. The Culzean Castle is magnificent and its grounds became one of Scotland's first country parks. This Scotland tourism attraction includes a home farm, Great Gallery, Camellia House, Chinese-decorated private rooms and a saloon with Louis XVI furniture. These are just a few amongst the varied Scottish attractions.

The UK government has just announced that it is in the consultation stage of a proposed High Speed Rail route that would eventually allow for travel in Scotland and Britain on a massive, interlinked rail system. The proposed time-line now has construction set to begin in 2015.

The first stage of building would be a link between Birmingham and London, where it would serve a rebuilt Euston station, then a second phase would have it fork to Leeds and Manchester, and it the third stage it would go to Scotland. Of course, as with most major civic projects, not everyone thinks this is the best use of taxpayer funds. The opposition is concerned about the effect this development will have on the Chiltern landscape, as new routes would have to be cut through pristine countryside to construct the rail system. They argue that when the line is complete, an area the size of Manchester will have been concreted over.

In order to plug a budget hole in university funding, a Scottish Liberal Democrat leader has suggested that free bus travel in Scotland may have to be cut. Under the current system, those over 60 years old ride for free in the country, but he is proposing that new entrants to the program may end up paying fees going forward.

This would be part of an effort to continue to offer free higher education in Scotland, where universities are facing an annual funding gap of 93 million pounds. In England, the Tory/Lib Dem coalition has already backed plans to allow universities to raise student tuition fees as high as 9000 pounds to address the deficits. He said that current economic conditions has forced the society to make tough choices like this one.

There are many opportunities for outdoor activity in Scotland this winter. A winter travel guide to Scotland must include a gentle walk or slow cycle of the lovely countryside. You can also head out onto the ski slopes, go hill-climbing, no matter what you choose to do outdoors you will be surrounded by amazing views of the snow-capped mountains, mysterious lochs and white-sand beaches.

For skiers and snowboarders Scotland offers an excellent opportunity to take full advantage of the white powder that falls in abundance here every winter. For a more relaxed pace, you can enjoy a quiet stroll through the winter wilderness along marked paths that snake through the forest and along the rivers. You will enjoy spotting the wildlife surrounding you at one of Scotland's beautiful National Nature Reserves.

You are planning to travel to Scotland. You have your tickets, you have your hotels booked, but you are wondering how you can get around in town. The simplest solution to this would be to walk and take cabs. This may prove either tedious or expensive. What you should do instead is take the bus.

Travel Guide Scotland recommends that you take the bus. This is why-it is cheap and efficient. They stop by all the places where you as a tourist might want to visit, and they also allow for easier planning. You don't have to choose between where to go first, simply hop on the bus and see which one it takes you to first. It is almost like taking a tour, except that you have to conscious about when to get off and not fall asleep.

Are you planning a trip to Scotland? Authentic Scottish food is a special treat. Whether you like meat, fish, diary, vegetarian or starches, you're bound to find something on a menu that satisfies your appetite. Scottish beef is rich and tasty, or enjoy a heart scotch broth (or hotch potch) is a meat-based soup with vegetables and barley. If you are adventurous, try the famed haggis, which is boiled and minced minced heart, liver, lungs and windpipe of a sheep. Scottish salmon caught fresh is delicious and revitalizing. Bannocks are biscuits made of barley and oat-flour cooked on a griddle. Try it with cheese for a real treat. If you prefer a rich fruit cake, try a black bun, made with raisins, currants, chopped almonds with brown sugar, flavored with ginger and cinammon. If you eat porridge for breakfast, don't expect it to be served with sugar or syrup! For vegetarians, colcannon is made of boiiled cabbage, turnip, carrots and potatoes, stewed hot with butter. Or try crowdie, a white cheese rolled in oats.

For more details about traditional Scottish food, click here.

Travel Scotland to the third largest island located in Scotland. It's called the Shetland Islands and it is now known as the 6th best tourist region in the world. According to a recent travel guide report, which ranked Shetland Islands 6th place out of 10 hot destinations of the year, Shetland Islands is a remarkable place for travelers to visit.

You will find the most beautiful scenic routes, filled with lush green grass, clear blue skies and romantic landscapes. There are also a large variety of wildlife, rich flora vegetation and a whole number of activities available for travelers to learn more about the Shetland Islands. These include aquaculture, agriculture and the petroleum industry. You will also be invited to hike, and bike on numerous trails.

Did you know that Scotland is one of the best destinations for nature lovers? Nature and wildlife activities account for 40% of Scotland tourism and employs about 39,000 people.

Do you love outdoor activities? When you travel to Scotland, you can enjoy hiking and mountain climbing along Scotland's beautiful scenic panorama. Walking and scenic exploration alone account for a large portion of Scotland's tourism revenue.

Visiting Scotland includes adventure water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, surfing, sub-aqua, and sailing. Horse riding and mountain biking are perfect for those who prefer the terrain.

Adore animal life? Enjoy dolphin and whale-watching off the coast. Bird watching, including Mull's white-tailed or sea-eagles and other bird watching are popular for Scotland tourists.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham comments, "Scotland's wonderful natural environment and fascinating wildlife have so much to offer, and it's exciting there are visitors coming here to appreciate our world-class landscape."

For more information on Scotland Nature and Wildlife Tourism, click here.