Jonathan Saunders
Scotland's cities are bursting at the seams with culture and style. From the buzzing month-long Edinburgh festival to the Charles Rennie McKintosh designed School of Art in Glasgow, everywhere you turn you'll be inspired. I know I am.
One of my favourite experiences in Scotland is the Beltane Fire Festival. The festival, held on Calton Hill in Edinburgh (one of my favourite spots at any time of the year) is an annual event to celebrate the arrival of the summer. With performers and spectators joining in the blend of drums, fire, theatre and ritual the festival (or spectacle) is one of the most exuberant events in Edinburgh's calendar.
Shopping
Where to start is the question! The Barras market in Glasgow is one of my favourite spots for finding something different and for the experience alone - not for the faint hearted! When I'm in Edinburgh I'll head for Bruntsfield or South Clerk St to browse some of the hidden gems of Edinburgh's retail offering.
For something more cultured to pass your day, I often browse around some of the galleries in Edinburgh for some visual stimulation! Take a look round the Dean Gallery, Modern Art Gallery, Portrait Gallery and Fruit Market Gallery.
Playtime
Whether its taking in a show at one of the comedy clubs or theatres, there are plenty of options for entertainment - and that's before you've even hit the pubs and clubs! Check out The Arches or The Bongo Club when in Glasgow for a guaranteed great night out. Anything you choose to do in Scotland's cities will be a one-off experience - guaranteed. Nowhere else can offer such unique city backdrops combined with such a warm welcome - if you come and try them for yourselves 'you'll ken what I mean!'
