New 2020 year we will welcome in Scotland. At that moment we could not imagine that 2020 will be disaster for travel lovers and Globetrotters. So, let’s go to the Scotland!
Our exploring of Scotland begun in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle is the number one tourist attraction in Scotland and it is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe.
Edinburgh Castle is situated on the top of Castle Rock and it will give you really great view of Edinburgh. It was Ancient Stronghold, home to kings and queens for many centuries and it was military garrison. Inside of the Edinburgh Castle you can discover the characters which make up Edinburgh Castle’s history. You can see amazing Scotland’s Crown jewels, and the Honors of Scotland which are the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Walking between medieval walls was very comfortable despite chilly weather. A lot tourist made it very cherry, full of life, moving and smiling. Winter sun was somewhere behind the clouds and from time to time it peeked out to make great perspective to take a photo.
After Edinburgh Castle we continue walking on The Royal Mile street, from the castle to the parliament. The Royal Mile has known as historic heart of Edinburg, full of museums, shops, and restaurants. There you can choose your favourite attractions like the Camera Obscura, the Scotch Whisky Experience, Real Mary Kings Close, the Museum of Childhood, the Storytelling Centre, or the Museum of Edinburgh.
The royal mile is full of street artist: musicians, visually arts and people with owls on his arms. Owls are special Scottish story; I will tell about it little latter.
If you are Harry Potter fan, you have to visit The Elephant House café, place where Harry Potter was born. It is the place where JK Rowling did her writing when she was poor writer. You can visit or even rent a hotel room in the Balmoral Hotel where JK Rowling did write too. In Edinburgh you can take a ghost or witch tour or enjoy some of various Harry Potter themed shops like Museum Context or Boy Wizard in Victoria Street.
Victoria Street in the Old Town is one of the prettiest Edinburgh’s street, built between 1829 and 1834 by architect Thomas Hamilton. Colourful shopfronts and curvings make it very charming and one of tourist favourite location to make photos. Recent speculation suggests that its dark past still exist here. This was the location of Major Weir’s house, or better known as “the Wizard of the West Bow” who was executed for witchcraft in 1670. It is intrigate story because it was thought that his house was destroyed when Victoria Street was bult, but today seems that some parts still exist.
One more location one you must visit is Calton Hill, situated beyond the east end of Princes Street. It is one of the city UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it will give you wonderful view of Edinburgh.
The National Wallace Monument, Stirling
First impression was astonishing. It is the tower with tree floors with exhibits. When we climb the tower in narrow circular stairs every couple of minutes, we were surprised by the strong wind coming through the windows. It took substantial effort to climb the tower, but experience was amazing.
There are several interactive facilities. Sir William Wallace, one of Scotland’s greatest national heroes, was one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence against king Edward I of England. Wallace’s sword is proudly on display in The Hall of Arms, the first-floor gallery inside The National Wallace Monument. Story about William Wallace was inspiration for mega popular American epic war movie Braveheart (1995), directed and co-produced by Mel Gibson.
The Kelpies are 100 feet (30-metre)-high horse head sculptures in Grangemouth, near Falkirk. The Kelpies are the highest and largest equine sculptures in the world. The Kelpie or water kelpie is creature from Celtic legend. It is a shape-shifting water spirit inhabiting the lochs and pools of Scotland. In legends it is usually described as a black horse like creature, able to adopt human form. Famous monster Nessie (Loch Ness) is known as a Kelpie. Kelpies have supernatural powers and are not to be trusted.
The sculptures designed sculptor Andy Scott and completed in October 2013. The best time of the day to visit the Kelpies is night because of incredible glowing and changing lights in many colours.
Loch Nesswas our next destination. First of all, it is very important to choose road A 82, which will provide spectacular views on Scottish mountains. 
It is around 3 hours driving to the Loch Ness from Glasgow and 47 minutes to the Loch Lomond. The Loch Ness is the second largest loch in Scotland, after Loch Lomond. Loch Ness is best known for Nessie or the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster. Loch Ness is named for the river Ness which flows from the loch’s northern end. Driving to the Loch Ness was very impressive, but I have to tell that this time we didn’t have a luck to see Nessie… Who knows… maybe next time.
Glasgow was our home for one week. 
We choose student city Glasgow, known as Scotland cultural centre, located on the river Clyde. Its Gaelic name-meaning “lovely green place”, indeed, Glasgow has 70 parcs and open spaces.
In Glasgow you can explore the different neighbourhoods, dine in local restaurants, shop or visit attractions. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has a great collection of British andcontinental paintings. You can find there Van Gogh’s and Salvador Dali work. And most of Glasgow attractions are free. You mustn’t miss to visit Glasgow Science Centre, interactive museum for young scientist and explorers.
Now let’s get back to owls. Scotland has one of the largest collection of owls in the world. That place is called Scottish Owl Centre and it is unique place to learn about wildlife. The Centre houses over 100 owls from the giant Siberian Owl to the tiny Pygmy Owl. You can meet owls from all over the world. It is amazing place for kids to learn about owls’ habits and habitats in an interactive education area. You can hold an owl for the photo, see flying display, go to adventure playground, woodland walk, play golf or bowl. For sure, you will fell in love with those gorgeous creatures. You can adopt or sponsor one of them and participate in their protection.
After lovely days in Scotland it was time for open the bottle of champagne and say Bliadhna Mhath Ùr what means, in Scottish Gaelic, Happy New Year!!!