Page 20 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

18  INTRODUCING SC O TLAND A POR TR AIT OF SC O TLAND  19

Scotland’s economy has fluctuated in Scotland, a governmental branch. The
the last 100 years. It has had to fight back Edinburgh Festival and Fringe (see pp84–5)
from the demise of its heavy industries: is the largest celebration of its kind in the
shipbuilding, coal mining and steel world, and there are many smaller festivals
production. Today, the major contributors that take place throughout the year. The
to the economy are North Sea oil, tourism Scottish film industry is small but creative
and services, aided by a range of light and lively. The music scene is also enjoying
industries. Chief among these is the a time of vibrancy, ranging from opera,
manufacture of electronic components Gaelic song and pibroch (the classical
and micro chips, giving rise to the notion music of the bagpipes) to such varied
of a “Silicon Glen”, but this industry, has international acts as Franz Ferdinand
become shaky in response to the global and Biffy Clyro, not to mention a strong
An event at the Braemar Gathering market. Whisky production is a leading electro nic music scene. Traditional music
source of revenue, although it employs has experienced a renaissance using
Politics and the Economy few people. Agriculture retains its impor t­ Small-scale farming in the Western Isles rhythms and instru ments from around the
Ever since the Treaty of Union in 1707, which ance but has been beleaguered by world. Bands like Salsa Celtica combine
combined the parliaments of Scotland and disastrous markets. Fishing remains Despite their love of sports, the Scots Scottish folk and jazz with Latin
England into one gov erning body conven­ an important industry, though there are statistically speaking an unhealthy American sounds. With an estimated
ing in Westminster (London), Scotland has is increasing competition for dwindling race. Their appetite for red meat four Scots living abroad for every
often felt estranged from the mechanisms stocks. Scotland’s level of unemploy ment and greasy food contributes to a one in the home land, outside
of government, and short­changed by the is on a par with the UK. high inci dence of heart problems influences are not surpris ing. In
small allocation of time given to Scottish and they have among the highest dance, there are the varied delights
affairs. In 1997 the Scots voted for the re­ Society consumption of alcohol out of of Scottish country, Highland and
establishment of a Scottish parliament, The Scots are a gregarious people all regions in the UK. Tobacco ceilidh dancing and step dancing, as
which began in 1999. This parliament and enjoy company, whether sales, however, have declined well as the Scottish ballet. Although
has a wide­ranging administrative this be in a small group at a since smoking was banned in Edinburgh’s Festival only about 50,000 people speak
role, though major financial controls Highland ceilidh (literally, a “visit”), public places in 2006. Fringe Office detail Gaelic, the language has been
and decisions of national interest a bar, or as part of the Saturday boosted by increa sed funding for
are retained by Westminster. armies of football (soccer) fans. Culture and the Arts Gaelic radio and TV shows. Literature also
Since the 2011 election, the pro­ Sometimes they have to travel far Scotland offers an excellent pro gramme has a strong following, with no shortage of
independence Scottish National to find company; the Highland region of performing arts, supported by Creative Scottish authors and poets (see pp30–31).
Party (SNP) has held a majority, which has a population density of eight people
led to a referendum on Scottish per square kilo metre (20 per square
indepen dence in 2014. Though Edinburgh mile), and the lack of public
narrowly defeated, indepen dence bagpiper transport means a car is vital.
remains a hot topic, and SNP party Church attendance is in decline
membership has since shot to record levels. in all but the Gaelic­speaking areas, where
Sun days are observed as days of rest. In
most towns, and all cities, a full range
of leisure activities and entertainment
runs into the wee hours, but in rural areas
opening hours are shorter, and restaurants
may stop serving early.
Scotland is renowned as the home of
golf, but football is the national passion.
Other popular sports include hill walking,
cycling, skiing, rugby, shinty and curling.
There are also annual Highland Games –
great gatherings of whisky, music, craft stalls
The Viking fire festival, Up Helly Aa in Shetland and tests of stamina and strength (see p35). The blue waters of Loch Achray in the heart of the Trossachs, north of Glasgow

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