United Kingdom

cosmopolitan and full of life!!

My favourite city in the whole world - even though I live there - beautiful buildings - St Pauls Cathedral, Big Ben, Tower Bridge - Magical - Day or Night Dont go shopping in Oxford street though... too many people People watching over a cup of coffee in Covent Garden is great fun though

Buy a travel card - it will save a few quid when getting about.

The archipelago of St Kilda, the remotest part of the British Isles, lies 41 miles (66 kilometres) west of Benbecula in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. Its islands with their exceptional cliffs and sea stacs form the most important seabird breeding station in north-west Europe. The evacuation of its native population in 1930 brought to a close an extraordinary story of survival. This site tells that story and also explains activities taking place today in this unique archipelago. Today, three organisations, The National Trust for Scotland , Scottish Natural Heritage and the MoD, work in partnership to further a continuing programme of conservation and research on the islands to ensure the care and protection of this World Heritage Site .

St Kilda was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1986 in recognition of its Natural Heritage; for its exceptional natural beauty and for the significant natural habitats that it supports. In July 2004 this was extended to include the surrounding marine environment. In July 2005 further recognition for the islands cultural heritage was awarded making it one of only a few places in the world with Dual World Heritage Status for both its natural and cultural significance. In order to achieve this additional World Heritage Status, the Scottish Executive presented a revised nomination to UNESCO in February 2003 seeking further inscription under the Natural Heritage and Cultural Landscapes categories in recognition of the outstanding heritage in the waters surrounding the islands and the unique example of Scottish history and culture that the islands represent. You can read further information about the revised bid, and find a link to the entire Nomination document on the Nomination page . http://www.kilda.org.uk/

Dress up warm, it gets very wet and very windy.

Buy fresh summer fruits in FW to take up to Ben Nevis to have a gorgeous picnic in summer! But take a jacket, it is Scotland!!!!!

I had heard many things about the city of Glasgow over the years, and most of them not rave reviews. Friends of mine from Kitty's, the Irish bar where I worked, talked about the Glasgow of their youths; dirty, dangerous and bleak. So I was happily surprised to arrive there, on Burn's Night 2004, to a vibrant, clean, overall friendly place. I stayed in Airdrie, out in the suburbs past Coatbridge (great bars there, by the way!!), but came into town a few times, to check out the shops, the river and the Science Centre. The Science Centre was fantastic, very interactive. Glasgow is pure dead brilliant!!

Take an umbrella!

One of the big reasons I came to Ft. William was for Ben Nevis. If you're going to make an attempt up Ben Nevis, bear in mind what the weather is like. It may be a little cloudy at the base, but at the top visibility will likely be absolutely zero. There are a few cliff faces up near the top so step carefully if you can't see very far. Up at the top is the highest war memorial in Britain (as this is the highest peak). Leave an entire day for this one if you haven't really done a lot of climbing because it will be a workout. Bring a lot of water and food, too because you don't want to run out. All the way up, you'll ask people how much further it is and they always seem to reply "10 more minutes" even if it's another hour. Of course, you'll be donig the same thing when you come down. Legend has it that there is a monstrously large ghost that resides at the summit. It looks like the perfect place if you're up there when it's cold and rainy. This ghost is said to chase people back down the mountain. Beware

Unlike Edinburgh, Glasgow is the industrial centre of Scotland. Here you will see the latest trends and the movers and shakers of Scotland. This is a great place to use as a jumping off point for adventures up into the highlands and lake district of Scotland. Crime is a little higher here so keep an eye out. For the most part, though, the people here are always willing to be helpful when you need it. I suggest visiting Glasgow during the World Pipe Band Championships at the Glasgow Green, but that's just my personal taste. As a side note, there are fish and chip shops here that will let you bring in whatever food you want and for a fee they'll deep fry it for you. What an idea!