Fodor's Scotland, 24 edition (Travel Guide) (repost)

Scotland offers astonishing variety: its sophisticated cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, and iconic landscapes of moors, mountains, and lochs, have strong allure. Americans make up the largest market of international visitors, with over 300,000 annually. St. Andrews is a pilgrimage for golfers; castles dot the country; and whisky distilleries are popular around the northeast and western islands. Scotland's customs and products–from tartans and bagpipes to tweeds–are known worldwide, but there's nothing like experiencing them firsthand.

NEW IN THIS EDITION: Look for Edinburgh's and Glasgow's hottest new restaurants and hotels, which showcase the best of Scottish food and style. Fresh dining and lodging options are featured in popular Highland areas and on the Isle of Skye. The Experience Scotland chapter includes a new "Scotland Today" feature on the trends shaping the country. A new "Best Golf Courses" feature in Experience Scotland provides savvy tips and recommendations for the popular sport. New boxes in regional chapters with many distilleries offer comparisons of the experiences at key stops so time-pressed travelers can choose well.

NEW COLOR SECTION: An 8-page color insert at the start of the guide contains a brief introduction and spectacular photos that capture the top experiences and attractions throughout Scotland.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Selected features focus on helping travelers experience the essence of Scotland, including choosing the best castles to see, planning a whisky distillery visit, and discovering great local fare in the cities or countryside.

ESSENTIAL TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS: Features such as Top Experiences (in the NEW color insert), Great Itineraries, and best bets for hotels and restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow make planning simple; "If You Like" in Experience Scotland highlights where to find the best of eight top Scottish experiences from festivals to island havens. Convenient chapter overviews present each region and its highlights, and chapter planning sections have expert advice for making the most of your time.

DISCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS: Fodor's Scotland offers savvy advice and recommendations from local writers to help travelers make the most of their time. Fodor's Choice designates our best picks, from hotels to nightlife. "Word of Mouth" quotes from fellow travelers provide valuable insights.

ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts.