Text 26. SCOTLAND

Scotland is one of four parts of Great Britain. In its area Scotland is more than half as big as England. The principal cities of the country are: its capital Edinburgh and the main industrial center Glasgow. Scottish towns look very different from English towns.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of Britain’s most attractive cities. It’s a city for people who like to walk. You are never far from green parks, gardens and hills – even in the main shopping streets. It’s a busy modern city, but the history is everywhere.

At the top of the highest hill in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle. It was the home of Scotland’s royal family until 1603 when King James the 6^th of Scotland became king of England and moved to London. The road which begins at the castle and goes eastwards is called Royal Mile.

At the other end of the Royal Mile is the Palace of Holly Roodhouse. It was built by a Scottish king before Scotland and England were united to make Great Britain. Now it is a second home for the Queen or her children, who usually visit Edinburgh in the summer. When the royal family is not there you can visit the palace and see a lot of interesting things.

There are nine hills in Edinburgh. They are long-dead volcanoes. From the tops of them you can see two bridges: the modern road bridge and the old rail bridge which has carried trains to the Highlands for more than a hundred years. The Highlands of Scotland are mountainous and wild. In the winter they are white with snow but in the summer they are purple.

The Highlands are famous for the Scottish Olympics or the Highland games (it's real name). These games are not only sporting competitions: music and different traditional games are very important too. While athletes throw the hammer at the one end of the arena, you can watch a dancing competition at the other end.

Usually between the mountains are rivers and lakes. Scottish people like fishing very much, that’s why they say that Scottish rivers are good for two things: one of them is fishing, the other is Scotch whisky. Whisky is made from water and barley. The method hasn’t changed for hundreds years. Scotch whisky is the best one.

Scotland is also famous for its kilt, the most important part of national dress and bagpipes – the national instrument.

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the area of Scotland?

2. What is the capital of Scotland?

3. What are the most exciting attractions of the capital?

4. What are the Highlands famous for?

5. What two things are Scottish rivers good for?