As far back as anyone can remember, Scottish and English people have never really got on. It is only in the last 150 years or so that the two nations have warmed to each other. I am the result of this ‘cross cultural communication’. My dad is Scottish, and my mum is very English. I have seen both cultures in their element and am proud to have both in my bloodline. Even if it does mean I have to hop all around Britain to see all my relatives.

Scotland is a wild country and its land bond with England has done nothing to tame it. To prove this there is a wall marking the stop of Rome’s invasion of Europe; it lies amusingly along the Scottish border. Due to the untamed beauty of the country it has a strong tourist industry, and if you have been, or ever go you will see why.

The further north you go the fewer towns and villages you come across. The tourist shops you do find are stocked full of hiking safety equipment: blankets, waterproof matches, torches, even signal flares can be purchased. Why? Because it can also be a very dangerous country, and many hikers have lost their lives exploring it. If you do take the risk your reward is an experience you will never forget, one way or another.

If the country itself doesn’t get you, the food will, but not because it tastes bad. The West coast of Scotland has the highest heart attack rate in the country. The reason for this being possibly the nicest, best tasting meal ever created. That is the Deep Fried Mars Bar! For those of you who don’t know what im talking about, a mars bar is a chunky chocolate bar. In order to make this into this tasty ‘cuisine’ you must first deep fry it in chip fat, then batter it (cover it with a crunchy, fatty layer). It contains more calories than your digestive system will probably be able to cope with.

By the end of it the process the fat concentration is so high it is practically suicide to eat. And it is unique in the fact you can actually feel yourself putting on weight as you eat. But it tastes so good.

Scotland also contains some of the nicest cities in Europe. Of which Edinburgh is the best. It is a very ancient city (as you can see below). It also contains Edinburgh castle, one of Scotland’s well-known landmarks, and is well worth a visit. The museums and historical information in the city is vast and most of it is actually very interesting. Including England’s largest Toy museum, with 7 floors packed full of toys, new and old. I was amused for hours.

Scotland is a beautiful, historical and (In parts) primitive country. The people are friendly; you will never get bored, and if you ever go up north take some spare rolls of camera film. And GO PREPEARED. You may be used to all your soft Italian/Swedish sunshine (actually Sweden’s a lot colder), but it gets colder the further North you go. You will need waterproof gear.

• Is there anywhere near or in your country that you would recommend a visit?
• Is there anywhere dangerous or exiting?
• Is there anywhere you wouldn’t recommend?
• Is there anything in Britain you want to know more about?

-Alex Reid, Bishop Heber High School.

Please email me at: alexmreid@hotmail.com