While I’ve been to England half a dozen times, one place I have yet to travel is Scotland. I do dream of going there one day and I’ve given some thought to what I would do if I had a chance to go on the Scotland trip of my dreams.

So, here’s my list of things I would do if given the chance to go to Scotland.

Edinburgh

Just the name Edinburgh conjures up romantic ideas of a Georgian city that has been home to some of the greatest minds on the industrial age, overlooked by an imposing fortress castle. Edinburgh is the heart of Scotland and I would love a chance to explore it’s winding streets, beautiful architecture and photograph it’s gorgeous castle.

Glasgow

Most Anglophiles love the British accent. But one thing we learn as we get more obsessed with Britain is that there are in fact many different accents on the island of Great Britain. After hearing many different accents over the years – by far my favorite is the Glasgow, lilting accent. I’m not sure what I would do in Glasgow other than sit in a pub and listen to locals talk. I do know the Glasgow is home to world class museums, monuments and architecture. But for me it will all be about the Glaswegian accent.

Loch Ness

Because of the monster of course. Everyone knows that the monster doesn’t exist but Loch Ness exists in our collective consciousness as a place of mystery surrounded by natural beauty. So, I definitely think it’s worth a boat ride with the hope that maybe, just maybe I’ll glimpse Nessie coming up for air.

John O’Groats

Southern England has Land’s End. Scotland has John O’Groats – the northernmost point in Great Britain. There’s not much there except a charming tourist trap – but I think it says something to be able to say you’ve been to the very tip of Scotland and survived to tell the tale.

Ben Nevis

One of the many things on my bucket list is to climb Ben Nevis. Thankfully, Ben Nevis is the kind of mountain you can climb, even if you’re in terrible shape like me. It features a gently sloping, well worn path that even novices can climb. Though I would only do it in the summer with good weather!

Eilean Donan

This castle is iconic – it’s probably the most filmed castle in Britain and I don’t think a trip to Scotland would be complete without taking an amble across it’s medieval causeway and having a poke around the castle. I would also block aside several hours to take as many pictures as possible of the castle centered in it’s peaceful loch.

So, if you had the chance to go to Scotland, where would you go?

- Jonathan Thomas, Anglotopia, Contributing Editor,

Glasgow is one of those cities that isn’t too large that you’ll bound to get lost in the mix.  And, it isn’t too small that you get tired of seeing the same art gallery over and over again.  Bottom line, Glasgow is just right.  On the last day of the trip, my blogger peeps all agreed that we merely scratched the surface of a city chock full of modern art, quirky style and warm-hearted locals.  Could we ask for more?  Check out some of the pics I took during our visit.

 This is a shot of a gallery at Trongate 103.  It’s a new arts resource center.  This exhibition is called Myscape, which is described as “a journey into the autistic architectural landscape.”

Cute brooches at Myscape.  I’m kicking myself for not buying one…or eight.

Very cool piece from Trongate’s gothic kinetic art display. 

I’ve been to Glasgow a few times before and I always make a stop to the Glasgow School of Art.  I went on a tour of the school.  C.R. Mackintosh at his best!

 The front entrance to GSA.  The details are fantastic.  I mean, can you imagine walking through these doors as a student and not being inspired??

 Just a typical Sunday afternoon on Buchanan Street.  Glaswegians love to shop.  Even the little ones!

 Eggs benedict for brunch at a really chill West End eatery – Cafezique.  I loved how one of the gang described my dish- “Those eggs are so photogenic!” I agreed.

                                                                                                                                               If you’re a design geek like I am, you’ll dig this.  Glasgow School of Art is known for cranking out Turner Prize winning artists, renowned animators and even a rock musician here and there (Franz Ferdinand’s own Bob Hardy went to school here).   In short, GSA attracts some of the most creative and innovative artists around.   Most notably, the one and only.  Wait for it. Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Glasgow School of Art is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its world-famous Mackintosh building.  It’s hands down the best known and most widely regarded of all Mackintosh’s buildings.  For its 100th anniersary, a £100 bill from Clydesdale bank and films about the art school will be projected on to the side of the building.  The school will also unveil a centenary scroll and commemorative door plaque.

The school’s library is a true highlight.  I took a tour of the school last year and it’s no wonder why they keep it for the end.  Yeah, it’s dark and a little musty, but the detail is incredible.  And you can clearly see the Art Noveau meets Japanese influence along with touches of the Arts & Crafts movement.  Ahhh, I’m feeling inspired!