Being a blood Scot, I personally cringe at attempted Scottish accents in TV shows and movies. I’m sure the likes of Gerard Butler and Ewan McGregor (fellow Scots) would agree. It’s just wrong! In truth, the Scots language is varied and diverse, I even struggled to get to grips with the odd phrase here and there when I moved 90 miles away from my home town of Perth. I stumbled upon practically a whole new language in Aberdeen, where a girl is a ‘quine’ and “how are you?” is “fit like?” I kid you not! Nothing like what you hear on TV I assure you! Let me try and give you a little taste of the colloquialism in Scotland, auld (old) and new!

My Granny’s kitchen is a great place to start. Where the staple ingredient to every meal is the tattie. Tattie soup, tattie scones, boiled tatties and fried tatties. No idea what a tattie is? Potato! Yes more often that not it’s tattie instead of potato for us Scots. Traditional Scots language has almost been lost along the way and many have described it as a lazy way of speaking. I have to admit I didn’t beginning to fully appreciate it until I move to the States. Instead of asking me to go through the house and get the towels from the laundry room, my Granny would say “Go ben the hoose and get the tools fae the lobby” – some may describe it as a foreign language! We also have “wheesht the noo” – “be quiet just now”, “mind your pow” – “watch your head” and “I dinny ken”  translated to “I don’t know!” I could go on for hours. All my childhood days spent at my Grandparents house most certainly added to my vocabulary!

Move from town to town in Scotland and be warned, you will have to adapt to the variations in language. In Aberdeen, the Granite City, a boy is often referred to as a ‘loon’. Needless to say this took me sometime to realise that this didn’t mean the person in question was a tad crazy! People from Glasgow are often dubbed ‘weegies’, often taken as an insult by Glaswegians. Girls be warned, you’ll find yourself being called ‘hen’ here. Dundee almost has a language of it’s own, there’s even a ‘Dundonian for beginners’ website! The home page sums it up “Watna but pink lint on yir peess?’ aka “Do you want a piece of cold meat on your sandwich?” who wouldn’t know that?!

This is just a small idea of the diverse and often entertaining language of the Scots. If anyone would like a tutorial in how to talk Scots I’d be more than happy to help…or perhaps you could teach me a phrase or too? Watch out, there could be more to follow on this one, I feel I’ve just opened a can of worms. Braw!

-Danielle McKinlay, Contributing Editor

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,

It rivals the top culinary destinations in the world.  Scotlandis known for its beef, lamb, fruit and veggies.  Pair that with some of the best chefs around, and it should be on every foodie’s list of places to visit.   If you’re heading to Bonnie Scotland, here’s a food guide that’ll help you along the way.

Cheese

In my book, nothing beats a quality cheese plate.  Scotland is home to everything from cheddar to caboc.  One cheese to look out for is Crowdie.  It’s known as the most ancient cheese in Scotland.  What an honor!  This soft cheese dates back to the eighth century and has been undergoing somewhat of a resurgence in Scottish cuisine.  The Stone family’s Highland Fine Cheeses has played a big role in bringing the cheese back.  In fact, their Gruth Dhu (aka Black Crowdie) is rolled in toasted oatmeal and black peppercorns.  Delish!  Editor’s pick: The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye

Seafood

With more than 6,000 miles of coastline, it’s no wonder why Scotland is teeming with seafood — fish, lobster, mussels, oysters, crab and scallops.   When you visit Scotland, you’ll see a good amount of salmon and trout on the menu.  They’re often smoked and served cold with bread and butter.  Cold fish?  Take it from me, it’s amazing.  Once THE fish in Scotland, Herring is still popping up on restaurant menus and are sometimes “soused” (or pickled).  Editor’s pick: Stravaigin in Glasgow.

Beef

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of beef is Angus.  Aberdeen-Angus is a region in Scotland known for its high quality beef.  And for all you meat lovers out there (myself included),  you’ll find it on almost every menu.  And I’m totally okay with that.  I’ve seen beef paired with everything from spinach and potatoes to chestnuts and prunes.  Editor’s pick: The Victorian Kitchen Restaurant at Glamis Castle

Berries

From strawberries to blueberries, Scotland is full of these delectable delights.  The country’s Tayside region is even known for its very own Tayberry, which is a hybrid of a raspberry and blackberry.  Chefs from all over the country use berries in a variety of desserts including pies and crumbles as well as jams and jellies.  Editor’s pick: The Grain Store in Edinburgh

Scotland. Green hills, sheep, whisky, men in kilts. The regular connotations. But another thing Scotland has to boast about is it’s festivals. Festivals galore are held each year and today we bring you the lowdown on festivals from the highlands to the lowlands of my native land. Och Aye! (Translated – O Yes!)

The country’s capital, Edinburgh, is home to some braw (great) festivals. Edinburgh Festivals are annual events comprising of some of the most well regarded festivals in the world.  From art and film to The famous Fringe and Military Tattoo people travel from around the globe each year in aid of these popular events. Check it out here for the dates for your diary and have a wee dram (a small alcoholic drink) for us when you get there!

Fancy visiting the capital in winter? Then the Edinburgh Hogmanay festival is a must. Hogmanay (New Years Eve) is a big deal and is very traditional to us Scots. My Granny fondly tells stories from back in the day of first footing (visiting someone at home for the first time that year – usually with a selection of bottles!) where the tradition would carry on well into January. Sounds good to me, maybe we should reinstate that! So for a true Scottish New Year experience Edinburgh is a must. The event takes over Princes Street with amazing views of the historic Ediburgh Castle and the city hosts thousands of visitors each year especially for this event.

Glasgow International Jazz festival takes place in June and has a huge following from musicians and jazz lovers all over the world. Whilst Scottish Highland Games have been a hugely popular event for centuries, taking place across the country. They provide a showcase of traditional sporting events that are participated in and enjoyed by people of all nationalities.

For music fans and party lovers Scotland has some majorly fun and popular events. Rock Ness is an annual festival that takes place in the hometown of Nessie (The Loch Ness monster) Inverness. It comprises some of todays top bands and calls for a weekend of camping and music. T in the Park takes place in Perthshire every year and is 3 days of famous bands, partying, camping and plodding around a field in your welly boots! Awesome fun and totally worth a visit.

Wanna know more about festivals in Scotland? Just ask! And from the famous song, Loch Lomond, “You take the high road and I’ll take the low road and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye! (before you)”

-Danielle McKinlay, Contibuting Editor

It was at a tasting event, that I first understood.  As instructed, I put a drop of whisky in my hands, rubbed them together vigorously, and put them to my novice nose.  The aroma of smoky peat was there,  strong and clear as day.  At that moment, what had always been to me just one single malt flavor unraveled into a melodious harmony of tastes.   I could with practice even tune into the landscape where the whisky was distilled.

Here’s a quick overview of Scotland’s Whisky regions:

The Lowlands
Southern Scotland currently has three working distilleries.  The whiskies from the Lowlands are light and soft and offer hints of malt and grass among our more subtle flavors.

The Highlands
To the North, the highland’s is the geographically largest whisky region. Because of this range in geography, the whisky’s will range from dry to sweet and some even have a touch of smoke and peat.    Within the highlights on the West Coast of Scotland is an area of wild, indented shores, twinkling harbors, and misty islands that has recently been named the Whisky Coast.  Many of these whisky’s flavors will belie their peaty landscape, but again, they vary greatly. You’ll just have to taste them all (Note: Islay and Campbeltown, below, are also part of the Whisky coast trail).

Speyside
Speyside is  home to about half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries. This small area north west of Aberdeen produces mellow, sweet, and particularly fruity malt whiskies.  Many of these are popular here, including Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan. If you plan to do your first whisky tour of Scotland, this is the area to visit.  Late April is the time to go during the Spirit of Speyside festival.

Islay
Located on the west coast, below the Whisky coast isles is the small Island of Islay is often called ‘Whisky Island’ given its concentration of eight distilleries, which are known for their heavily peated and smoky flavor.   Bowmore is produced here.

Campbeltown
The town of Campbeltown was once home to more than 30 distilleries.  Today it is home to just three: Springbank, Glen Gyle and Glen Scotia. Whiskies from the town tend to have a little peat and salt to them, and are generally medium to full bodied.

Two other facts for Whisky newbs:

Single Malts vs. Blends:  Single malts are just that, one whisky. Blending was pioneered by  in Edinburgh in the 1860s.  It was only after this practice became common that a taste for Scotch whisky spread first to England and then throughout the world.  Usually 15 or more whisky’s are blended together. (You’ll loose the ability to do the nose test above with blends).

“The name ‘whisky’ originated with the Gaelic ‘Uisge Beatha’, or ‘water of life’.   It’s Whisky in Scotland (and Japan, India, and Canada). The Americans and the Irish add the “e.”

Don’t know where to start? Luckily, someone has put together a nice whisky itinerary.

We’ve picked five expert travel and style bloggers to go to London and Glasgow,  from Jan 27th to Feb 1st, and report on some of the in-the-know things shops, destinations, hotels.  This isn’t just a stodgy bus tour press trip, we’ve given them time to discover their own interests and let us know, and you, what’s worth visiting.

Plus, we’ve organized a meet’n'greet tip off with 5 London based bloggers that are currently powering the New York meets London destination guide, Metrotwin.

Look out for hash tag #BloggingUK and updates from our own Jeremy Viray on @BritainInUSA in the next few days to follow these five:

Sarah Menkedick

Sarah Menkedick is a freelance writer and editor currently based in Oaxaca, Mexico. She is a contributing editor at Matador Network, a contributing writer at Change.org (she blogs about women’s rights), and she maintains a website called Postigres devoted to creative nonfiction and photography inspired by travel. Sarah has been traveling, teaching and exploring the globe for five years.  She has lived and taught in France, China, Japan and Mexico, and traveled to more than fifteen countries. She speaks fluent French and Spanish and can amaze Mexicans with her capacity to eat devastatingly spicy chilés.

Where to check Sarah out and follow her:
www.posatigres.com
matadorabroad.com
@Matadornetwork

Andrew Hickey

Andrew is a travel writer/blogger for his own Brooklyn Nomad and the Social Media guru at CheapOair.  He has visited numerous destinations around the world and never gets sick of traveling. Some of his favorite spots to hit up include Dublin, London, Zurich and San Francisco.  His work has appeared in USA Today, New York Times, MSNBC, AOL Travel, Yahoo! Travel, and more.  Andrew is also the mastermind behind the blog of CheapOair.  You can look to his blog, Brooklyn Nomad for tips on deals but also food, nightlife and music when he travels. You’ll likely find him writing about curry and pubs while on the trip.

Follow Andrew:

www.thebrooklynnomad.com
blog.cheapoair.com
@BrooklynNomad
@CheapOair

Connie Wang

Connie is the associate editor at fashion, style, and shopping website Refinery29. Refinery29 is the ultimate online destination for discovering the newest and best in style, shopping, and emerging trends from the runways to the streets. Every day, Refinery29 delivers up-to-the-minute insider reports on the designers to know and the coolest global street style, breaking fashion news from sample sales to boutique openings, along with the best local shopping reports from experts who know their cities best.  She has also been published in Teen Vogue, Vice Magazine, Radar (RIP!), Fashion Week Daily, and Chictopia.com.

Get more on Connie:
www.refinery29.com
@Refinery29
@conniewang

Annie Scott

Annie Scott is a freelance writer slash editor in New York City. Writing for AOL websites including StyleList, Gadling, Luxist, Slashfood, and Holidash, and editing for Tonic, she has traveled the globe and covered everything from New York Fashion Week to Singapore’s Grand Prix, and interviewed everyone from oceanographer and explorer Sylvia Earle to fashion world darling Tim Gunn. Annie specializes in travel, luxury, style, honest product reviews, humor, and living the good life wherever you go. She has a personal blog called The Annie Scott Experience.

-
-

See what Annie’s up to:

www.luxist.com
www.gadling.com
@luxist
@gadling
@AnnieScott

Lee Carter

Hint Magazine

Lee is the founder and editor-in-chief of the New York fashion site Hintmag.com, a Webby Award winner and original online fashion magazine. Hint Magazine takes an edgy look at the fashion industry and the media. It features the latest reviews of fashions and emerging designers and takes a peek at the new stars in the modeling scene. He also contributes to a variety of international fashion magazines.

Read up on Lee:
Hintmag.com
@hintmag

You can track their trip, send suggestions, and and chat with us when you follow #BloggingUK and updates from our own Jeremy Viray on @BritainInUSA in the next few days to follow these five.

Scottish craft brewery BrewDog has taken on the challenge of creating the strongest beer ever, Tactical Nuclear Penguin.  It’s 32% alcohol.  BrewDog’s owners Martin and James, who started the brewery when they were only 24, innovated a process that involved ageing an imperial stout for 14 months in whisky casks, then freezing it repeatedly, all while wearing a Penguin suit (ok, maybe only sometimes).     

Produced in small batches and at 32%,  Tactical Nuclear Penguin isn’t intended for chugging but rather sipping like a fine whiskey. Like their other beers, the offerings are more about enjoying craft beers and educating beer drinkers than getting ridiculous.  Thought when it comes to marketing the beers – ridiculous is the only appropriate term.

There’s word afoot that BrewDog plans to open pubs throughout the UK .  Martin and James recently bought the vacant Marischal Bar in Aberdeen and are hoping to have bars in Glasgow and Edinburgh by the end of 2010. However,  the best way to taste this brew must be at the original Aberdeenshire brewery (they do welcome visits) - because, who wouldn’t want to hang out with these guys:

Tactical Nuclear Penguin from BrewDog on Vimeo.

                                                                                                                                               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!

Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle was a mere mortal this time last year. Fast forward to the present day and SuBo is being mobbed at Manhattan’s Rockefeller Plaza, has appeared on various chat shows and in publications left, right and centre (including the Wall Street Journal) and has recently broken Amazon’s global pre-sale record for her debut album. All in the short period since the show aired in the UK in April this year.

Yes this Scottish sensation has taken us by storm on both sides of the Atlantic it’s fair to say. And is most likely the envy of many celebs who spend time and money trying to break into the competitive US market. SuBo has most certainly showed us all how it’s done and this whirlwind fairytale journey to fame has led us to the amazing demand and popularity for the singer on her trip to the Big Apple. Because who couldn’t love a fashion no-no Scot with a set of lungs like hers?! Susan has rocked our socks!

Boyle hails from a small town in West Lothian, Scotland. Not your typical superstar location, but she remains loyal to her roots and still resides in her 4 bedroom house there. We’re certain this sleepy town is sure to spy an array of avid fans on the SuBo hunt from now on though!

So fill us in on your chat about Susan’s album. All the jazz if you please!

It’s safe to say Scotland has wowed us – good on you Susan! Boom!

 -Danielle McKinlay, Contributing Editor

Claim Token for Technorati - GHGRTA3YXV26

It was back in March when there was all that hoopla surrounding Katie Holmes and hubby Tom planning a camping trip across America.  To share with little Suri the wonders of Mother Nature.  To get back to the basics.  To ‘rough it’ in the great outdoors. 

Well TomKat, if you’re reading this and want to camp some more, why not try an eco-friendly camping adventure in Britain.

We here at Unlabelled Britain are constantly on the look out for the cool and quirky.  Drumroll please.  We present to you the camping pod. 

No need to pitch a tent here.  These green camping pods are made of locally sourced timber (yay!) and insulated with sheep’s wool.  And starting next year, there will be more of them popping up throughout the UK. 

The UK-based Camping and Caravanning Club has sites in England and Scotland.  Pods go for around $60 and sleep up to four people.  That comes out to…carry the 1…$15 per person.  Not too shabby.