I expected Scotland to be big and majestic, but nothing prepared me for the incredibly beauty of the Highlands. Cut by glaciers and aged for aeons from ancient mountains of Himalayan scale. We’re left with a truly striking landscape that is as much at the heart of every Scottish soul as the outback is to every Australian.

Edinburgh

August 13

I started in Edinburgh – a big solid and impressive city with wide streets and a sense of scale and grandeur. It was heaving with tourists for the Edinburgh Festival and Festival Fringe. I felt a young, hip, offbeat energy. It was slightly at odds with the grand old buildings – not unlike Berlin. Edinburgh to me is a true European city and with the Festival you could find people from every corner of the continent. Talking to people I began to understand why Scottish people think it’s so odd to leave the EU.
Most of the shows are free or really cheap (£5 or £10) and need to be booked as the venues are often small with some taking only about 50 people. There are promoters everywhere thrusting flyers into your hands; there are huge crowds; and there is a great sense of fun. I saw 3 shows in one afternoon and evening and will definitely come back. This is a really really fun festival; especially if you like comedy.