The Importance Of Good Description
Whether you’re planning to write a novel or just want to write up some short stories for your local paper, you’ll need somewhere to do it. No matter what stage you’re at in your writing career, there are plenty of places around Scotland where you can get inspired and create some great stories. If you don’t know where to start, this article is for you. Here we’ve listed some of the best places where you can find inspiration and write some amazing stories that will stay with readers for years to come. So sit back, relax, and get started…
Short Breaks
Short breaks are perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful place to get some work done. Depending on which region you choose, you can find plenty of short breaks where you can easily get an afternoon or evening’s worth of writing done. For instance, in the Western Isles, you can take a walk along the beach or go for a cycle ride with the wind in your hair and the sea in sight. The only downside is that you’ll probably be there overnight as well, so you’ll need a place to stay. There are dozens of short breaks scattered around Scotland, so you’re sure to find something which suits you. You can contact VisitScotland directly on 0131-333 1133 or see their website for more information.
Self-catering Properties
If you’re looking for a holiday property which you can fully self-cater, then you might want to consider looking at self-catering accommodation in Scotland. These properties offer a wide range of facilities, from fully equipped kitchens and large bedrooms to movie channels and BBQs on the patio. The only downside is that they can be a little more expensive, but you can usually find a decent enough deal if you are booking well in advance. The perfect way to end a stressful day is by baking a fabulous dessert or cooking a memorable meal for yourself and some friends. You can’t get more self-sufficient than that!
Festival Places
Festival places are perfect for writers who love going to music festivals and carnivals. With a wide variety of stages and attractions, there’s something for everyone. You can take a break from writing and just enjoy the atmosphere of the event. There will be plenty of people around you which will spur you on to write some great stories. Perhaps you’ll even meet the great William Shakespeare in the flesh and get to ask him about the wonders of writing. Many festivals in Scotland are dedicated to literature and storytelling, so you’re sure to find something close to your heart. Even better, some of the larger festivals have their own websites, so you can keep up with the latest news and details on the events which interest you.
Castles And Palaces
No, we don’t mean the Walt Disney castle here. We’re referring to the real castles and palaces of Scotland. These are the castles which great writers like Sir Walter Scott and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle were inspired to write about. If you really want to get away from it all and find a quiet corner somewhere, then there are plenty of castles which you can stay in for the night. Palaces can be a bit less romantic, but still offer a good opportunity to just sit down with a good glass of wine or a pot of tea and write for a few hours. After all, it was at a palace that Sir Walter Scott wrote most of his famous works, including The Lady of the Lake and Ivanhoe. There are numerous castles and palaces to choose from, so you’re sure to find something close to your heart. If you haven’t worked out where your story might come from yet, then this is the perfect place to start.
Countryside
If you’re looking for someplace a little more remote and peaceful, then you might want to consider the Scottish countryside. Scotland is famous for its winding roads and rolling hills, perfect for cycling and walking. If you’ve ever watched the epic HBO series Game of Thrones, you might remember the famous quote “Winter is coming”. Although much of the story takes place in the castle of Winterfell, fans of the show know that the saying is often reference to the bleak and desolate Scottish winter. The beautiful and dramatic landscape of Scotland will provide the perfect inspiration for your next great story. If you’re a nature lover, you can go on walks and look for unusual and interesting plants and animals. If you really want to get away from it all, you can even rent a castle or a cottage near a river or loch for the day. It’s not all bleak though…if you head to the South-west of the country, you’ll find rolling hills and dreamy lochs, which are perfect for fishing and watersports. If you’re a bit of a romantic, you can even get a castle toad, which is a cross between a frog and a lizard, and hold it in your arms all night while you write your favorite love story.
Remote Islands
If you’ve ever watched the HBO series The Man from Earth, you might remember the character Tom Logan. In that show, Tom Logan is an alien who crash-lands on Earth and has to hide from the authorities because he hasn’t returned home after a 25-year space flight. Inspired by real-life events, you can put yourself in Tom Logan’s shoes and experience life as a human being on the run in the Scottish wilderness. The perfect place for Tom Logan (or you!) to escape is an island that’s far from any neighboring country. You can rent a remote island cabin for the night, cook your own meal, and enjoy some peace and quiet. If you like, you can even walk along the beach and look for the Northern Lights in the winter sky. Of course, you’ll need to bring your laptop and paper so you can write up some amazing stories about your travels. We can’t promise you great seafood and sunshine, but you’ll have the wild and wonderful Scottish countryside to inspire you.
St Andrews
If you really want to find the inspiration for your next great story, then you might want to visit the historic town of St Andrews. In 1696, the Scottish town of St Andrews was home to the Universities’ Club, whose members included Dr. Johnson, Sir Walter Scott, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Today, you can still visit the spot where these literary greats once played golf and attended meetings, which are now held in the Old College. If you get a chance, take a walk around the area. You can’t help but feel inspired after spending some time in the company of such great thinkers. There are plenty of streets and places in St Andrews which have been described in great detail in the works of famous authors, so you can easily find something which will inspire you to write.
There are numerous places around Scotland where you can get inspired and start writing, whether it’s a long summer’s day or a midwinter’s night. If you don’t already have an idea for a story, then one of these locations is sure to provide the inspiration you need to create something unique and wonderful. So sit back, relax, and get started…