Insure and be secure, Scotts needs to learn it
It has been learned that more than 20% of Scots who travel to different places or vacation do not buy insurance. A recent study shows that 40% of the Scottish travellers has suffered holiday upset owing to lost of luggage, cancellations of flight or for other reason.
All those who reported their woes had never bothered to shield themselves by getting enough insurance for the traveling venture. Of lately it was also noted that more 30% Scott travelers willing to travel this year again has not taken any insurance for their upcoming vacations.
Even Motorists are seem to be lagging behind in availing insurance cover, and many have suffered for not having control after they were found stranded on highways waiting for assistance.
Same goes with insuring their mobile phones, which is either replaced or broken since it does not covers insurance. The research found that nearly £190 million has been spent for mending or replacing lost mobile phones that does not cover by insurance.
This shows that most of the Scotts do no understand the importance of insurance and the ordeal of getting the lost baggage.
Scotland’s most scenic stretch discovered
Have you ever fancied to go for that dream drive on the one of the most picturesque routes in Scotland? If yes, then get ready for a dream run on the ten-mile stretch of the A817 from Loch Lomond to Garelochhead which has been voted as the most scenic stretch in Scotland. This beautiful stretch which extends up through the Glen Fruin was recently voted the most scenic stretch in a poll of motorist conducted to find Britains best drives.
This pleasant stretch has been known for its splendid views, thanks to the Loch Lomond and The Trossach National Park which adds charm to the place. Meanwhile, last year A87 was voted the best stretch, but this new found stretch from Loch Lomond to Grelochhead is also among the top five UK’s best drives. Been built for transporting military supplies, today this spectacular stretch stands out to be one of the most idyllic and beautiful stretch of Scotland.
Driving on this stretch resembles as if you are riding on a rollercoaster, with the nature of the road rising 1000ft above Glen Fruin and dropping hundred of feet, driving on it remains special. Being the top favourite among riders and motorists, this beautiful stretch has always attracted many motorists to experience a memorable drive on this ten-mile road.
Scotland spots the Beavers in the wild
As part of the Scottish beaver Trial (SBT), the first beavers of the wild in Scotland dating back to 400 years have been released to a designated trial area in Mid Argyll for a time period of five years. Since being hunted to extinction in UK in the 16th century, this marks the first ever formal reintroduction of the native mammal into the wild in the UK, after years of lobbying from conservation experts and ecologists who believes that it was a missing part in the Scotland’s wetland ecosystem.
Beaver facts:
Originally from Norway, beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland because they were very valuable. Highly prized, their soft, thick and waterproof fur was very fashionable and it was also highly sought after for its secretion castoreum that contains salicylic acid which was produced in a gland below the tail and was an active ingredient of aspirin. In some areas, they were an important part of the diet and they were a substitute for fish by the Roman Catholics on Fridays.
Chairman of the Scottish wildlfe trust, Allan Bantick said:
“Today, we take one more step towards rebuilding the natural biodiversity of Scotland. Beavers are known to bring a vast number of benefits to other native Scottish wildlife as well as wetland and waterside habitats. Our reintroduction follows in the footsteps of 24 other European countries, who have already reintroduced beavers to over 150 different sites.”
As the beavers settle into their new purpose built artificial lodges, the real work of the SBT begins. The trial is all about a scientific study on how the beavers cope naturally in the Scottish environment and what the various effects they have upon it are… To help inform the independent scientific monitoring coordinated by the Scottish Natural Heritage, they will be closely watched and data will be collected over the next five years.
Visitors will be allowed to see the trial site over time but first the beavers need to settle down. By timing, early morning or early evening will be the right time to spot these intriguing animals in the wild.
The Scotsman who devised the first ATM passes away
John Shepherd-Barron , the father of the modern automated teller machine, passed away at the age of 84 at a hospital in Inverness, Scotland.
I would always take money out of my bank on a Saturday morning. However, one Saturday I was one minute late and it was closed,” he told the London Guardian in 2007. “That night I started thinking there must be a better way to get cash when I wanted it.
The innovative thought of a workable cash vending machine struck him while taking a bath! He modeled his dream machine on a chocolate vending machine which dispenses bar chocolates when money is put. After two years his idea took shape when the first ATM devised by him was installed at a branch of Barclays in a north London suburb on June 27, 1967. As plastic bank cards had not been invented then, special chemically coded checks were used in this machine. Customers needed to place the checks in a drawer and on entering a personal identification number, a 10 Pound note would come out of a second drawer.
It is interesting to note that though Mr. Shepherd-Barron had originally planned to have a six digit personal identification number, it was cut short to 4 digit after his wife, Caroline, complained that she was finding it difficult to remember six digits.
According to the London Daily Telegraph, Mr. Shepherd-Barron did not patent his system and did not profited from his path breaking invention. However in the year 2004, he was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire decoration for his services to banking. At present there are over 1.7 million ATMs around the world, which has made banking services a lot more simpler and enjoyable to millions of customers all over the world.
Edinburgh- Ideal city break destination!
Every corner of Edinburgh has its own story or legend waiting to be untold. With a distinctive and unique skyline that follows closely with that of Venice and makes for fantastic photographs, this place is the most beautiful capitals in Europe. Known to be the ‘Athens of the North’, it is a great base from which you can explore the rest of Scotland. Enriched in its own culture, Edinburgh continues to draw crowds of vacation goers and backpackers from around the globe.
A town intimately entwined with its landscapes, with many buildings and monuments perched atop crags and overshadowed by cliffs, it holds an abundance of sights.
Edinburgh Castle
A remarkable fortress and former royal residence, this oldest building not only offers historical interest but also offers a splendid panoramic view that surrounds the city. A rich mix of architectural style reflects the Castle’s complex history and role as both stronghold and seat of kings. Towering at the edge of the city’s cobblestone streets, this majestic landmark is well worth a visit.
The Museum of Scotland
Talked about since 1780, The Museum of Scotland is most striking with exterior walls of sandstone which is quarried in Elgin. Get to know more about Scotland through the many galleries and displays which provide information from beginning to the present day. Wander through the halls and wonder at the fossils, artifacts and ancient jewelery. So much to see and admire, don’t forget to photograph some of the majestic views when you are on the rooftop. Admission is absolutely free!
Arthur’s Seat
Known as the Lion’s head, it is the highest of a series of peaks which takes in the form of a crouched lion. The only way to reach the top of the Arthur’s seat, an extinct volcano that erupted around 340 millions ago, is by hiking, so make sure you are packed with comfortable stuff and great shoes for the journey.