Experiencing Scotland

Scotland is a unique and austere1 place, laden2 with history, where you can find aristocratic palaces and castles, as well as the traditional parade in national costumes. It has some of the most beautiful cities in Europe, a living testimony of a proud and splendid past.

In order to see the true soul of Scotland today, what forged the character of this splendid region, we have to go towards the northern regions, to the Grampia Mountains.Beautiful and unspoiled, it was difficult to farm. The Scots subdued the environment with simple spades and strong arms.

The history of this ancient struggle, and its people's ancient love affair with the hard land, is enclosed within the walls of the Angus Folk Museum. You are able to get a feel of the typical rural atmosphere of times past from the everyday artifacts displayed here .

From coastal Aberdeen in towards the interior of the Grampian Mountains there runs the Castle Trail, a road that touches on many fortresses, which are witness of continual revolts against the dominion of neighboring England in Scottish history.

Perhaps the most uplifting moment for Scottish autonomy is the one experienced inside this ancient abbey of Arbroath, where, in 1320; the Declaration of Independence was celebrated, at the instigation of King Robert the Bruce. He carried out the plan for autonomy drawn up3 by the great popular hero William Wallace, to whom cinema has dedicated the wonderful film" Brave Heart", the winner of five Oscars.

Glamis Castle is often remembered for being the residence of King Macbeth and Queen ElizabethⅡin her childhood. Among the most assiduous guests here are the inevitable ghosts, created by ancient popular beliefs.

The true flag of Scotland is tartan, its brightly colored plaid patterns which are used to distinguish the various clans. Over the last few decades this fabric has made a comeback and is part of the daily life of this country.

練習題：

Ⅰ. True or False:

1. Southern regions best represent the true soul of Scotland.

2. Glamis Castle is often remembered for being residence of King Macbeth and Queen Elizabeth.

3. The fortresses along the Castle Trail witness the struggle against England.

4. Northern part is futile and easy to farm.

Ⅱ. Questions:

1. What is the true flag of Scotland? When did it begin to take on again?

2. Describe the environment of the northern regions of Scotland with the words in the article or the words of your own.