Whether it's tartan patterns, kilts, or clans, Scotland, located in the wind and weather-exposed north of the British Isles, has been giving birth to a rich array of tourist clichés for centuries. So close and yet so far. Just a little over an hour's flight away, Scotland is brimming with history and stories: whether it's trips to the birthplace of golf, the never-ending search for the best whisky distilleries, or extensive journeys through the Highlands - many of the attractions, often well-protected by fog, wind, rain, and knee-deep peat, lend themselves surprisingly well to being relived in the local pub or by the home fireplace. The Scots believe that using a map and compass can have a character-building influence and that a touch of personal responsibility is essential for living and surviving in unspoiled natural areas.