December 28, 2014
Where to Go in 2015: Scotland
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Looking for the next gay wonder of the world? EDGE has picked our top five destinations for 2015. This installment? Break out your kilt, we're going to Scotland!
The kilts were flying high as Scotland passed the Marriage and Civil Partnership Act earlier this year. Gay and lesbian couples will be able to officially tie the knot as of December 31, positioning this picturesque landscape as the LGBT crown jewel in the United Kingdom's crown. Scotland will celebrate 2015 as the "Year of Food and Drink," highlighting the bounty of local and seasonal ingredients available throughout its cities and countryside.
Live Like a Lord
Head to Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland, for a taste of the high life. Spend the afternoon learning the skill of clay-pigeon shooting, then settle into the historic property, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. After a day in the field (road cycling, falconry, and gundog school are other options), settle into ESPA Life, the first spa of its kind in the country.
Get Your Gay On
The Glasgay! Festival is Scotland's annual celebration of LGBT culture, featuring theater, music, comedy, film, spoken word and visual art. The festival has drawn such internationally recognized names as Sir Ian McKellen as well as wildly inventive performance artists including Tim Miller and Ursula Mart�nez. Fall 2015.
Grrr
BearScots is Scotland's group for bears, cubs, chubs and their admirers and hosts events in Ediburgh and Glasgow. Mark your calendar for the annual BearScotFest in October, which includes a steamy sauna afternoon, the Mr. BearScots competition, and the ultimate Underbears party.
Designated Driver
You'll need one to navigate Scotland's Malt Whiskey Trail, which connects nine of the country's most notable distilleries. While Glenfiddich will be familiar to most, discover quirkier finds like Benromach, where you can book an exclusive Manager's Tour with a tutored tasting, or Speyside Cooperage, where you can try your hand at building your own cask.
Resource Guide
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
