History of tourism in Scotland
What makes Scottish history so unique is that there is no single element that defines the country. There are many features of its past that have provided a nation which treasures its past and keenly anticipates its future. Over the last 200 years Scotland has produced writers, painters, sculptors, musicians, composers and dancers. Many of these art forms are created uniquely Scottish in style and inspiration. Scotland has been an attractive place as far back as the 19th century and are important in having an influence on the rapid transport development. In the second half of the 19th century economic and social conditions improved and this gave employees the opportunity to participate in tourist activities as the working days had been made shorter and holiday pay had been introduced.
Transport
The first proper railway in Scotland was the Garnkirk which opened in 1831. The first inter city railway was the Edinburgh and Glasgow opened in 1842 and by 1850 Scotland's major cities were connected to one another and the English channels through rail links. The 2nd half of the 19th century saw a rapid expansion and by 1900 virtually every town of more than 2,000 population on the Scottish mainland had a railway station. At the same time trains became more comfortable, faster and more frequent whilst the cost of travel declined relative to wages which most people could afford. After World War 1 the independent Scottish companies were merged into the London Midland and Scottish and London and North Eastern companies. A Scottish company had been considered, but rejected as being probably not financially stable. Since the 1920s and 30s saw a decline in passenger and freight business. At this time some lesser-used lines were closed to passenger traffic. After World War 2 the railways were nationalised. Very quickly the Scottish Region moved into a position where revenue was not covering operating expenses and after 1951 closures resumed. Scotland has also created a magnificent road network with motorways making it faster for cars to reach destinations in a shorter time. Over the last 50 years scotland has built up international routes through there four main international airports and Scotland has also built up 10 smaller airports around the highlands and islands which have made Scotland a much easier desination to get to for tourists.
The first proper railway in Scotland was the Garnkirk which opened in 1831. The first inter city railway was the Edinburgh and Glasgow opened in 1842 and by 1850 Scotland's major cities were connected to one another and the English channels through rail links. The 2nd half of the 19th century saw a rapid expansion and by 1900 virtually every town of more than 2,000 population on the Scottish mainland had a railway station. At the same time trains became more comfortable, faster and more frequent whilst the cost of travel declined relative to wages which most people could afford. After World War 1 the independent Scottish companies were merged into the London Midland and Scottish and London and North Eastern companies. A Scottish company had been considered, but rejected as being probably not financially stable. Since the 1920s and 30s saw a decline in passenger and freight business. At this time some lesser-used lines were closed to passenger traffic. After World War 2 the railways were nationalised. Very quickly the Scottish Region moved into a position where revenue was not covering operating expenses and after 1951 closures resumed. Scotland has also created a magnificent road network with motorways making it faster for cars to reach destinations in a shorter time. Over the last 50 years scotland has built up international routes through there four main international airports and Scotland has also built up 10 smaller airports around the highlands and islands which have made Scotland a much easier desination to get to for tourists.
Hospitality
Thomas Cook was the first ever excursion agent that introduced excursions all over Britain the first excursion in Scotland was in 1846 when he took 350 people from Leicester on a tour of Scotland and then to Glasgow to Edinburgh this was beneficial for Scotland as it brought tourists to somewhere they had never been. Thomas Cook chose Scotland as it was a unique country that could be easity accseible by Rail. At this time a popular location in scotland was Strathpeffer which was known for its natural spring. Other locations led on to gain popularity and this resulted in these areas being built up and constructed with new hotels and attractions for the visiting tourists.
Thomas Cook was the first ever excursion agent that introduced excursions all over Britain the first excursion in Scotland was in 1846 when he took 350 people from Leicester on a tour of Scotland and then to Glasgow to Edinburgh this was beneficial for Scotland as it brought tourists to somewhere they had never been. Thomas Cook chose Scotland as it was a unique country that could be easity accseible by Rail. At this time a popular location in scotland was Strathpeffer which was known for its natural spring. Other locations led on to gain popularity and this resulted in these areas being built up and constructed with new hotels and attractions for the visiting tourists.