Scotland

Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437.

Edinburgh Castle stands high on the massive grey Castle Rock. The oldest part of the building dates back to about 1100. In the Castle are the Honours of Scotland — the Scottish Crown, scepter and sword of state, the oldest royal regalia in Europe.

The Palace of Holyrood is the official residence of the Queen when she is in Scotland. It is one of the most interesting places in Edinburgh. Many events of the long history of Scotland are associated with Holyrood.

Loch Ness is probably Scotland's best known lake, because of the Loch Ness Monster which may live in the deep water. A large prehistoric creature is said to be living in the lake, but it is not scientifically proved to exist. A popular nickname for the Loch Ness Monster is Nessie.

The Burns Country is an area where Scotland's national poet wrote many of the world's most tender love songs. The thatched cottage at Alloway where Robert Burns was born (1759) is the starting point of a heritage trail that links together 40 places associated with the poet.

Ex.What do you think makes Scotland a country interesting for visitors?

Have you heard about Loch Ness, the lake that has excited people's
curiosity for many years?

Northern Ireland

Belfast is one of the youngest capitals in the world. It was here that the ‘Titanic’ was built and sent out on her fatal maiden voyage to New York in 1912.

The Glens of Antrim form a lovely and romantic area of rivers, waterfalls, wild flowers and birds. A glen is narrow mountain valley in Ireland and Scotland. People of the Glens are supposed to be great story-tellers. They tell stories and legends about the deeds of their heroes full of ‘helmets, crowns and swords’. Their numerous myths are often mysterious and gloomy.

The Giant's Causeway on the sea coast of County Antrim is a mass of stone columns standing very near together. The tops of the rocks form stepping stones leading from the cliff foot and disappearing under the sea. There are 40,000 of these stone columns. The tallest is about 42 feet (13m) high. This strange geological feature is believed to have been the result of volcanic action. It is sometimes called the eighth wonder of the world.

Ex. 3. Look at this letter sent by the English girl to her friend in Russia. What are her impressions of the place where she is spending her holidays?

Park Hotel

Cardiff

Wales, UK

June, 2006