Scotland is a small but beautiful nation in the United Kingdom that shares a border with England. Millions of tourists are attracted to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, Loch Ness in search of the monster, and Edinburgh castle for an overload of history and culture. Yes, this is a country that packs a punch. It’s a people pleaser. Have you discovered Scotland yet?
Much of Scotland’s culture today is attached to professional sports. Soccer is the sport of choice for the masses, closely followed by rugby, boxing, darts, and horse racing. After a true feel of Scottish history? Visit the Highland Games in Greenock on the banks of the River Clyde for a traditional feel. Chances are, you would’ve seen nothing like it in the past.
If you are after a more modern feel and wish to know what occupies the minds and hearts of sports fans today, then there’s plenty to choose from in Scotland. Visit the nation’s biggest and best-loved venues. You can even place a legal wager on the outcome. Visitors from the US know gambling is changing in their home country, with changes to the laws regarding sports betting in Massachusetts a fine example of this.
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Know where you stand
Some states in the US permit gambling, while others don’t. Even a few areas remain on the fence, and you can never be quite sure of their direction with gambling. But that’s not something you need to worry about when visiting Scotland on vacation.
As is the case across the United Kingdom, betting on sports is legal for all aged 18 or over. You can let your guard down, gamble on a match you will watch from the stadium or sports bar, and get the authentic feel of following sport in Scotland.
Hundreds of sports venues are scattered across Scotland, and it would be difficult to see them all, especially in the short time a vacation offers. There are also many things to do that are separate from sports, so you should take advantage of them by not dedicating all your time to soccer and shinty.
Ayr Racecourse
The home of the Scottish Grand National – the biggest event on the nation’s horse racing calendar – Ayr Racecourse is worth a visit. It’s easily accessible by road and rail, a short walk or cab ride from Ayr train station.
Some of the UK’s best-loved racing comes from this venue, including the Ayr Gold Cup. But there are also plenty of smaller meetings during the week. Plan your trip during the summer months to give yourself the best chance of catching a big race at Ayr. You won’t regret it.
Murrayfield
Rugby Union ranks as one of the most popular sports in Scotland, and Murrayfield is the place to see it. Murrayfield in Edinburgh is the home stadium of the Scotland national rugby team, where they take on some big names in the Six Nations and Internationals.
You will find Murrayfield in Edinburgh, which allows you to kill two birds with one stone. How about an afternoon sampling the delights of Edinburgh Castle, the dungeons, the old town, the new town, and the Scottish parliament? Edinburgh is the nation’s capital, and although Glasgow has a more famous relationship with sports, plenty is going on here.
In addition to Murrayfield, the two major soccer teams Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian, are also available to visit. A rugby fan or not, no visit to Scotland is complete without seeing the capital.
Ibrox
We have saved the best for last. Ibrox Stadium in the Govan area of Glasgow is Scotland’s only stadium rated five stars by UEFA. Part of the historic venue is listed and protected; such is its importance to Scottish sporting history.
Ibrox is a venue with a 55,000 all-seater capacity, but that can grow for music festivals when additional seating becomes available on the pitch. It’s the home of the Scottish Premiership soccer team Glasgow Rangers, the nation’s most successful club. Rangers have won the Scottish championship 55 times throughout its history.
Visit Ibrox on game night to see the famous Rangers in action or attend on a day when there’s not a game scheduled to enjoy the stadium tour, including a visit to the club’s impressive trophy room.