Amid the legit online casino sites, some shady websites have also cropped up. This has made it much more essential than ever before to know certain things before registering on an online casino. Here we’ve listed a few of them:

1. Player reviews of online casinos

When you have selected an online casino, it is extremely necessary to go through its player reviews online. While reading them, you can gauge the security and reliability of the casino website. Never depend on just one review site or online forum. 

Read the reviews posted on multiple sites and see how many positive ones the casino has received. If there are many complaints about unfair practices and payment delays, you need to look for another online casino.

2. Use of encryption

The best online casino real money players place their bets on would always have an advanced encryption technology. It protects the sensitive personal data of the players. You must make sure that the site you’ve chosen has a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. 

It ensures that data is securely transmitted between your device and the server of the online casino. This safeguards your personal and financial information against the potential online threats.

3. lnformation on online casino licensing

The moment you are on your desired online casino, look for its licensing information. The best online casinos are licensed by reputed regulatory bodies, such as Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). If the casino website has such a license, you can be assured that it complies with the regulations. You must stay away from the site if the licensing information lacks transparency or hasn’t been provided.

4. Fair gaming certification

Another important feature of a secure online casino real money players bet on is its fair gaming practices. All the reliable casino sites use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to guarantee random outcomes of games. The RNGs make sure that the outcomes of games are not manipulated. 

Reputed online casinos have their RNGs audited regularly by eCOGRA or any of the other independent testing organizations. If your chosen online casino has a certification from such an organization, you’ll find it displayed on the website.

5. Secure payment methods

You can be assured of safe transactions if the online casino you’ve chosen has the most trusted payment methods. They include cards of Visa and MasterCard, trusted e-wallets, and bank transfers. The presence of a renowned payment method is always a strong indicator that the casino website is legit and secure.

6. Transparent terms and conditions

You must go through the terms and conditions of an online casino carefully before registering on it. A reliable casino site will always communicate its terms in a clear and concise manner. It will be transparent with its rules associated with withdrawals and other aspects. If the terms and conditions are communicated vaguely and are extremely complicated, it serves as a red flag.

In conclusion…

You must research an online casino in detail and evaluate it carefully based on several factors. It is essential that you pay attention to licensing, encryption, fair gaming, terms, and reviews. You must give top priority to security and reliability rather than falling prey to flashy ads on the site.

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However, you can also have many things to do while you’re in your hotel room. Well, there are times when you don’t feel like venturing out, especially after a long day of travel. Although in such situations your hotel room might feel like heaven, it can also be boring. So, to make these precious moments memorable, here are some fun things you can try while staying indoors:

1. Connect with your loved ones

Ever thought about this? Such moments can be one of the biggest gifts. While living a fast-paced life, you might’ve lost touch with so many of your relatives, friends, and former co-workers. This would be the best time to grab your smartphone or laptop and connect with them. 

Just get into something comfortable, hop on to your comfortable bed and start chatting! Call everyone you’ve wanted to speak with since quite a long time. As many of the hotels today have free Wi-Fi for their guests, you might also have it. This can be great for making video calls. You can also choose to chat with them through the instant messaging apps.

2. Turn the bathroom into your personal spa

You don’t often get to pamper yourself with some relaxing spa treatments. This can be your moment to indulge in a very personal spa session. Ask the hotel staff to send you a bottle of wine. It would be great if they can also arrange a scented candle and bath salts for you. 

Next, just get into the bubble bath and soak yourself in the tub. If you’re a woman, then you can also set aside some time for a beauty treatment. Grab the makeup kit in your bag and try experimenting with a new look. You can also give some deep conditioning to your hair and get your nails painted. 

3. Enjoy the views while sipping your coffee

Picture this. You’ve got up early in the morning and you’re not feeling like going anywhere. So, you open the windows of your hotel room to take in some fresh morning air. The views outside are so enchanting, you just feel like sitting beside the window and enjoying those beautiful sights. 

Well, who’s stopping you? You can make the experience even more pleasant by ordering a cup of coffee. Then, make yourself comfortable beside the window and savor the views while enjoying the sips of your coffee.

4. Play the slot games in an online casino

With the presence of so many online casinos, you don’t really need to go to a land-based casino. These websites are loaded with an array of exciting slot games, table games, and live casino games. All you need to do is sign-up online on any of these sites and start playing! 

If you’re too concerned about being a new player, you can try visiting a reliable casino review site. It has the required information on playing the casino games responsibly and how to take advantage of  the welcome bonuses. One such casino review website is Casinos Jungle that proposes the list of best online casinos. Besides guiding the players on responsible gambling, it also has some valuable information on the best online casinos. 

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As there’s less of a drinking culture in smaller towns and villages, they won’t have many pubs. Smaller villages in Scotland would have very few or no traditional pubs. The hotels in them are home to bars that can have the feel of a traditional pub. Such places are generally open for locals as well and not just for the guests or tourists. 

Here are some of the best traditional Scottish drinks you can enjoy in the country’s drinking establishments:

1. Scotch Whiskey

You won’t be surprised to hear people say ‘whiskey’ when they’re asked what is Scotland famous for. In Scotland, this drink is made using barley, yeast, and water. What makes this drink so special is that it gets better with age. It must be aged for at least three years in Scotland. 

The type of barrel used and the length of maturation determine the whiskey’s taste and price. In recent times, there are over 100 distilleries that produce Scotch whiskey. This makes it really difficult to tell which one is the best. You can savor one when you visit any of the pubs or bars in the country.

2. Drambuie

This Scottish liquor is produced in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. It is a sweetened form of whiskey made by combining honey, whiskey, and herbs. Drambuie is popularly used in a cocktail called Rusty Nail, which is a mix of whiskey and Drambuie. Rusty Nail is one of the most famous Scottish cocktails, but most people don’t know what it contains.

3. Scottish Beers

Beer lovers can find an excellent selection of Scottish beers during their visit to this country. They include pilsners, lagers, Scottish cask ales, Scotch ale, and craft beer. When you look behind the bar in a pub, you’ll mostly see two types of beer taps. 

One would be the tall, traditional tap and the other would be a shorter tap. Lagers and craft beers are drawn from the tall tap and cask ale from the shorter one. Cask ale is unfiltered and unpasteurized beer unique to the UK. There’s another variety of beer in Scotland known as Scotch Ale. This kind of beer is dark, malty, and sweet.

4. Scottish Cider

This is a good alternative to Scottish beer and is widely available across the UK. Among the most popular commercial brands of Scottish cider is Magners. If you like cider and are interested in tasting one at a local pub, simply ask the bartender. 

Some of the local ciders are Waulkmill Cider, Thistly Cross Cider, and Clyde Cider. Gordon Castle, located in a government council area called Moray, produces an uber-local whiskey cask cider. This would be the best drink to try if you happen to visit Moray.

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Besides fish, the regions of Clyde Valley and Greater Glasgow consume large quantities of beef and pork. Today the restaurants in different parts of the country offer greater diversity in food. Besides the traditional dishes, they have a variety of Mediterranean, Greek, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese delicacies.

History of the Scottish cuisine

You’ll find influences of the Britannic cuisine in the Scottish dishes. They have also been influenced by the culinary habits of the people residing in the Scandinavian Peninsula. The history of the cuisine of Scotland is quite long and interesting. It is the result of several cultures. 

One is the Celtic culture, which makes a generous use of oatmeal and girdle or griddle. The Scandinavian culture uses some unique methods of curing and salting pork and fish. It is believed that the original Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle came from the Vikings. 

The Scottish cooking methods

There have been many influences on the way the people of Scotland cook. The methods of cooking used in Scotland is similar to most of the American and European cooking. It is mostly noticed when you compare restaurant cooking and home cooking. Today, the emphasis is more on meeting the demands of a healthier diet while adapting the traditional Scottish cuisine. 

It comprises starchy carbohydrates, meat and fish, milk and milk products, oils, and fruits and vegetables. The methods of Scottish cooking may vary depending on the ingredients and recipes. Beacon, pork, lamb, fish, cabbage, leak, and seaweed are the basic ingredients in the dishes of Scotland. The ability of the Scottish people to mix meat, spices, and vegetables provide the special flavor to these dishes. 

Equipment used for Scottish cooking

The preparation of food in Scotland requires a diverse cooking equipment. Of course, like all the other cuisines, the basic kitchen equipment is needed for the Scottish cuisine. Among the common ones are soup ladles, food containers, mugs, food scales, and cruses. 

Serving spoons, forks, spatulas, scrapers, turners, and tongs are also a part of the cooking equipment. Additionally, the cooking instruments like cake pans, egg rings, and can openers bring greater efficiency in the kitchen. No special cooking equipment is required as the cuisine of Scotland is simple and adaptable.

Festivals and traditions associated with Scottish food

One of the best festivals to enjoy some of the finest dishes from the Scottish cuisine is Christmas. Scotland’s New Year, also called Hogmanay, is also an excellent time to enjoy the best dishes of the country. Halloween is mostly celebrated by fasting in this part of the world, but there’s always a presence of food. 

Besides all the traditions that are observed nationally, the people of Scotland also celebrate various local and regional holidays. It is the diverse local customs and some unique dishes that draws millions of tourists to Scotland.

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Whenever you visit Plockton, you might want to consider taking one of the sea kayak expeditions to the neighboring islands. Here are some of the best options in sea kayak expeditions for tourists enjoying their stay in Plockton:

1. Isle of Skye expedition

When you go sea kayaking to the Isle of Skye, you’ll get to explore the island’s gorgeous coastline. It is quite remote and is only accessible by boats. The Isle of Skye is located in the far north-western region of Scotland. It has been voted one of the world’s best islands by the National Geographic magazine. The enchanting scenery of the island is dominated by the Cuillin Mountains. 

The wild coastline of the Isle of Skye is washed by tides that come from the Atlantic Ocean. Owing to these magnificent waters, the experienced sea kayakers would have some interesting and challenging conditions. These expeditions can typically last from 3 days and 2 nights to 5 days and 4 nights. Accommodation would be wild camping and self-catering.

2. Outer Hebrides expedition

Outer Hebrides can be a world-class destination for experienced kayakers. These expeditions generally involves stays on a small cruise ship with dining included. Such ships can anchor in some charming and remote places and you can paddle at awe-inspiring locations. 

They include Vatersay, Barra and the uninhabited islands of Mingulay, Sandray, and Pabbay. The spectacular sights on these islands include some dramatic cliffs, sheltered sandy beaches and turquoise seas. Mingulay and St Kilda are popular for their amazing cliff landscapes, isolated location, and rich wildlife. 

During this expedition, you’ll be accompanied by qualified guides or instructors used to the challenging conditions while at sea. The cruise ship would have a chef on board, who provides delicious meals prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Accommodations on such ships are usually arranged in single and twin temperature-controlled cabins. 

The spacious ship may also offer the option of dining alfresco. Additionally it has plenty of space to store everything needed for the expedition, including the sea kayaks. You’ll also be able to bring your water sports gear owing to the ample storage space.

3. Small Isles expedition

This would be a 5-day expedition that allows you to explore some of the most marvelous sights of the Small Isles. They are a small archipelago of four islands, which form a part of the Inner Hebrides. The islands in the archipelago are Muck, Eigg, Canna, and Rum. 

Located south of the Isle of Skye, these islands can be reached under favorable conditions. If the weather is not suitable to reach them by sea kayaks, you can take the Calmac ferry. Each of these islands has its own unique character. Rum is the largest among them and is dominated by volcanic peaks. 

The most populous in the archipelago is Eigg, which is owned by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust. Bordered by secluded bays, Muck is the smallest and most southerly in the archipelago. The most westerly of these islands is Canna. Accommodation would be wild camping and self-catering for 4 nights.

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Such has been the quality of the single malt Scotch whiskey that it still rules many hearts. Over the past few years, the costs of single malt Scotch whiskey have been dramatically soaring. The rise in its overall value was 40% in 2018. Among the most expensive whiskeys in the world, many are Scottish. 

Uniqueness

A bottle of the early 20th-century Macallan was bought for £1,200,000 at Christie’s in London in 2019. Whiskeys from any of the other countries in the world may not fetch such a huge amount. Upon looking at these facts, you may wonder what makes single malt Scotch so popular.

Single malt whiskeys are not just found in Scotland, but many other countries of the world. They include USA, Canada, Sweden, Spain, Ireland, Japan, and India. Barley is the ingredient used in the making of a single malt whiskey at one particular distillery. 

However, Scotch single malt whiskey is special, as it can only be made in Scotland. This is because it has a protected Geographical Indicator (GI) status. It is also distilled and matured in a particular manner. Owing to this exclusivity among all the other features, Scotch single malts are the most desired ones.

Quality

As this is a protected product, Scottish single malt whiskey cannot be replicated. Else, distilleries in any other country could use the same process to make a Scotch. Although the process of distillation can be replicated, there are certain things that are not replaceable. They are the geology, climate, and water of Scotland. 

Even within the country there are diverse landscapes, which also makes each of the distilleries unique. Macallan, which comes from the north-eastern part of Cairngorm Mountains will always taste like itself. Imitating a Scotch whiskey would never produce a distinct Scottish experience in the drink.

Experience

There’s something else, which makes Scottish single malts so different from the other quality whiskeys in the world. It is the sheer romanticism that they evoke in the drinker. A premium Scotch single malt comes with an intense history and from a unique geographical region. 

Upon drinking it, the images of the Scottish culture, landscapes, and people surface in the drinker’s mind. This instantly elevates the drinking experience to a whole new level. Some of these special areas of Scotland have been instrumental in the success of Scotch single malts. 

When you drink a Scottish single malt, the visions you get make the entire experience a special one. One of the best experiences would be savouring a Scotch beside a fireplace in the middle of a chilly winter. It won’t be wrong to say that the heart and soul of Scotland reside in a Scottish whiskey. This is another big reason why it has found a place in the hearts of millions across the world.

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You’ll get the chance to enjoy some traditional music at one of the events held in the village hall. Some of the local pubs also host regular events where traditional music is played. Besides exploring all these local attractions, you can also indulge in some exciting outdoor activities:

Walking

This Scottish village and its surrounding areas are characterized by low coastal moorland. It is a mix of sheltered bays, small crofting townships, and a coral beach. You’ll enjoy walking through the native woods, around the coast, in the crofting townships, and across the open moorland. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the rare pine marten or an otter. While walking through the crofting township of Plockton, you’ll also come across some attractive flowering plants. You can visit the Balmacara Square Visitor Centre for detailed information on the area, its history, and the people.

Mountain biking

You’ll have great mountain biking opportunities in the woodlands and local moors surrounding Plockton. A day of challenging ride can be taken over the Lochalsh Peninsula. If you wish to explore some more places, you can consider the famous mountain trails of Torridon. 

You can also choose the trails of Skye or any of the other lesser-known mountain routes. Although not technically challenging, the steep terrain over the Lochalsh peninsula demands a good level of fitness. The trails of Torridon and Skye are for the experienced mountain bikers. 

Sea kayaking

The sheltered bays of Plockton are ideal for learning sea kayaking and improving your skills in this activity. Experienced sea kayakers can try the more challenging waters near Skye. It is advisable to book such trips with one of the local service providers.

This will ensure that you’re always accompanied by a professional guide and provided with top-quality gear. During this journey, you’ll savor the panoramic views of the Isle of Skye and the Applecross and Torridon mountains. While sea kayaking, you’ll also get to see the seals, porpoises, and some rare birds.

Wildlife cruise

The boat trip operated by Calum Mackenzie and his crew would be great for going on a wildlife cruise. If you don’t spot the seals, they won’t charge you anything. This makes the boat trip one of the most unique outdoor experiences in Plockton. From April to October, this wildlife cruise is conducted daily. 

The crew always looks forward to welcoming new and old passengers on board. To reserve a place on the boat, you’ll have to register on their online pre-registration system. The busiest months are July and August. All the trips would be subject to weather conditions.

Shopping

With many elegant local shops selling lots of interesting things, you’ll have a memorable shopping experience in Plockton. Some of them stock excellent varieties of wines and whiskies. If you need wider range of items, you can visit the large supermarket located five miles away in Kyle. 

For souvenirs or gift items, you can visit the village’s own artist’s gallery called ‘The Studio’. It has an extensive collection of artwork, local jewellery, cards, and other items. Visit ‘Home in the Highlands’ for a wonderful range of clothing and accessories for the entire family. It also offers crockery, paintings, cushions, and throws. 

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However, it’s not just seafood that the restaurants have on their menu. You’ll have excellent varieties of Scotland’s traditional foods to choose from while dining at any of these restaurants. Here are some of the traditional Scottish foods you can try when you are in Plockton:

1. Haggis

This is the national dish of Scotland. Haggis is a delicious pudding, which is prepared using meat from the innards of sheep. It is mixed with oatmeal, suet, onions, dried herbs, and other seasonings. Once combined, these ingredients are stuffed inside a sheep’s stomach and cooked. 

While this description is certainly not appetizing, you’ll forget about everything when you begin eating it. This savory dish has a nutty texture and a great flavor. Once you’re done having the serving of Haggis, you’ll certainly feel full and satisfied.

2. Cullen Skink

The origins of this popular soup of Scotland can be traced to a small village called Cullen. It is located in the north-eastern part of the country. This creamy soup is made using smoked haddock, potatoes, cream, and onions. It is typically served with toasted bread. The local recipes for this soup may have certain variations. 

In some of the variations, they may use milk instead of water. In others, they may mash the potatoes in order to make a thicker soup. No matter what the variation is, you’ll find it on the menus of restaurants across the country.

3. Scottish Porridge

Dating back to the early days of Scotland, this dish is commonly eaten for breakfast. It is quite unlike the porridge that the non-Scottish people are familiar with. This particular porridge is made using salt instead of sugar. So, rather than a sweet breakfast, you’ll have a savory one. 

It is prepared with fresh oats cooked in milk and makes for a wonderful meal to start off your day. Before heading out of your hotel for a sightseeing tour, have this filling dish for breakfast.

4. Scotch Pie

Another dish that originated in this country, Scotch pie is a small but extremely delicious dish. It is a double-crust pie filled with minced meat, usually mutton. This filling of mutton is often spiced with pepper and other ingredients. 

Generally, the types and quantities of spice used is kept secret by individual makers of the Scotch pie. This form of pie is baked in a round tin. It is about 4 centimeters in height and 8 centimeters in diameter. Owing to the pie’s hard crust, it needs no wrapping and is eaten by hand.

5. Neeps and Tatties

Neeps and tatties are often served alongside Haggis, the national dish of Scotland. They are made using root vegetables that are boiled and mashed before serving as side dishes. Haggis and neeps and tatties together can be an exciting food to try. 

It is commonly served during the ‘Burns Supper’, which is a part of Robert Burns’ birthday celebrations. Neeps and tatties are featured in various kinds of dishes in Scotland. When served alongside Haggis, they make for a healthy and delicious meal.

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For many individuals, Scottish music means the bagpipes. They can’t think of anything else associated with Scotland’s traditional music other than this instrument. Of course, it’s true that this iconic musical instrument plays a major role in the country’s musical tradition. However, there’s more to Scotland’s traditional music than just the bagpipes. 

Before the bagpipes came ‘the lyre’

Very few people know that the earliest mention of the bagpipes in Scotland goes beyond the 15th century. Although the legacy of this musical instrument is impressive, a few other instruments existed long back. No one can deny that the bagpipes are more than 600 years old, but they’re still relatively new. 

Evidence of a stringed musical instrument called ‘lyre’ was found on the Isle of Skye. It dates back as far as 2300 BCE. This makes it the oldest surviving stringed instrument not only in Scotland but also in all of Europe. People playing harp-type musical instruments were also depicted in stone carvings from the Pictish period.  

The cultural significance of ‘bards’

It won’t be unfair to say that music has always been an integral part of the Scottish culture. Upon going back as far as the medieval period, one would come across the mention of certain individuals called ‘bards’. Throughout the communities of Scotland in those times, these were among the most important individuals. 

The bards kept the strong oral tradition alive and acted primarily as storytellers, musicians, or poets of the community. At times, they also played the role of a local historian and even of a lawyer. These multi-talented individuals were often funded by a nobleman or a monarch. Among the major duties of the bards was writing songs in praise of their employer. 

Over the centuries, the tradition of bards gradually fell out of favor, but their cultural importance never diminished. In modern times, the term ‘bard’ has taken on a new meaning. This is now used as a term of recognition for renowned poets or authors. One can thus see why Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, is referred to as ‘The Bard’. 

In modern times

Everyone knows Bob Dylan, the legendary American musician and songwriter. He had once stated publicly that his greatest inspiration was none other than Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Many of the elements of Scottish music, such as its instruments, accompaniments, and venues have changed with the times. Despite this, the music of Scotland has remained rooted in its tradition. 

The Scottish bands of recent times still employ many of the techniques used by their ‘bardic’ ancestors. Some of the innovative musicians even fuse traditional techniques with modern technologies to produce some fabulous sounds. This shows how relevant Scottish traditional music is even in today’s times.

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It is owing to such spectacular natural features that it has been featured in many television series and films. The most well-known among them is the ‘Hamish Macbeth’ series produced by BBC. Over the years, Plockton has successfully preserved its rich heritage and a heart-warming hospitality. During your time spent in this beautiful Scottish village, you’ll get to know its interesting history.

The early days

In the early 19th century, the village was surveyed and planned by W Cumming. The purpose was to exploit the west coast fishing industry. A renowned civil engineer named Thomas Telford designed many structures of the village. They included the bridge at Duirinish, the Plockton Parish Church, and a few homes. To encourage local employment, the homes were given on lease for 99 years. 

By the mid-1840s, the population in Plockton rose to 547 with the presence of herring fishing. Although there was some hardship, this village fared better than the other villages during the highland potato famine. Herring fishing remained its major source of livelihood and additional support came from crofting in the late 19th century. 

The advent of railway

In 1870, the Dingwall and Skye Railway was started. It ran from Dingwall and was terminated at Strome Ferry. This was where the fish landed and some of them were processed to be sent to the London market. Towards the end of the 19th century, the railway was extended to Kyle of Lochalsh. 

This involved a major feat of engineering. It brought tremendous benefits to the locals as the fishing industry prospered. Kyle of Lochalsh became a major ferry port and railway terminus, laying the foundation for today’s tourism.

The World War days

With the beginning of the First World War, the local economy declined once again. This happened due to the fact that many of the men of Plockton had to serve in the war. The population of the village fell by significant numbers. Some of the house-building efforts and public works provided little support for the local economy. 

One of the major public buildings constructed around this time was the village hall of Plockton. It was built in 1934. Some of the major changes to the Highlands were brought by the aftermath of the Second World War. In the late 1940s, electricity arrived in the village. 

The local population increased during the 1960s. Plockton witnessed a growth in tourism with better roads and communications. This was instrumental in providing the required support for the community. 

The history of education in Plockton

Sir Alexander Matheson had built the first school on Innes Street in 1865. It began by providing primary education for the children of this village. Later, many rented rooms in the homes were used for providing primary education. 

For some time, the main school building was entirely used for higher grade education. In the 1960s the large Plockton High School complex was completed. Today, it is also home to the world-famous ‘National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music’.

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