Scotland still exists today as both a land and a modern country. Scotland has a rich and deep history that through ancient and mid-evil battles, disease and pestilence and a mad attempt by the Romans to occupy the proud country has left a historical mark across the highlands and lowlands. Visitors should expect to see ruins and castles, rolling green hills and the unmistakable sight of the famous Scottish Heather.The Calendonian Canal cleaves Scotland in half starting at Inverness on the eastern coast and emptying sea near Fort William. Barge Vacations are rich in scenery, history and culture. The important aspect of the river system in both Scotland and Ireland is that historically they were the fastest means of traveling from point A to point B.  Military campaigns were wages along the rivers, trade flowed up and down the rivers, and cities and castles were built along the rivers. These are a few of the unique sights that await visitors who embark on a barge cruise down the Calendonian Canal.