American tourist's 25 observations about Scotland go viral

An American tourist who carried a 1,100-mile road trip across Scotland has shared his thoughts on the country - the good, bad and the ugly.

Well, ok, there's no real 'ugly', but there's definitely lots of good and a few bad points.

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Christian DeBaun uploaded his comments (which we first saw at the Scotsman) to the Facebook page Scotland from the Roadside, where it's been shared hundreds of times.

He entitled the post: "A YANK IN SCOTLAND – Post Trip Observations."

And added: "Some good, some peculiar, some not good – your mileage may vary. No photo, just a journal entry. Comments welcome."

On the not-so-good side, he highlights the fact that hotel waste bins are the size of a "coffee can" and usually dirty; he highlights driving around some roads in Scotland as being a "terrifying death sport"; and says there are not enough roadside loos. Also, he added, "Its ridiculously windy. Everywhere. It's ridiculously rainy. Everywhere."

On the plus side? There's a lot: Chris says the Scots beat the Americans hands down in friendliness; that haggis is "F'ng awesome"; Glasgow is "amazing, vibrant, and a bit crazy"; and that "Scotland has the best vistas I've ever seen".

After his list, Chris signs off with: "Most of all - We were always received with warmth and graciousness all across this beautiful country by everyone. If you are ever in central Virginia (USA) look me up. Dinner and a pint will be on me. With love and deep respect, Chris."

See Christian's full 25-point lowdown below:

1) Scotland embraces alternative energy – windmills everywhere. I wish we did the same. Shame on us.
2) The small, old distilleries are the best.
3) Americans should be friendlier; the Scots have us beat by a mile for openness, love, and general happiness.
4) There are no bathrooms in Scotland on the roads. I plan to start a page called "Peeing By the Roadside".
5) I saw exactly 2 police cars in Scotland (1,100 miles covered). One cop parked and texting on his cell phone near a roundabout in Glasgow, the other smoking a cigarette by his car in Glencoe. Nothing like the US.
6) There are no billboards in Scotland.
7) I never saw a jet contrail in Scotland, nor a small (personal) aircraft.
8) Driving in Scotland (especially down the side of Loch Lomond) is a terrifying death sport. Scotland could use some wider roads.
9) Everything is metric, except for cars and distances. It made my head hurt.
10) Its ridiculously windy. Everywhere.
10B) It's ridiculously rainy. Everywhere.
11) It's hard to find places the tourists haven't been to. Our planet is shrinking.
12) Scotland has the best vistas I've ever seen.
13) Motorcycling in Scotland is a big deal.
14) I hate electrical outlets with a switch on them.
14B) Shavers are allowed in bathrooms, but not hair dryers. Crazy.
15) The Scots invented almost everything that is cool.
16) Trash cans in Scottish hotel rooms are always the size of a coffee can (you can fit one Kleenex and an empty bag of crisps inside – and that's it. The foot pedal (to open the can) is usually dirty.
17) The grass is really green, and lush.
18) Americans fret about haggis. It's F'ng awesome.
19) I wish America had the "buy the next round of drinks rule". I did it for some lads about to climb Ben Nevis (Glencoe) the next day for charity, and it was one of the best memories from my trip. We are now friends!
20) If you are new to Glasgow on "Firm" days, stay clear of the pubs until the dust settles. Watch the colours you wear.
21) Saturday night in Glasgow is amazing, vibrant, and a bit crazy.
22) Good Cullen skink is almost better than whisky.
23) Everyone wants to see Edinburgh (we were a bit bored there), when Glasgow is the place to see!


Do you agree with his points? Leave a comment below.