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Jay Lloyd's Getaway: The Home Of Golf And Whiskey

By Jay Lloyd

ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND (CBS) --- Scotland has long been a magnet for American getaway seekers. Voters in Scotland are at the polls today to decide on a future as an independent nation or to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Americans have been fascinated by the tale of "Braveheart" William Wallace, who wielded a broadsword instead of a ballot to wrest Scotland from the English.

He failed, but American visitors flock to the site of his legendary Battle of Stirling Bridge.

West Gate of St. Andrews
The West Gate of St. Andrews. (Credit: Jay Lloyd)

For most Yanks, the picturesque town of St. Andrews, on the North Sea, holds a more popular attraction.

One visitor said he comes to Scotland for recreational reasons: "To play golf at the home of golf."  This is where golf became a national obsession.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Society and the Old Course (birthplace of golf)
The Royal and Ancient Golf Society and the Old Course (the birthplace of golf). (Credit: Jay Lloyd)

During a visit, an innkeeper talked about another national treasure that fascinates Americans: "Anything to do with malt whiskey."

But today, some burning questions.  Will the Queen still visit Balmoral Castle?  Will Prince William and Kate attend a St. Andrews University reunion?  And will we exchange dollars for pounds, euros, or something else?

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