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Scotland

Why we love Scotland

Scotland’s stunning landscapes, lochs, islands and mountains combine to form a country that’s as unique as it is beautiful. Where else could you explore 709 islands or drink over 130 different types of whisky? Tee off over 550 scenic courses, and see men in kilts play tug o’war, or listen to the sound of the bagpipes alongside tales of a monster in a loch, a real-life Macbeth and a national Braveheart.

Strike your best yoga pose atop an ancient volcano, get lost in cultural towns with thousands of stories to tell, and escape into UNESCO sites. Look up to the skies for cosmic displays of astronomical proportions, or get stuck into comedy and the arts at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Where even bashed neeps and mashed tatties make up the national dish, haggis, and the amber nectar of whiskey is poured in abundance all across the nation. 

So head north in search of the purple thistle and a raft of incredible places to visit, things to do and culinary delights to discover. You’ll receive the warmest of welcomes from Aberdeen to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and from the heights of the Highlands to the vast Lowlands.

Capital city

Edinburgh

Currency

GBP

Timezone

GMT (Winter), GMT + 1 (Summer)

Scottish destinations

Edinburgh

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

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VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town
Glasgow

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture and a heart that beats through its people.

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VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures
North Coast 500

One epic road trip with hefty mountains, dazzling beaches and tranquil lochs.

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VisitScotland

Peedie Sands, a hidden gem beach near the village of Dunnet in Caithness
The Scottish Highlands

Located in the northern reaches of Scotland, the Highlands are about beauty and adventure.

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VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Highlands

Rear view of two men jumping with joy on a country road
Borders and Lowlands

The gateway into Scotland, the Borders and Lowlands pack the punch,

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VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest
Scottish Islands

Jaw-dropping landscapes wrapped in tales of legends, the wild nature will stay with you forever.

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VisitBritain/Dougie Cunningham

A group of deer near a lake, grazing grass
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Explore pristine woods, climb mountains and paddle the waters of Scotland's wild landscape.

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VisitScotland

A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond
Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms is a playground for wildlife lovers, hill climbers, thrill seekers and more.

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VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies
Edinburgh

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town
Glasgow

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture and a heart that beats through its people.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures
North Coast 500

One epic road trip with hefty mountains, dazzling beaches and tranquil lochs.

Find out more

VisitScotland

Peedie Sands, a hidden gem beach near the village of Dunnet in Caithness
The Scottish Highlands

Located in the northern reaches of Scotland, the Highlands are about beauty and adventure.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Highlands

Rear view of two men jumping with joy on a country road
Borders and Lowlands

The gateway into Scotland, the Borders and Lowlands pack the punch,

Find out more

VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest
Scottish Islands

Jaw-dropping landscapes wrapped in tales of legends, the wild nature will stay with you forever.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Dougie Cunningham

A group of deer near a lake, grazing grass
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Explore pristine woods, climb mountains and paddle the waters of Scotland's wild landscape.

Find out more

VisitScotland

A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond
Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms is a playground for wildlife lovers, hill climbers, thrill seekers and more.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies

Our favourite experiences in Scotland

Highlands

Welcome to the highest mountain in Scotland. Sheer catnip for hikers, the summit has spectacular views of the Grampian range.

Adventure and sport

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two mountain bikers cycling downhill down a mountain
Glasgow, Scotland

As well as live concerts and spectacular Baroque architecture, Kelvingrove is home to 8,000 treasured exhibits too.

Arts and culture

VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Glasgow

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures
Badachro

Tuck into Scotland’s seafood, where you’ll catch it, cook it and then eat it!

Food and drink

VisitScotland

Whisky drams at Ardbeg Distillery on Islay.
Highlands

This towering bridge will take your breath away – and if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll know it’s the route of the Hogwarts Express!

Great Britain on screen

VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

A couple on a train looking out of the window at landscape
Culzean

This is no ordinary castle: Culzean has its very own beach, country park, Adventure Cove – and much more.

History and heritage

VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Culzean Castle and Country Park
Edinburgh

Witness an explosion of creative energy as Edinburgh hosts stand-up comedy, music, dance and more – for three action-packed weeks in August.

Arts and culture

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Kit Oates/Peter Anderson

Street perfomer Peter Anderson, juggles swords in front of a crowd on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, during the Festival Fringe 2022.
Highlands

With their one-of-a-kind sports, these traditional Scottish tournaments are the ‘Olympics of the Highlands’.

Music and festivals

VisitBritain/Highland Games Academy

Woman wearing a kilt learning how to toss the caber with male instructor
Loch Lomond

Kayak, canoe, cruise or wild swim? With its watersports and boat trips, Loch Lomond is a refreshing place to unwind.

Outdoors and nature

VisitScotland

Bluebells in springtime on Inchcailloch - an island on Loch Lomond just a short distance from Balmaha.
Loch Lomond

This charming garden boasts huge 150-year-old Redwoods, plus blooms and blossoms galore. Look out for wild red squirrels too!

Relaxation and wellbeing

VisitScotland

Scotland

Man standing beneath avenue of tall trees at Benmore Gardens
Edinburgh, Scotland

Welcome to the previous home of Mary, Queen of Scots, offering guided tours, royal exhibitions and opulent afternoon teas.

Royalty

VisitScotland

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, a royal residence in Edinburgh, Scotland
Aberdeen

Find your wild side with dolphin, seal, otter and whale spotting.

Sustainability

ammonitefan16

Dolphin watching

The Skye’s the limit

VisitScotland

Portree, Isle of Skye, Schottland

A view of Portree harbour, the capital town on the Isle of Skye

From puffins to dolphins, malt whiskey tipples and dinosaur prints - the Isle of Skye has got it all and much more. This enchanting Inner Hebrides island is filled with unmissable adventure - embrace your inner explorer on a sea kayak, or tuck into fresh oysters and scallops with out-of-this world views as your backdrop.

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