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Introduction to Scotland

Throughout Scotland you’ll find markers of the past. From medieval castles and historic battlegrounds, to traditional farms and quaint old cottages. The national drink of Whisky is enjoying a revival, and the original distilleries are still using the same equipment and barrels to produce the iconic tipple today.

One of the best ways to enjoy Scotland is to take a road or rail journey around its landscapes, where you’ll find attractions and wonderful places to stay along the way.

The New Town occupies the northern side of the city. It is made up of grand, Georgian architecture and many of Edinburgh’s best-known sights. Along Princes Street is Edinburgh’s best shopping, with big name stores and great views across to the castle. The spire of the Scott Monument, Waverley Station and the Scottish National Gallery occupy the ground between the two parts of town. However, the residential and port district of Leith in northern Edinburgh is emerging as a new destination, with the former Royal Yacht Britannia as its centre piece and main attraction.

Edinburgh has great public transport, a busy international airport and two mainline rail stations linking it to England and the rest of Scotland.

The Highlands

The Highlands are probably what you imagine if you think of Scotland. Epic landscapes, ruined castles, deep lochs and lots of history are what you’ll experience here, amid some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the British Isles.

As well as the mountain peaks, including Britain’s tallest, Ben Nevis, the Highlands stretch to the shores of Scotland where islands can be seen off shore and quiet little towns nestle in natural harbours preserving a traditional way of life.

The island of Skye is one of Scotland’s largest and sits just off the western coast, forming a natural progression from the mainland especially now that there is a road bridge to supplement the ferry crossing. Here you’ll find the harbour town of Portree, countless pretty villages, traditional whisky distilleries, and the spectacular vistas formed by the Cuillin mountain range.

Along the northern shore, where the popular North Shore 500 route hugs the coastline, you’ll come to windswept Cape Wrath and the mysterious Smoo Caves. At the opposite corner of the mainland is John O’Groats, an essential stopping-off point for Brits and visitors alike.

In the central Highlands is the Cairngorms National Park, which is Britain’s largest, and home to probably its best ski resort at Aviemore. And if myths and legends are your thing, take a drive or hike around Loch Ness looking for the elusive monster which has made several reported appearances over the past century.

Orkneys and Shetlands

Off Scotland’s north coast, the Orkney and Shetland Islands are a world away from the rest of the United Kingdom, yet easy to reach by sea and air. Each has a unique personality, but both are full of amazing scenery, ancient historic sights and monuments, and cultural activities.

Western Isles

The islands off the west coast of Scotland are also varied and very scenic. Some, like Mull, Iona and Islay are closer, while the Outer Hebrides like Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra are further away and have their own way of life and culture. Each are full of amazing places to stay, great outdoor activities, and food fresh from the Atlantic which will blow you away.

History

For the best food and entertainment options, Scotland’s cities have plenty of opportunities. But don’t overlook the local produce you’ll find in the country’s port towns, and the many great restaurants and resorts scattered around the place.

Many of the best golf courses in Scotland also tie in with spas and resorts to make the most of your stay. Gleneagles and St Andrews are the most famous, along with Trump Turnberry. Aviemore, with its scenery and ski resorts, offers luxury lodges and hotels, as does nearby Pitlochry, which is great for exploring the national park and enjoying the outdoors.

Ever popular Skye also has its share of luxury places to stay. Best rated are the Skeabost Hotel and Duisdale House Hotel, but you might want to try out-of-the-way options Sligachan Hotel with its award-winning whisky bar and restaurant.

Moving on to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and most impressive city, there is always plenty to see and do, such as the museums and other attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Edinburgh has some of Scotland’s best hotels, shops, pubs and there’s history everywhere.

Heading north into the Highlands, you may want to first visit the city of Stirling. Only a short distance from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, it is a city flanked by its royal palace known at Stirling Castle and sits close to Bannockburn where a battle between the Scots and English in 1314 saw Robert the Bruce victorious in his bid to bring independence to Scotland.

The first of two national parks in the Highlands is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. This is a region close to Glasgow which is a scenic outdoor playground for those who love good scenery, plenty of cycle and walking routes and some of the tallest peaks.

Further north, in Britain’s largest national park, the Cairngorms, there are winter ski resorts (or cosy, romantic hideaways if skiing isn’t your thing), the still-active royal residence of Balmoral Castle, visitor attractions like Loch an Eilein Castle, and much of the Speyside whisky-producing region.

On the southern edge of the Cairngorms is Pitlochry, the self-styled ‘Heart of the Highlands’ with its pretty streets, independent shops, pubs and hotels, clan history and amazing surroundings.

The so-called Capital of the Highlands is Inverness – a smart city on the River Ness with accommodation, shopping, good food and drink and transport options, plus easy access to Loch Ness which stretches 23 miles through the heart of Scotland, and offers no shortage of scenic views, watersports and the ruinous Urquhart Castle from where you might just spot Nessie (or at least learn about it at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition Experience).

Along Scotland’s northern coast are Smoo Caves, the wild Cape Wrath, the towns of Thurso and Wick, the Queen Mother’s former Castle of Mey residence, and of course John O’Groats.

Heading across to the islands to the west of Scotland, perhaps take a steam train journey from Fort Augustus (in the shadow of Ben Nevis) to Mallaig, taking in the curving viaduct made famous in Harry Potter, before journeying by ferry or road across to this island. Skye is a destination in itself, with small fishing villages and the town of Portree, plenty of great hotels, bed & breakfasts and self-catering options, castles, brooding mountain peaks, and freshly-caught seafood.

From Skye you can take further ferries across to the Outer Hebrides where a traditional way of life is still prevalent. Here there are historic ruins and monuments, museums, small villages, wild coastal walks and watersports. Benbecula and Stornoway are the largest centres of population, but roads make it easy to get around these islands.

Closer to the mainland, some smaller islands are well worth a vist. Islay is famous for its peated whisky, and there are many distilleries open to touring on the island today. Similarly, Campbeltown – although not an island – has its own whisky producing region and unique distilleries. Then there’s Mull and Iona – two ancient landscapes and a place of pilgrimage even today for Christians visiting the picturesque Iona Abbey and Nunnery. You might consider basing yourself at Oban, a picturesque town on the mainland which is within easy reach from some of the nearer islands.

Closest to England, Scotland’s lowland region should not be forgotten. The Dumfries & Galloway area may not have the highest peaks, but it has some of the prettiest coastal scenery and homely, welcoming places to stay. The Galloway Forest Park is a stunning wooded region of walks and cycleways worth exploring, and has Dark Skies status, making it perfect for winter stargazing.

The university town of St Andrews is small, but home to one of Scotland’s many famous Links golf courses. Even if you don’t play, you can still wander across the famous little stone bridge towards the beach where the North Sea gives the town an impressive backdrop.

For the kids, there are great family attractions like Blair Drummond Safari Park, The Royal Deeside Railway, Glasgow Science Centre and the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary.

For fans of sport and the outdoors, Scotland has lots to offer. Take in a football game watching Celtic or Rangers in Glasgow, enjoy walking or cycling in the national parks or many outdoors areas, hike the West Highland Way or climb Ben Nevis. Or simply take in a round of golf in its spiritual home, followed by a relaxing spa.

For breakfast, try to avoid the traditional cuisine and opt for porridge – a popular dish made with Scottish oats, which can be made salty or sweet depending on your taste, and is perfect in the colder months. Then for a snack or supper, try some traditional Scottish shortbread with a hot drink.

Finally, when in Scotland it is essential to sample the national drink, whisky. Hundreds of distilleries are still producing whisky all over the country and, depending on which region it is distilled, the taste will be different. In the Lowland region, close to England, the whisky is clearer and has a lighter taste, while that produced on the island of Islay is peaty and has a strong flavour. Whisky is served in all bars, and some specialist establishments only serve it! The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh is a must for any afficionado.

In Edinburgh, a useful tram network supplements the public transport options, and Glasgow is one of four cities in the UK to have an underground subway train system.

Finally, Scotland has one of the world’s largest ferry networks. Because there are so many islands around the coast, ferries operate regularly (weather permitting), offering a lifeline for remote communities, and a means of transporting tourists to these important regions. Most ferries take cars. The main operator is Caledonian MacBrayne (or CalMac for short). The main mainland ferry ports can be found at Oban, Ullapool, Uig (on Skye), Thurso and Aberdeen, plus Stranraer for ferries to Northern Ireland.

It’s rare to find no accommodation options at any time of the year in Scotland, but some remoter rural areas will often be closed during the winter months. Accommodation will often be booked up well in advance during the UK’s Easter and Summer school holidays – and note that Scotland often has different holiday dates to England – plus, European travellers usually flock to Scotland during the summer months, making some of the more popular tourist spots very busy at times. Similarly, Hogmanay (New Year) is often booked out, too – especially in Edinburgh. If you can, try to visit during the warmer months outside of school holidays.

Scotland is well known for its golfing heritage, and some of the best courses in the world can be found here. There are more courses per head of population than any country, some designed by pro players and taking in the natural landscape. Among the best are Gleneagles, with its resort, St Andrews and its iconic Old Course, Royal Troon, Carnoustie and Turnberry.

Both Gleneagles and St Andrews also feature luxury spas. But there are many more around the country, not just at golf courses. The Sheraton in Edinburgh has an amazing facility, as does the Blythswood Square Hotel in central Glasgow. In more rural areas, try Portavadie on the west coast, or the spa in the old stables at Isle of Eriska near Oban.

However, Scotland’s history runs through its veins. Its peoples go back centuries, and at its heart the roots of this culture are still everywhere, from folk tales and traditional music, to the wearing of kilts and the incredibly popular Highland Games celebrating traditional, war-like competition among the rural peoples. Sport is also a big deal for Scotland, especially football, rugby, tennis and golf. Much of Scotland’s culture can be discovered in its museums and galleries, and in its food, drink, architecture and entertainment.

Weather in Scotland

Visiting Scotland soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Scotland.

SCOTLAND WEATHER