From palaces to cobbled alleys and even a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.
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, while drinking over 130 different types of whisky? Tee off on scenic courses in the birthplace of golf, and watch men in kilts play tug o’war. Or listen to the sound of 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. Discover the national dish of haggis, neeps and tatties, and cheers to locals with a shot of homegrown whiskey.
So head north to discover incredible places to visit, things to do and culinary delights. You’ll receive the warmest of welcomes, from the heights of the Highlands to the vast Lowlands.
Capital city
Edinburgh
Currency
GBP
Timezone
GMT (Winter), GMT + 1 (Summer)
Edinburgh’s festivals
Edinburgh’s place as cultural capital means there’s a yearly scheduled packed with festivals and events. Month-long Fringe Festival may be the most famous, but it’s also worth checking out music lover’s Edinburgh International Festival, New Years’ extravaganza Hogmanay, and June’s inclusive celebration of love that is Pride Edinburgh.
Glasgow’s art scene
Scotland’s second city is an underrated creative hub. Whether its admiring street art on the colourful mural trail, catching an exhibition at the Baroque Kelvingrove Art Gallery, or checking out contemporary work in the Gallery of Modern Art, there’s inspiration everywhere you look in Glasgow.
Ben Nevis
An ancient giant of the land, plan a hike up Ben Nevis - part of the Grampian Mountain range and Scotland’s tallest peak. At the summit, there’s evidence of a volcanic explosion in the form of light-coloured granite.
Arthur’s Seat
Take a short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and discover a Royal Park adjacent to Holyrood Palace. Arthur’s Seat, the park’s highest point, is the remains of a volcano. Climb to the top to be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Inner Hebrides Island Hopping
Sample the fine peaty whiskies of the Isle of Islay, explore castles on Skye, spot sea eagles on the Isle of Mull or visit the ancient abbey on the Isle of Iona. You’ll find Fingal’s Cave on Staffa, basking sharks off the shores of Coll and quiet beaches to roam on Colonsay.
Scotland
Explore Scotland's stunning lakes, highlands, and wildlife-rich islands, as well as lively cities bursting with character.
Island hop around the Inner Hebrides to sample whiskies on Islay, explore castles on the Isle of Skye, or spot sea eagles and puffins on the Isle of Mull.
Climb ancient volcano, Arthur’s Seat, for magnificent views over Edinburgh, or laugh along at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of ten annual festivals hosted in the capital city.
Travel the world’s first UNESCO Trail around Scotland, cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct aboard the Hogwarts Express or enjoy competition at the annual Highland Games.
Take a walking tour of Glasgow’s mural trail, or explore the city’s Botanic Gardens, host to outdoor music and theatre shows in summer.
Head to the Scottish Highlands for the Loch Ness Trail and North Coast 500 road trip, or to the Lowlands for St Andrews’ renowned golf courses and medieval Caerlaverock Castle.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Scotland has 790 islands which are divided into four main groups: Shetland, Orkney, the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides. Just 130 are inhabited.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Hogmanay is the name given to the last day of the old year in Scotland, which is celebrated in style on New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh with a massive outdoor street party.
Scotland is home to the world’s first UNESCO trail, which brings together 13 different UNESCO designated places, including the city of Edinburgh, Isle of St Kilda, Neolithic monuments of Orkney, The Forth Bridge, and the Antonine Wall.
With a history panning 500 years, The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is the official residence of King Charles III when in Scotland.
Scotland is the birthplace of golf, with more courses here than anywhere else in the world – there’s an impressive 550 to choose from. Learn more at the British Golf Museum in St Andrews, the home of golf.
- At 24 miles (38.6 km) long, Loch Lomond in central Scotland is the largest lake in Britain, and a popular destination for water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing.
Scottish destinations
Edinburgh
Glasgow
North Coast 500
The Scottish Highlands
Borders and Lowlands
Scottish Islands
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Cairngorms National Park
Edinburgh
Glasgow
North Coast 500
The Scottish Highlands
Borders and Lowlands
Scottish Islands
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Cairngorms National Park
Featured things to do in Scotland
Wander Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Dominated by a magnificent Curvilinear Glasshouse called Kibble Palace, discover a garden with 200 years of history and a collection of over 9,000 different plants.
Find out more about Glasgow Botanic Garden
Experience the Highland Games
Built around traditional Highland sports such as the caber toss, tug o' war and hammer throw, attending a Highland games event over the summer months is a fun way to experience Scottish and Celtic culture.
Find out more about the Highland Games
Be wowed by the Mural Trail
Explore this colourful route around Glasgow that has brightened up the city. Many local artists have been commissioned to create these huge art pieces, often depicting and celebrating life in Scotland’s second city.
Find out more about the Glasgow Mural Trail
Party like it’s the end of the year
Prepare for the party of a lifetime with Edinburgh’s unmissable Hogmanay celebrations. Seeing in the New Year, get ready for buzzing street parties, live concerts and a firework display that’ll leave you in awe.
Find out more about Edinburgh’s HogmanayOur favourite experiences in Scotland
Drive the North Coast 500
An epic road trip for adventure seekers, the North Coast 500 loops around some of Scotland’s most incredible landscapes. Pass towering mountains, secluded beaches and enchanting waterfalls. You’ll meet Scotland’s cutest residents, like Highland cows, dolphins and puffins. Not to mention the warm local welcome that will greet you in every town!
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Discover information, resources and contacts for Scotland.
Planning a business event in Scotland?
Planning a business event in Scotland?
Find out what’s on offer for conferences, meetings, incentive travel and events.
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