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Scotland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Marching band and light show projecting onto the castle

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?

They’re not the only characters you’ll meet here. See Scotland’s film-star good looks on a set-jetting jaunt through sweeping glens and mighty castles, immortalised in Harry Potter, James Bond and Outlander.

Capital city

Edinburgh

Currency

GBP

Timezone

GMT (Winter), GMT + 1 (Summer)

So head north to discover incredible places to visit — you’ll receive the warmest of welcomes.

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.

Photo by: Shutterstock / Kevin Standage

Sunrise at Port Charlotte, Islay, Inner Hebrides, Western Scotland

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.

Photo by: VisitScotland

Walkers taking in the view of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill part of the West Highland Way

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Starring Great Britain

Highland Folk Museum
Highland Folk Museum
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Cairngorms National Park
Aerial view of castle and surrounding countryside
Eilean Donan Castle
VB34167089
Arthur’s Seat
culloden2
Outlander Tour

Scotland highlights

Scottish destinations

Edinburgh

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

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Edinburgh

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

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

Find out more

Photo by: 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

Photo by: North Highlands

Location: Highlands, Scotland

visitscotland_41471252178
The Scottish Highlands

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

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: 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 a punch.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

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

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

Find out more

Photo by: 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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies

This quirky city on Scotland’s north east coast offers dolphin spotting, leafy parks and excellent galleries and museums.

Plan your trip to Aberdeen

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

The old village of Footdee (Fittie) by the Harbour Entrance, Aberdeen
Aberdeen

Dundee’s arts and culture scene is thriving, thanks to the V&A design museum and a host of theatres and galleries.

Learn more about Dundee

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage/Diane Selbie

Location: Dundee, Scotland

A man and a woman hugging in front of the marmalade mural.
Dundee

Welcome to the Queen of the South, the crowning glory of Dumfries and Galloway and the home of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.

Learn more about Dumfries

Photo by: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

An ornate black and gold fountain with statues of people and fish in the centre of a shopping street.
Dumfries

Island life beckons in wild Shetland.

Learn more about Shetland

Photo by: Shutterstock/Marcin Kadziolka

A woman sitting in grass overlooking a spit and fields
Shetland

Adventure is never far away in Fort William, at the heart of the Highlands.

Learn more about Fort William

Photo by: Getty Images / Peter Lourenco

Location: Highlands, Scotland

Two male hikers trekking along a pebbled path, cloudy skies, green rolling mountain vista.
Fort William

Escape the everyday in enchanting Orkney.

Learn more about Orkney

Photo by: Getty Images/Westend61

Man straddling two sea stacks overlooking a rocky outcrop and the ocean
Orkney

Climb the National Wallace Monument for the best views of Stirling.

Learn more about Stirling

Photo by: VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

A couple exploring the grounds of a medieval castle.
Stirling

Creativity is part of the fabric of Perth, a town rich in arts and culture.

Learn more about Perth

Photo by: Shutterstock/ClemencePARNEIX

A view across a wide river to a church in the summer
Perth

Discover this ancient Scottish capital that’s anything but stuck in the past.

Learn more about Dunfermline

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage

Two men walking by an Abbey Nave.
Dunfermline
Edinburgh

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

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Edinburgh

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

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

Find out more

Photo by: 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

Photo by: North Highlands

Location: Highlands, Scotland

visitscotland_41471252178
The Scottish Highlands

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

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: 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 a punch.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

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

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

Find out more

Photo by: 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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies

This quirky city on Scotland’s north east coast offers dolphin spotting, leafy parks and excellent galleries and museums.

Plan your trip to Aberdeen

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

The old village of Footdee (Fittie) by the Harbour Entrance, Aberdeen
Aberdeen

Dundee’s arts and culture scene is thriving, thanks to the V&A design museum and a host of theatres and galleries.

Learn more about Dundee

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage/Diane Selbie

Location: Dundee, Scotland

A man and a woman hugging in front of the marmalade mural.
Dundee

Welcome to the Queen of the South, the crowning glory of Dumfries and Galloway and the home of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.

Learn more about Dumfries

Photo by: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

An ornate black and gold fountain with statues of people and fish in the centre of a shopping street.
Dumfries

Island life beckons in wild Shetland.

Learn more about Shetland

Photo by: Shutterstock/Marcin Kadziolka

A woman sitting in grass overlooking a spit and fields
Shetland

Adventure is never far away in Fort William, at the heart of the Highlands.

Learn more about Fort William

Photo by: Getty Images / Peter Lourenco

Location: Highlands, Scotland

Two male hikers trekking along a pebbled path, cloudy skies, green rolling mountain vista.
Fort William

Escape the everyday in enchanting Orkney.

Learn more about Orkney

Photo by: Getty Images/Westend61

Man straddling two sea stacks overlooking a rocky outcrop and the ocean
Orkney

Climb the National Wallace Monument for the best views of Stirling.

Learn more about Stirling

Photo by: VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

A couple exploring the grounds of a medieval castle.
Stirling

Creativity is part of the fabric of Perth, a town rich in arts and culture.

Learn more about Perth

Photo by: Shutterstock/ClemencePARNEIX

A view across a wide river to a church in the summer
Perth

Discover this ancient Scottish capital that’s anything but stuck in the past.

Learn more about Dunfermline

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage

Two men walking by an Abbey Nave.
Dunfermline

Scotland itineraries

Hit cultural hotspots and explore a spectacular national park on a 5-day adventure around central Scotland.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Paul Watt

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Two young women sat on the jetty of the waterfront in the evening with boats and buildings by the harbour.

Our favourite experiences in Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland 1st - 25th August 2025

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

Photo by: 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.
Fort William, Scotland

Welcome to the highest mountain in Scotland. A bucket list destination for hikers, the summit has spectacular views of the Grampian range.

Adventure and sport

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two mountain bikers cycling downhill down a mountain
Inner Hebrides, Scotland

Whether you’re a total beginner or a budding pro, Scotland’s west coast is a surfer’s dream.

Adventure and sport

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Location: Islands

A man paddleboarding in the sea off Traigh Beach Arisaig
Falkirk, Scotland

Take a look inside these magnificent equine sculptures, before hitting the nearby hiking and cycling trails.

Arts and culture

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Loch Lomond

The Kelpies, a pair of 30m tall horse head sculptures near Loch Lomond, Scotland
Stirling, Scotland

Venture into Stirling Castle’s Palace Vaults, stroll the Queen Anne gardens, and experience the opulence of royal life in the 1500s.

History and heritage

Photo by: valentynagretchyn

A woman posing in front of Stirling Castle, Scotland
Highlands, Scotland

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

Music and festivals

Photo by: VisitBritain/Highland Games Academy

Woman wearing a kilt learning how to toss the caber with male instructor
Aberdeen, Scotland

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

Sustainability

Photo by: ammonitefan16

Dolphin watching
Edinburgh, Scotland 21st June 2025

Filling the streets with colourful parades, dancing and live music, this is Scotland’s longest-running Pride party.

LGBTQIA+ Britain

Photo by: Pride Edinburgh

Crowd at Pride in Edinburgh
Brechin, Scotland

Go full steam ahead through the Angus countryside on a heritage railway adventure.

Relaxation and wellbeing

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage

A man and a woman inside a train carriage.
Loch Lomond, Scotland

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

Outdoors and nature

Photo by: VisitScotland

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

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

Relaxation and wellbeing

Photo by: VisitScotland

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitScotland

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

Scotland’s hidden gem

Want a Scottish summer holiday off the beaten track? Angus has more to offer than its world-famous beef – though that lives up to the hype. And with fast train and bus links from Dundee, it couldn’t be easier to explore the region.  

It’d be rude not to tee off in the home of golf, wouldn’t it? Visit the legendary Carnoustie Golf Links, home to the Championship Course and eight-time host of The Open.

Experience the secret side of the Angus coast with Arbroath Cliff Tours. They’ll take you on an unforgettable kayaking adventure through hidden caves and tunnels, where you’ll discover an underground beach.  

Calm those nerves back down with a cocktail or two at Arbikie distillery, made with the world’s first climate-positive spirits. A guided tour will show you what puts them at the forefront of sustainability, and you’ll have the chance to craft your own eco-friendly tipples too.  

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage

Location: Angus, Scotland

A man kayaking with two other people kayaking in the background.

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