From palaces to cobbled alleys, and 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 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)
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.
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.
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
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. This is arguably the finest garden in Glasgow.
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 the 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 as boring walls are brightened and dingy lanes are brought to life. Many different local artists have been commissioned to create these over-sized 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
The Skye’s the limit
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.
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.
Sales and distribution
Newsletter
The latest news, straight to your inbox
Sign up for our newsletters to receive inspirational content, practical resources and information about Britain’s new products and events.
Sign up for our newsletters to receive inspirational content, practical resources and information about Britain’s new products and events.
