Few countries can boast a traditional culture as distinctive as Scotland. From haggis and whiskey to men in kilts playing the bagpipes, this proud country’s local customs are recognised throughout the world. Scotland is a land of hilltop castles, formidable fortresses, and mist-cloaked glens. With some of Western Europe’s largest areas of wilderness in their backyard, the Scots are blessed with a host of outdoor pursuits including hiking and mountain-biking in the rugged terrain of the Northern Highlands, whale and dolphin watching off the coast of Mull or sea-kayaking among the seal-haunted isles of the Outer Hebrides. With all this wilderness on offer alongside some of Britain’s most fascinating cities, it is no wonder that the Scots are so fiercely passionate about their remarkable country and its impressive heritage.
Resting on Scotland’s North Sea coast at the mouth of the Barry Burn river, Carnoustie is a small town famous for its magnificent golf courses, watersports and interesting heritage. The main drawcard to the town is the wealth of various excellent golf courses, offering different challenges for all levels and having historical significance as the part of the 1999 Open Championship. With a heritage as a renown ‘sea-bathing’ destination in the early 20th century, the town was promoted as the ‘Brighton of the North’. Along with swimming, the beaches are also ideal for a number of watersports including sailing, windsurfing and fishing, which culminate annually in the Carnoustie Gala Week. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historical corn mill, which still runs with the flow of the Barry Burn.
Situated at the confluence of the Dee and Don rivers expelling into the North Sea in northeast Scotland, the port city of Aberdeen boasts an array of cultural attractions, a fascinating history and a variety of top-notch restaurants and hotels. Known as the Granite City, the town’s streets are lined with glittering granite buildings. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of interesting activities including: visiting Aberdeen’s excellent Maritime Museum, browsing the Aberdeen Art Gallery, strolling along sandy beaches to the north of the city, whiskey tasting along the Malt Whisky Trail, and exploring the historic university buildings and cobbled streets of the Old Town. Don’t miss a visit to the charming fishing quarter of Footdee featuring a collection of cosy cottages boasting colourful little gardens.
Located just 37 kilometres southwest of Inverness, surrounded by dramatic mountains, in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is Scotland’s most famous lake and most popular holiday destination. While the lake is most famous for its fabled inhabitant, the Loch Ness monster, the area is also celebrated for its natural beauty and history. Loch Ness provides a great base for visitors to explore the surrounding area including: the impressive ruins of the Urquhart Castle, the village of Drumnadrochit, and the Caledonian Canal. Visitors can enjoy a boat cruise across Loch Ness, where aspiring monster hunters can search for clues to arise from the murky depths, to prove the legend’s existence. Other popular activities such as horse riding, cycling, hiking, and fishing are on offer.
Oban is a historic port town located in the west of Scotland. While traditionally known as a simple transport hub connecting visitors to the Hebridean Islands, the village now boasts a rich collection of sights and activities. Begin by taking a 15-minute walk up the hill to visit McCaig’s Tower, an eccentric piece of Victorian folly offering great views of the town and its scenic surrounds. From there, the town’s two nearby castles, Dunollie and Dunstaffnage, offer a glimpse into ancient Scottish history, while the War and Peace Museum detail Oban’s role in the two World Wars. The Oban Distillery offers tours of its famous whiskey-making facilities, while just 10 kilometres north, the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary is home to river otters, grey seals, and a wide variety of other marine animals.
Situated in the historic county of Perthshire, Scotland, the small town of Callander rests in the banks of the River Teith. It serves as an excellent stopover for those en route to the spectacular Scottish Highlands. This town is a popular holiday destination provides a great base from which to explore the Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park and 'Rob Roy Country'. Callander is idyllically set amidst incredibly scenic countryside undulating meadows, lush woodlands and wooded crags. Have a pot of tea at a local tearoom, pick up a souvenir, hike along the network of trails in the surrounds. Other highlights inlcude the beautiful Bracklinn Falls and the River Keltie. And the soaring Callander Crags.
Located in Lothian, the Scottish capital lies among a series of volcanic hills and is presided over by an iconic castle. Edinburgh is an architectural treasure trove with enough neoclassical terraces, Georgian grandeur, and late-medieval monuments to thrill even the most avid architecture enthusiast. Visitors can explore the renowned Royal Mile, with its numerous tourist attractions including the beautiful, hidden Dunbar’s Close Garden, and a Camera Obscura with five floors of holograms and optical illusions. The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must-see for fans of the golden liquid, while incredible theatres, fascinating museums, excellent pubs and restaurants, and a flourishing nightlife completes the picture. Make sure to head over to Calton Hill to admire the incredible skyline of spires, towers, domes, and steeples.
