Craggy mountains, windswept lochs, crumbling castles and mysterious legends – Scotland is as wild as it is lovely. A part of Great Britain since 1707, Scotland remains fiercely proud of its distinct national identity, forged in a tumultuous past of civil wars, clan battles, wars of independence and political unions.

Scotland’s cosmopolitan cities boast absorbing monuments and beautiful old buildings, while its rugged countryside is utterly spectacular. Visiting some of its picturesque offshore islands will reveal fascinating traditional communities and a remarkable range of wildlife.

Key Highlights

Dominated by an imposing castle, Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most attractive cities. Medieval buildings line the famous Royal Mile, while the Georgian architecture of the New Town makes a shopping trip along Princes Street an utter delight. The Scottish capital comes alive in August with numerous cultural festivals and an impressive Military Tattoo.

Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is enjoying a new lease of life. The formerly industrialised riverfront is dotted with museums and galleries, while the city centre has become a bustling shopping hub. Glasgow is also renowned for its thriving live music scene.

The Highlands region is home to some of the country’s best scenery and historical sites. Visitors can explore the islands of Inverness, go monster-spotting on Loch Ness, soak up the breathtaking landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park and discover the captivating Culloden battlefield. The Highlands boast some of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries, and a sneaky taste of the ‘water of life’ is an essential part of any visit to the area.

Situated on Scotland’s northeast coast, Aberdeen is the gateway to Speyside’s famous distilleries and is the main ferry port for departures to the Orkney and Shetland Islands. The city has a superb art gallery and maritime museum as well as some very interesting granite architecture.

Golf fans will want to pay a visit to St Andrews, the town widely regarded as the international home of the game. But St Andrews has plenty to keep non-golfers occupied, with gorgeous medieval buildings, dramatic coastal scenery and Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious university.

In Depth

The Isle of Skye is a scenic wonderland of moors, lakes, mountains and sea cliffs. Quaint towns attract travellers with colourful houses and intriguing museums, while the loch-side Dunvegan Castle is one of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring sights.

Loch Lomond is the UK’s largest lake, a vast expanse of water sprinkled with green islands and watched over by rugged hills. The stunning loch is a popular spot for boat cruises, watersports and golf.