 Scotland’s great cities beckon you to explore. In the capital, Edinburgh, follow the cobbled ‘Royal Mile’ from the ancient castle, which dominates the skyline, to Holyrood Palace. The highlight of the year is in August when the city hosts the annual International Festival while the Military Tattoo lights up the castle esplanade. Glasgow is Scotland’s style capital. Attractions like the Lighthouse, the Burrell Collection and Gallery of Modern Art reflect the Glaswegian passion for art. And when daylight fades, there’s the pleasure of a good malt whisky - 300 whiskies are distilled in Scotland. Follow the world’s only ‘malt whisky trail’ and sample a dram or two in Speyside or visit Islay for a ‘peaty’ malt such as Laphroaig or Lagavulin.
Scotland’s closer than you think - just over four hours by train from London to Edinburgh and with frequent fast flights to its major cities. The country has nearly 800 islands (130 inhabited), most accessible by ferry. Popular excursions include Iona, with its ancient monastery, and Skye, romantic refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Are you interested in researching your Scottish ancestors? There is nothing compared to experiencing first hand the places they lived and worked. Come walk in the footsteps of your ancestors and the first step in your ancestral journey to Scotland.
Scotland boasts over 540 golf courses to choose from including world famous championship golf courses such as The Old Course St Andrews, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, Muirfield, Turnberry and Gleneagles. Considering the quality and range of golf courses with accommodation to suit every golfer's needs, your first choice for a golf vacation has to be Scotland.
Must see and do
- Edinburgh Castle
- Loch Lomond Park Centre
- Skara Brae & Skaill House, Orkney
- Calanais Standing Stones Visitor Centre, Isle of Lewis
- Strathisla Distillery Visitor Centre, Keith
- Mercat Walking Tours of Edinburgh
- The Royal Yatch Britannia, Leith Docks
- Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow
- Edinburgh Military Tattoo
, Edinburgh (August)
Aberdeen
A city of sparkling granite buildings, Aberdeen is also home to the largest Winter Gardens under glass in Europe.
Known as the City of Roses, Aberdeen has been a regular winner of Britain in Bloom competitions. Duthie Park is home to the stunning Rose Mountain, the Winter Gardens provide colour and scent throughout the winter.
Must see and do
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen
- Duthie Park Winter Gardens, Aberdeen
- Provost Skene’s House, Aberdeen
- Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen
- Satrosphere, Aberdeen
- St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen
- Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen
Dundee
The University City of Dundee is a must for culture seekers with its lively arts scene and a blossoming cultural quarter where contemporary art and literature contrast with theatre and cinema.
Must see and do
- RRS Discovery, Dundee
- Verdant Works, Dundee
- Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee
- Botanic Gardens, Dundee
- Angus Folk Museum, Glamis
- Glamis Castle, Glamis
- Camperdown Wildlife Centre, Dundee
- HM Frigate Unicorn, Dundee
- Dundee Flower and Food Festival, Dundee (September)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is an astonishing capital that both enchants and excites. The city is steeped in history and tradition, yet explodes with all the attractions of a modern metropolis. Walk the Royal Mile, visit World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle, and above all experience the spirit of Scotland.
Must see and do
- Edinburgh Castle
- Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August)
- Edinburgh International Festival (August)
- Museum of Scotland
- Our Dynamic Earth
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
- The Scotch Whisky Experience
- Ghost Tours
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
Glasgow
Known as Scotland’s style capital with its art deco brasseries, stylish shops and cultural centres, Glasgow boasts more than 30 museums and galleries and an annual programme of performing arts and festivals.
Must see and do
- Burrell Collection, Glasgow
- Celtic Connections, Glasgow (January)
- Paisley Abbey, Paisley
- Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow
- Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow
- Hunterian Museum, Glasgow
- House for an Art Lover, Glasgow
- The Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow
Inverness
Capital of the Highlands, the modern, bustling city of Inverness was once the ancient meeting point between Highland and Lowland. The city is set in beautiful surroundings amongst parks and gardens, and is a regular winner of Britain in Bloom.
Minutes from the town centre, the National Trust for Scotland’s centre at Culloden vividly interprets the bloody massacre of the Jacobites in the times of Bonnie Prince Charlie, which also witnessed the end of traditional Highland society.
Must see and do
- Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Inverness
- Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre, Fort Augustus
- Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit
- Jacobite Cruises, Inverness
- Culloden Visitor Centre, Inverness
- James Pringle Weavers of Inverness, Inverness
- Landmark Forest Heritage Park, Carrbridge
- Black Isle Wildlife & Country Park, North Kessock
Lewis
Lewis forms part of a chain of islands with the most spectacular silver beaches, culture and wildlife – a haven for outdoor activities and a wonderful place to unwind. Freshwater and sea lochs provide a great resource for fishing and bird life. This is where you can take boat trips to spot whales, dolphins, seals and puffins, or a guided walk to see otters, buzzards and deer.
Must see and do
- Calanais Standing Stones Visitor Centre, Isle of Lewis
- Blackhouse Complex, Arnol, Isle of Lewis
- Lewis Loom Centre, Isle of Lewis
- Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Carloway
Orkney
The Orkney archipelago is an opportunity to explore prehistory, wildlife and seascapes, while enjoying the relaxed pace of life and genuine warmth of the Orcadians. For walkers, the dramatic cliffs by Old Man of Hoy are a magnet and anglers can try their skills at one of the many lochs. Visitors can take island excursions and see Viking graffiti on Neolithic tombs and discover the story of the British Navy’s anchorage offshore at the fascinating Scapa Flow Visitor Centre.
Must see and do
- Skara Brae & Skaill House, Stromness
- Maes Howe Tomb, Orkney
- The Italian Chapel, Lambholm
- St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
- Pier Arts Centre, Stromness
- Highland Park Distillery, Kirkwall
|
Home 
