Things not to Miss

updated 1/25/2021

Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Scotland

#01 Eigg

Perfect example of a tiny, friendly Hebridean island with a golden beach to lie on, a hill to climb and stunning views across the sea to its neighbour, Rùm.

Continue reading to find out more about...

#01
#02
#03
#04 Gearrannan,
#05
#06
#07
#08
#09 Staffa and the Treshnish Isles
#10
#11
#12 Jarlshof,
#13 Shetland Folk Festival
#14 Pubs
#15
16 Burrel Collection, Glasgow
17 Mousa
18 Edinburgh Old Town
19
20 Museum of Scotland
21 South Harris beaches
22 Iona
23 Caledonian forest
24 Dunnottar Castle
25 Calanais, Lewis

© JoshoJosho/Shutterstock

#02 Hogmanay

New Year celebrations, with whisky, dancing and fireworks staving off the midwinter chill.

© PK Perspective/Shutterstock

#03 The Cairngorm mountains

Natural splendour and terrific outdoor activities.

© Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock

#04 Gearrannan, Lewis

Stay in the thatched blackhouse hostel in this beautifully restored former crofting village.

continued below

#05 Melrose Abbey

Ruined Cistercian abbey situated in the most beguiling of Border towns.

© Richard Melichar/Shutterstock

#06 Tobermory

The main town on the beautiful island of Mull, and Scotland’s most picturesque fishing port.

© James McKay/Shutterstock

continued below

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

#07 Scottish Parliament

Enric Miralles’ startling, contemporary design has transformed the old Holyrood area of Edinburgh.

#08 Glen Coe

Moody, poignant and spectacular glen within easy reach of Fort William.

© A Jellema/Shutterstock

#09 Staffa and the Treshnish Isles

View the basalt columns of Staffa’s Fingal’s Cave from the sea, and then picnic beside the puffins on the Isle of Lunga.

© Aelice/Shutterstock

#10 Edinburgh Festival

The world’s biggest festival of theatre and the arts transforms Edinburgh every August.

© Tana888/Shutterstock

#11 Islay

Hebridean island with no fewer than seven whisky distilleries, and wonderfully varied birdlife that includes thousands of wintering geese.

#12 Jarlshof, Shetland

An exceptional archeological site taking in Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish, Viking and medieval remains.

#13 Shetland Folk Festival

Shetland is the place to experience traditional folk music, and the annual Folk Festival is the best time to do it.

#14 Pubs

Forget the great outdoors and install yourself in one of Scotland’s cosy and convivial hostelries.

#15 Glasgow School of Art

Finest example of the unique style of Glasgow architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

16 Burrel Collection, Glasgow

An unconventional but impressive museum at the heart of Glasgow’s cultural renaissance.

17 Mousa, Shetland

The mother of all Iron Age brochs, on an island off the coast of Shetland.

18 Edinburgh Old Town

Lose yourself in the capital’s medieval cobbled streets and closes and enjoy the unique city vibes of Edinburgh Old Town.

19 Stirling Castle, Stirling

Enjoy a commanding outlook over both Highlands and Lowlands from Stirling Castle, one of the grandest castles in Scotland.

© mountaintreks/Shutterstock

20 Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Learn about nature, history and discoveries in Scotland, and marvel at treasures including the ivory Lewis chessmen the striking modern National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

21 South Harris beaches

Take your pick of deserted golden sand beaches in South Harris, or further south in the Uists.

22 Iona

The legendary home of Celtic Christian spirituality, Iona is an island of pilgrimage today as in antiquity.

23 Caledonian forest

Among the gnarled pines, survivors of the great ancient forests in the Scottish Highlands, you can encounter one of Scotland’s largest populations of the elusive red squirrel.

24 Dunnottar Castle

Memorably dramatic ruined fortress just south of Aberdeen, surrounded by giddy sea cliffs

25 Calanais, Lewis

Prehistoric standing stones that occupy a serene setting on Lewis, the largest of the Western Isles.

Are you looking for even more Scotland inspiration? Check out our round up of the most remote places in Scotland, as well as the most beautiful places in Scotland as voted by our readers.