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The essential guide to visiting Scotland

Here’s everything you need to know about this land of lochs—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

Why you should visit Scotland

Monumental mountains and misty glens. Castles with hidden stories. A dram of whisky straight from the source.

Best time to visit Scotland

Spring: Many attractions are open without summer crowds. Golf courses open in April; the season officially starts in May.

Summer: This is the ideal time for hiking and biking, although accommodations along the most popular routes—such as the West Highland Way —fill up well in advance. There are plenty of events, including the Edinburgh Festival and Highland Games .

Autumn: Changing leaves create arresting scenes in forests—it’s a great time to visit Perthshire , known as “Big Tree Country.” The Edradour and Glenturret distilleries are well placed for combining a walk with a whisky sampling.

Winter: The Edinburgh Christmas Market kicks off in November, and Scots prepare to celebrate Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). On January 25, pubs honor Burns Night —the birthday of national poet Robert Burns —with a dinner of haggis , neeps (turnips), and tatties (mashed potatoes).

Lay of the land

Cities: Well-heeled capital Edinburgh hosts the world’s largest performing arts festival . The medieval Old Town looms over Princes Street gardens and the New Town with art galleries and chic bars. Glasgow is boisterous and friendly, with a lively music scene. Craggy Stirling , topped by the eponymous castle, was the site of several historic battles. On the east coast, Dundee and Aberdeen pack museums and maritime history into their walkable downtowns.

Highlands: Hikers flock to the heather-bound moors and mountains of Cairngorms National Park ,   overlapping the Speyside whisky-producing region. The landscapes surrounding Glenfinnan and Glencoe have featured in films.

Hebrides: The Isle of Skye is famed for its otherworldly topography. Flawless beaches await on Lewis and Harris . On Mull ,   stop by the colorful coastal town of Tobermory or scale the rugged slopes of Ben More.

Northern Isles: Neolithic sites, including Skara Brae, are scattered across the Orkney Islands . View Viking sites and the eponymous ponies on the Shetland Islands .

Southern Uplands: Stately homes and castles grace the Scottish Borders. Dumfries & Galloway is home to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and the majestic Sweetheart Abbey .

North East:   Seek out royal connections at Glamis Castle in Angus, or Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire. Photogenic Perthshire is home to the prestigious Gleneagles hotel and golf course.

Central Belt: Relive the greatest victories of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace at Bannockburn and the National Wallace Monument , respectively. The John Muir Way spans 134 miles of lochs and woodlands.

Getting around Scotland

By plane: Daily flights operate from Glasgow to several Hebridean islands. Flights to   Sumburgh (Shetland) and Kirkwall   (Orkney) depart from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.

By bus: National Express and Citylink operate buses between the major cities. Buses are limited in the Highlands and Islands.

By train: ScotRail runs most services in Scotland, mostly along the Central Belt. This reduces to a few main lines in the Highlands.

By car:   Driving in Scotland is on the left and requires an international driving permit. Road types include motorways (M), A-roads (A), and B-roads (B). Scotland’s main roads include the A1 from London to Edinburgh; the A74(M)/M74 from Gretna to Glasgow; and the M9/A9, stretching from just outside Edinburgh to Thurso on the north coast.

By boat: Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferries sail to 21 Hebridean islands; Northlink runs car ferries to Orkney and Shetland. Book well in advance.

Know before you go

Scottish languages: Scots Gaelic (pronounced “gaa-lik”) is still spoken by around 60,000 people, mostly in the Highlands and Islands. English, however, has been the main language spoken in Scotland since the 18th century. Though many believe it to be a dialect, Scots (descended from Northern English) is a distinct language , spoken by 1.5 million people.

Hours: Even in cities, restaurants can keep restrictive hours, with some kitchens closing as early as 8 p.m. On Sundays, businesses often open at 1 p.m. and may close by 4 p.m.

LGBTQ+:   Scotland legalized same-sex marriage in 2014. Glasgow hosts Scotland’s largest Pride festival, as well as the Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF) in autumn.

How to visit Scotland sustainably

Outdoors: Read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before setting out. Avoid deer stalking areas between July and February. Refrain from stone stacking, which can cause erosion .

Dining:   Farm-to-table—or, indeed, sea-to-table—is easy to find in this nation of farmers and fishermen. It’s increasingly common for restaurants to display ingredient provenance on their menu.

Shopping:   Seek out independent farm shops and sustainable distilleries . Support Scottish artisans at rural markets and festivals, such as the Pittenweem Arts Festival . Check labels to be sure the products you’re eyeing were made in country.

Accommodation and attractions: The Green Tourism certification scheme, which now operates in 20 countries, was founded in Scotland. It assesses 70 criteria, such as ethical production, carbon, and waste. Certified members—including accommodations, attractions, and tours—display a Green Tourism plaque.

What to read

Scotland: A Concise History , by Fitzroy Maclean (Fifth Edition). The former soldier and politician brings bloody battles and national heroes to life. In the fifth edition, journalist Magnus Linklater adds chapters on Brexit and the 2014 independence referendum.

Rival Queens , by Kate Williams. The historian charts the alliance between Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I of England, which ends in devastating betrayal.

Rob Roy , by Sir Walter Scott. The celebrated writer’s classic work takes place during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715.

Raw Spirit: In Search of the Perfect Dram , by Iain Banks. A humorous travelogue of Scotland’s distilleries, from the iconic to the obscure.

( For more tips on what to do in Scotland, see our Explorer’s Guide .)

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The 14 best places to visit in Scotland

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Pack your camping gear (and your rainproofs) and head to some of the best places to visit in Scotland © Robert Coppinger / Shutterstock

Some of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Think dramatic peaks, lonely glens, lochs, tartan and haggis!

From spectacular Skye and historic Edinburgh to the rolling rivers of Speyside, Scotland’s big sights are as glorious as you’d imagine. But scratch the surface of this proud nation and you’ll find a varied and engrossing place, dotted with prehistoric villages, wild clubs, rich seafood and ruined abbeys.

So, where to start? Once you've decided on the best time for your visit , you need to decide on the best places to go while you're there. Here is our pick of the best destinations in Scotland to get you started.

1. Edinburgh

Best place for year-round entertainment

Scotland's capital may be famous for its festivals, but there's much more to the city than that. Edinburgh is a place of many moods: visit in spring to see the Old Town silhouetted against a blue sky and a yellow haze of daffodils, or on a chill winter’s day for fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones, and a warm glow beckoning from the windows of local pubs. With a world-class modern art gallery , top museums , spooky historic sites and a majestic 12th-century castle , there's plenty to keep you entertained whatever the season.

Local tip: Start your visit to Edinburgh with a climb up Arthur's Seat , an extinct volcano for panoramic views over the city.

2. West Highland Way

Best place for long-distance hiking

The best way to really get inside Scotland's landscapes is to walk them. Here, peaks tower over lochs and sea cliffs gaze over the wind-whipped sea, but there are short woodland trails and charming strolls through valleys dusted with purple heather, too. Top of the wish list for many hikers is the 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William , a weeklong walk through some of the country's finest scenery, finishing in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis.

If you don’t have the time or energy for a long-distance trek, it's possible to do just a day's hike along part of the trail. For example, you could walk the section from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, returning to your starting point using the Loch Lomond waterbus . Whichever section you take on, pack waterproofs and midge repellent. Rail lovers should note that sleeper trains run south from Fort William all the way to London, making for an easy exit after a walk.

Detour:  The 1,345m (4,413ft) summit of Ben Nevis is within reach of anyone who's reasonably fit: treat the peak with respect and your reward (weather permitting) will be magnificent views that can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.

3. North Coast 500

Best place for a scenic road trip

Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands , but the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. This is the best place in Scotland to explore by car (you can also cycle it), with some of the finest roadside scenery in Europe.

The North Coast 500 starts and ends in the likable city of Inverness , and loops past the lochs, sand dunes and golf courses of the east coast before taking in the remote cliffs and beaches of Cape Wrath, the rugged peaks of Assynt and Torridon’s desolate beauty. These sights, and the nooks of warm Highland hospitality found in the region's classic rural pubs and old crofting villages, make this an unforgettable weeklong tour.

4. Isle of Skye

Best place for photographers

In a country famous for stunning scenery, the Isle of Skye takes the top prize. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, there's a photo opportunity awaiting you at almost every turn.

Skye is also one of the best places in Scotland to see golden eagles, and you’ll find convivial pubs and top seafood restaurants if you can tear your eyes from the natural world. Of course, all this tourist appeal makes Skye one of Scotland's most popular destinations. The crowds tend to stick to Portree , Dunvegan and Trotternish – it’s almost always possible to find peace and quiet in the island’s further-flung corners.

Planning tip:  Come prepared for changeable weather – when it’s fine, it’s very fine indeed, but all too often it isn’t.

5. Loch Lomond

Best place for a lakeside hike

Despite being less than an hour's drive from the bustle and sprawl of Glasgow, the bonnie braes (banks) of Loch Lomond – immortalized in the words of one of Scotland's best-known songs – comprise one of the most scenic parts of the country.

At the heart of Scotland's first national park , the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods before narrowing in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains.

Detour: The summit of Ben Lomond (974m/3,031ft) is a popular climb – follow the well-maintained path for a 7-mile round-trip on the popular Tourist Route (allow around 5 hours).

Best place for live music and pub culture

Scotland's biggest city may lack Edinburgh's stunning setting, but it more than makes up for it with a barrelful of things to do and a warmth and energy that leaves every visitor impressed. Edgy and contemporary, it's a great spot to browse art galleries and museums , and to discover the works of local design hero Charles Rennie Mackintosh .

Glasgow’s infectious vitality is best sampled via its lively pubs and clubs, which host one of the world's great live music scenes.

Local tip:  Check out upcoming (mostly alt-rock) acts at the Barrowland  (crowned the UK's best music venue by Time Out magazine in 2023), a legendary former ballroom, or try the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice N Sleazy , a classic indie dive.

7. Stirling

Best place for castle fans

With an impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag – the plug of an extinct volcano – Stirling ’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of Stirling Castle . This fortress has seen serious action – it was bombarded by the Warwolf, a giant 14th-century English siege engine, and was besieged during the 1745 Jacobite rising, as well as sending troops to the battle of Bannockburn (the decisive battle celebrated at the end of Braveheart ), just a few miles south.

Today, views that stretch to the Highlands, glorious tapestries and juicy history make this Scotland’s best castle – and a great family attraction.

Planning tip:  It's best to visit in the afternoon; many tourists come on day trips, so you may have the castle almost to yourself by 4pm.

8. St Andrews

Best place for golfers

Scotland invented the game of golf, and the city of  St Andrews is still revered as its spiritual home by hackers and champions alike. Links courses are the classic experience here – bumpy coastal affairs where the rough is heather and machair (coastal grass) and the main enemy is the wind, which can make a disaster of a promising round in an instant.

St Andrews, the historic Fife university town, is golf's headquarters , and an irresistible destination for anyone who loves the sport. And if you're not so keen, well, the city has impressive medieval ruins , stately university buildings , idyllic white sands and excellent guesthouses and restaurants .

9. Skara Brae

Best place for lovers of ancient history

When visiting ancient sites, it can sometimes be difficult to bridge the gulf of years or build a connection with the people that built them, but Scotland’s superb prehistoric remains have an immediate impact. Few places offer a better glimpse of everyday Stone Age life than Skara Brae in Orkney  with its carefully constructed fireplaces, beds, cupboards and water cisterns.

This Neolithic village – which, at 5,000 years is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza – lay buried in coastal sand dunes for centuries. Even today, it can feel as though the inhabitants have just slipped out to go fishing and could return at any moment.

10. Glen Coe

Best place for clan history

Scotland's most famous glen combines two essential qualities of the Highlands: dramatic scenery and a deep sense of history. The peace and beauty of this valley today belies the fact that Glen Coe was the scene of a ruthless 17th-century massacre, when the local MacDonalds were murdered by soldiers of the Campbell clan.

Some of the glen's finest walks – to the Lost Valley, for example – follow the routes taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom perished in the snow.

Planning tip:  Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history.

11. Perthshire

Best place to enjoy nature's bounty

In Perthshire , the heart of Scotland, picturesque towns bloom with flowers, distilleries emit tempting malty odors and sheep graze in impossibly green meadows. There's a feeling of the bounty of nature that no other place in Scotland can replicate.

Blue-gray lochs shimmer, reflecting the changing moods of the weather; centuries-old trees tower amid riverside forests; majestic glens scythe their way into remote wildernesses; and salmon leap upriver to the place of their birth.

12. Shetland Islands

Best place for birdwatching

Close enough to Norway to make Scottish nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s most northerly outpost. The stirringly bleak setting – recognized as a precious UNESCO geopark – still feels uniquely Scottish though, with deep, naked glens flanked by steep hills, twinkling, sky-blue lochs and, of course, wandering sheep on the little-trafficked roads. It's the birdlife, however, that really draws visitors here.

From their first arrival in late spring to the raucous feeding frenzies of high summer, the vast colonies of gannets, guillemots, skua, puffins and kittiwakes at Hermaness , Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle provide some of Britain's most impressive birdwatching experiences.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas (and the Northern Lights).

13. Speyside

Best place for whisky tasting

Scotland's national drink is whisky – from the Gaelic uisge beatha , meaning “water of life” – and this fiery spirit has been distilled here for more than 500 years. More than 50 distilleries are in operation in Speyside, Scotland's most famous whisky area, famed for fruity, lightly spicy flavors (head over to Islay for peatier varieties).

Ask at the Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. If you just have time for one, the Balvenie Distillery is a good bet as it still uses a traditional malting floor – the smell is glorious!

Planning tip:  Dufftown lies at the heart of the region and is host to the biannual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

14. The Scotland Borders

Best place for a country ramble

Many visitors to Scotland race up to Edinburgh and then hightail it to the Highlands, missing the Scottish Borders entirely . That's their loss. Once fought over by war chiefs and cattle thieves, the Borders region is rich in history and packed with good cycling and hiking routes.

There are grand country houses, too – Traquair House brews Jacobite Ale and has a concealed room that once hid Catholic priests – and a series of gorgeous ruined abbeys – Gothic Melrose Abbey is the best – plus birds and sea cliffs at St Abb’s Head. More active types can fish for salmon or thunder down the mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

This article was first published May 2021 and updated November 2023

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Travel videos of Scotland

Top 10 places to visit in glasgow.

Glasgow is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Scotland having many best places in Glasgow. Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands. It's famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city's 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. Today it's a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums and a thriving music scene.

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Scotland's Highlands

The Highlands stoke kilted dreams of Scotland …where legends of Bonnie Prince Charlie swirl around lonely castles. We visit the "Weeping Glen" of Glencoe, bustling Inverness, and the battlefield at Culloden. Then we'll make a pilgrimage to the spiritual capital of a major clan, and go prehistoric at Stone Age burial grounds and Iron Age island forts. 

Facts about Scotland

There is a lot more to see in Scotland than just bagpipes and kilts! Watch this video to find out more about Scotland, its capital Edinburgh , the highlands and the lowlands and many other things.

Scotland Bucketlist Top 10

Top 10 places to visit in scotland.

Scotland is one of the world's most enchanting places. From the mystical rock pillars of The Old Man of Storr to the magical streets of Edinburgh , Scotland is one of my all time favorite travel destinations. Hope this inspires you to visit the country soon.

Scotland ’s towns, villages, cities, iconic attractions and stunning landscapes are as varied and as diverse as they come, so no matter where you end up you’ll be blown away by the breathtaking setting around you.

10 Best Places to Visit in Scotland

At first glance, the Scottish landscape is harsh: foreboding fortresses atop hills and cliffs, the desolate moors… But spend some time here and you’ll quickly realize Scotland has its own unique beauty: breathtaking highlands just made for hiking and strolling, craggy coastlines, monuments that are proud reminders of long-ago battles, and blue lakes just made for fishing. Scotland is a land of legends and romance, from Robert the Bruce and Macbeth to lake monsters and the tragic Mary Queen of Scots. 

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Scotland - Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 

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Whoever travels to Scotland , meets a beautiful and rich country, rich in beauty and history. The majestic castles greet the visitor in every corner of the country. Witnesses of time ago which remind one rather of plays and dramas, such as Shakespeare or Macbeth which are the most famous example of it.

Some parts of Scotland rank among the most thinly settled areas of Europe and offer the possibility of experiencing nearly undisturbed landscapes. Whether lonely lighthouses or postcard picture church ruins, Scotland should be traveled in peace and with time, in order to absorb the un-comparable impressions, of nature and architect, it has to offer.

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Top 10 things to do in scotland.

Our Top 10 Tips on what to see/do in Scotland , from Edinburgh to St. Andrews & the highlands to the islands. 

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Travel Video | Scotland

Filmed all over the mainland of Scotland and the Isle of Skye while on a Haggis Adventure tour. October 2014.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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Prince Harry Makes a Surprise Video Appearance to Talk About Responsible Tourism

By Erin Vanderhoof

On Wednesday, Prince Harry made a virtual appearance for Travalyst, a nonprofit he helped found in 2019, during its annual summit in the south of France. With the support of major tourism companies, including Expedia, Booking.com, and Tripadvisor, Travalyst aims to help consumers choose more sustainable and carbon-conscious travel options. Addressing a group gathered at travel company Amadeus’s offices in the Sophia Antipolis technology park, the prince shared a message where he spoke about some of the organization’s successes and how tourists need to do more to protect the communities they visit.

“Travel and tourism relies on destinations, held together by communities, without which we have nowhere to travel to. Communities are the beating heart of travel, and we must do better by the people who are the custodians of the places we visit,” he said. “More and more people are wanting to make informed travel choices so that the benefit of travel is felt by all.”

The video was filmed in the Montecito home he shares with wife Meghan Markle, and in the background the Gracie Award that Meghan won in 2023 for her podcast Archetypes was visible on a bookshelf behind the prince’s shoulder. According to the Mirror , Harry officially updated his permanent residence to the US in Travalyst’s filings at the UK’s Companies House earlier this week, after vacating Frogmore Cottage , his former Windsor home, last summer.

During Travalyst’s two-day summit, the group announced new additions to its Independent Advisory Group, which vets sustainability certifications for accommodation providers. In a statement , the organization said that it is planning to share a master list of those certifications to the public.

Harry also took part in a roundtable discussion, where he spoke to representatives from nonprofits addressing communities affected by tourism. In his Wednesday speech, he mentioned the conversations. “We've heard from some fantastic organizations like Invisible Cities who train people affected by homelessness to be tour guides in their own city, and Global Himalayan Expedition, whose programmes have helped electrify over 200 Himalayan villages impacting over 60,000 lives for the better,” he said.

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The governor of Russia's western region of Smolensk said on Saturday that a Ukrainian drone hit a fuel depot overnight, setting it on fire, while an attack on the regional centre has been repelled.

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Arival Activate | Edinburgh

Travel experiences sector conference coming to scotland.

Scottish tourism businesses are invited to attend Arival Activate | Edinburgh.  

Arival Activate is a major event for the travel experiences sector. The event marks the first of its kind and focuses solely on the Northern European market.

The event takes place over two-days, 23 – 25 November in Edinburgh.

Incorporating our capital city, and our world-class attractions, tours and experiences is a key part of the event programme.

It's important, when working with partners that we share the same common goals. By working with operators within the travel experience sector across the city, and surroundings regions, Arival is committed to enhancing community, sustainability and the positive economic benefits of this event event.

Arival Activate taps into the latest insights, provides expertise, and offers networking opportunities with leading tour and attraction operators.

What to expect from the conference:

Industry insights.

sessions feature exclusive insights on traveller data and trends from the latest Arival research. Hear about the newest intel on technology and AI and engage in powerful discussions with industry leaders

Breakout sessions

whether you're new to digital tools or looking to scale your business, these sessions are designed to meet your specific needs. Learn about foundational best practices to advanced strategies for scalable growth.

Operational and marketing workshops

VisitScotland have partnered with Arival to present our Get Connected! workshop that focus on tourism, distribution, and marketing best practices.

Industry experts and speakers

they'll explore first-hand topics like guest experience management, experience design, marketing, technology, how to recruit guides, and more.   

organisers of the event are expecting over 400 attendees to attend. There's a huge opportunity for Scottish tourism businesses to create meaningful connections with peers, technology innovators, and major distributors.  

Event details

Date: 23 – 25 November 2024  

Venue: Venues across Edinburgh and the EICC, Edinburgh, Scotland  

Cost : The cost to attend this conference ranges between £499 - £999 depending on the size of the company and the time of registration.

Take a look at the full programme, which is jam packed to ensure a brilliant experience not only learning but making valuable connections.

As well as two full days of sessions, both around Edinburgh and within the main conference venue the EICC, there are many opportunities to get acquainted with industry peers through the social networking activities, the welcome party and Edinburgh shindig - are a must!

As a supporting partner at the event, Scottish tourism business will be offered a 20% discount, by using the promotional code VSEDI20X when registering. 

The Early Bird ticket price is available now. 

Colleagues from VisitScotland who attended the Arival 360 Berlin event. 

Free webinar | US and Europe traveler trends for 2024: Leveraging insights ahead of the summer season

Tuesday 30 april at 2pm. .

Scottish travel experience businesses are invited to join this free webinar presented by Arival in partnership with GetYourGuide.  

Gear up for the upcoming summer season with a comprehensive exploration of the latest consumer trends for in-destination experiences (tours, activities and attractions).  

Join Arival CEO, Douglas Quinby and Anna Cashman, Brand Lead at GetYourGuide, as they present the key insights from GetYourGuide's "Travel Experience Trend Tracker" report and Arival's "2024 Experiences Traveler Outlook".  

Gain valuable perspectives beyond consumer spending habits as we discuss the driving forces behind these trends. This not-to-be-missed webinar is free to join live and if you can't attend, register to receive the on-demand recording. 

What is Arival? 

Arival provides global research and development of in-destination experiences. This includes day tours, activities, attractions, and events. Arival events are regionally focused conferences designed to foster interactive learning, peer-to-peer sharing, and intimate networking opportunities.   

Find out more on their website Arival.

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Glen Rosa in Arran

© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

The Best Tours of Scotland - Luxury & Scenic Tours

The best Scotland touring holidays are all about taking things at your own pace. We can't tell you what the best way to tour Scotland is because there are so many amazing choices! It's a good idea to explore some of the different types of Scotland tours that are out there, then settle in for a grand adventure.

On a tour of Scotland you’ll meet like-minded people, find hidden gems, and visit those Scottish places you’ve always wanted to see. Longer tours are a great way to travel sustainably, rather than experiencing the country at a glance, and scenic Scotland tours are a great way to get outdoors and explore our stunning landscapes.

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Driving & Public Transport Touring in Scotland

Whether you have your own car, hired vehicle or plan to take public transport around Scotland, there are plenty of touring options. 

Touring in a classic car

© VisitScotland / Kate Abbey

Explore Scotland

Enjoy special moments on the road. 

Itineraries

Tour Scotland with one of our bespoke itineraries - or simply use them for inspiration! 

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2-Day Kyle Line itinerary

Have a day out by rail and visit Plockton, Attadale and Inverness, following the Kyle Line.

Things to Do in and around Moray Speyside Itinerary

Discover wonderful things to do in Moray Speyside.

Glasgow 7 Day Itinerary

Get inspiration for a short break in and around Glasgow

5 Days in Scotland with an Electric Car

Are you an eco-conscious traveller?

Harry Potter Film and Book Locations Itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter with our 4-day itinerary travelling from Edinburgh to the Highlands.

Skye and Fort William by public transport

Follow a 4-day itinerary and see the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Oban and more using public transport.

A Scottish terrier being walked along a countryside path

Touring the Scottish Countryside

Make the most of the fresh air and savour the sights and sounds of Scotland.

Armchair Books, Edinburgh

Literary & Ancestry Touring

Scotland is full of fascinating literary tours for book lovers. You can also walk in the footsteps of your ancestors. 

Other things you might like

Scotland trip itineraries

Best Road Trips in Scotland

14 Top Tours Operators for Your Trip to Scotland

Train holidays in scotland - getting around by rail.

Campervan Routes: The 10 Best Tour Spots

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Cat lost at Toronto airport finally found on runway after multiple days

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A cat that somehow escaped after landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport has finally been reunited with his owners after running free at the travel hub for days.

Kevin, a smoky British shorthair, had just completed a long-haul flight from Scotland on Sunday, but was nowhere to be found when his owner picked up his tragically empty carrier at their Air Transat flight's luggage carousel.

After many hours of searching, the woman — who lives in Whitby, Ontario and had taken Kevin with her on a move overseas — gave up both the hunt and her hopes of ever finding her pet (who just happens to share a name with the Macaulay Culkin character who was also once lost in an airport).

What was especially difficult to cope with was the fact that she had taken extra care to ensure Kevin could ride in the cabin with her, but the airline told her upon her arrival that there was an issue with the soft carrier she had specially purchased for the trip.

So, he rode in the cargo bay, and was lost in transit — every pet owner's worst nightmare. 

Still, against all odds, Kevin was eventually found roaming the airport's tarmac alone on Wednesday, his owners told CP24 , adding that it was a happy ending after what was originally a very heartbreaking situation.

After being picked up and put into the care of the Canada Border Services Agency, the worse-for-wear, famished Kevin was rejoined with his family after his three-day mystery tour.

Per their interview with the news outlet, the family is considering taking legal action against Air Transat, who said that they regretted the incident and tried their best to find the kitty.

Kevin's saga isn't the only one of its kind to happen at Pearson recently, either: a tabby lost during a layover at the airport in 2021 somehow managed to survive on his own for 24 days before being found and taken home .

A year later , a dog carrier was misplaced with a glut of unclaimed luggage in the baggage area and left for almost a full day without food and water.

Davslens /Shutterstock

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