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Inspiring Your Travel: The Best Cities to Visit in Scotland

4 Jun, 2021

Looking for the best cities to visit in Scotland? We have you covered! At Inspiring Travel Scotland, we live and breathe everything about his bonnie country and its best places to explore. From the city centres to the hidden glens and remote Highland beauty…we love sharing the wonder of Scotland with visitors from all around the world.

If you’re trying to plan a trip to Scotland, you’ll most likely be starting and ending your journey in Edinburgh or Glasgow, where the majority of international flights arrive. These two cities offer unique perspectives on Scotland’s history and culture, so you won’t want to miss either one!

But Edinburgh and Glasgow aren’t the only cities to visit in Scotland during your holiday. To help you decide where to go, we’ll outline the top reasons to visit each of the popular urban areas of Scotland.

Of course, we’re always happy to create a tailor-made tour of Scotland that’s customised to you and your preferences. That’s where our local expertise and extensive experience truly shines!

If you get in touch , we are more than happy to offer some advice. But we also thought we’d put together a brief tourist’s guide to some of Scotland’s best cities to visit. We hope this helps you choose which cities you most want to see when you visit Scotland. Of course, if you have enough time, we would love to take you to every city on this list!

The Best Cities to Visit in Scotland

1. The Enchanting Capital City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the historic, enchanting capital city of Scotland and it’s one of the top tourist hotspots in Europe. Edinburgh more than earns all of the praise and attention it gets.

The city is beautiful – with stunning architecture throughout and iconic Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city from atop Castle Rock. But Edinburgh also offers countless fun activities for visitors to enjoy.

Why visit Edinburgh?

You will never run out of things to do in Edinburgh ! From exploring its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Old Town and New Town) to seeking out Scotland’s film and literary locations ; from popular attractions like the Edinburgh Dungeon to world-class festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (the biggest arts festival in the world). 

There is so much to enjoy in Edinburgh that you could spend your entire vacation here and still not see it all!

Did you know that Edinburgh has more parks and trees per head of population than any other city in the UK? It’s true! This historic capital city is filled with green spaces to enjoy, so you’ll want to spend some time in a few of the city’s beautiful parks and gardens.

The city’s nickname is ‘Athens of the North’ – with its architecture reflecting the columns and styles of ancient Greece. From Calton Hill through all of New Town, with countless buildings in Old Town also reflecting this desired aesthetic.

A tour of Edinburgh Castle will not disappoint history buffs; in fact, a tour of any part of the city will not disappoint history buffs as this ancient city is packed with fascinating stories.

For fans of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is the home of author J.K. Rowling and she based many aspects of her books on parts of the city. If this interests you, you should check out our blog about the 10 Scottish locations Harry Potter fans must visit ! 

2. Scotland’s Largest & Most Modern City: Glasgow

While Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, Glasgow is its largest and most modern city. And, actually, if you go right back to St Mungo’s Church, we can argue that Glasgow is a few centuries older than Edinburgh!

Due to the great River Clyde and Glasgow’s position on the west coast, Glasgow became Scotland’s most important trade city. For centuries, its merchants were the richest people in Scotland.

Glasgow’s affluence from its trade routes allowed for building vast, ornate buildings in a way few other UK cities could. If you love architecture, then Glasgow is the city for you.

Why visit Glasgow?

There are so many fun things to do in Glasgow ! Glasgow has a thriving nightlife and many of the best restaurants in Scotland. As a very large city, Glasgow is split into different sections. Explore the centre of the city for the best shopping in all of Scotland.

If you go slightly east of the centre, you’ll find yourself in the extremely affluent Merchant City. A little further east and you’ll find the stunning Glasgow Cathedral and the impressive Necropolis (city of the dead), which is a huge hill with graves, crypts, and mausoleums. This is where the city’s richest merchants were buried, so the obelisks and structures built to commemorate them are incredibly elaborate.

If you go to the West End, you’ll find the impressive University of Glasgow and the Kelvingrove Art Museum (with work from Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Vincent van Gogh, Titian, Claude Monet, and a huge collection of Charles Rennie Machintosh).

Glasgow is also less touristy than Edinburgh, so many feel they get a more authentically ‘Scottish’ experience there. 

If you’re a fan of Outlander, you definitely want to visit both Edinburgh and Glasgow! Check out our Two Cities & Outlander Tour for details.

3. For Golfers & Students, the Lovely St Andrews

St Andrews is much, much smaller than Edinburgh and Glasgow, which is perhaps exactly why visitors to Scotland love it. Despite its small size, St Andrews can technically be classed as a city because it has a cathedral. And that’s why it has made it onto this list!

Located on the east coast of Scotland, St Andrews is roughly 90 minutes by car from Edinburgh.

Why visit St Andrews?

The city is most famous for golf, as people have been playing golf there for the last six centuries. Some folks claim that golf was invented there! For keen golfers, check out our tips for how to plan the ultimate Scotland golf trip .

St Andrews’ historic golf courses attract professional and amateur golfers from all across the world. St Andrews Links Old Course is one of the oldest golf courses in the world, while The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has some truly incredible terrain.

For such a small city, there are many more golf courses to choose between. It’s difficult to think of a better city in the world for golf – both to play it and to learn about its history.

St Andrews is also by the sea and enjoys some exceptional sea views. Take a beach walk, then stop into one of the city’s many quaint cafés and tearooms.

St Andrews University is also the oldest university in Scotland, and the building is incredibly beautiful. The university is widely considered to be the third-best in the UK, with only Oxford and Cambridge above it.

After visiting the university, you should visit the spellbinding St Andrews Cathedral; the beauty of both the current building and the ruins will impress even the most experienced travellers.

St Andrews is so different to the rest of Scotland’s cities, and it’s this uniqueness that has impressed so many of our guests. 

4. The Capital of the Scottish Highlands: Inverness

Inverness is another smaller city in Scotland – though it isn’t nearly as small as St Andrews. Situated on the banks of River Ness near Loch Ness, Inverness is the biggest, most important city in the Scottish Highlands. It is, therefore, often referred to as the ‘capital of the Highlands’. 

The city is much farther north than any of the other cities on this list and its remote location will allow visitors to enjoy the world-famous Scottish countryside.

Get inspired with all the details on how to tour the Scottish Highlands !

Why visit Inverness?

A quick Google image search will convince most people to add Inverness to their customised Scotland tour . The architecture and overall aesthetic of Inverness are incredibly traditional.

This city is exactly what people imagine Scotland will look like before they visit. Scotland’s reputation for quaint buildings and a general sense of idyllic scenery is exactly what Inverness delivers on.

Any visit to Inverness would be incomplete without visiting one or two of the Highland distilleries for whisky tours . Inverness’s location right in the heart of the Highlands makes it the perfect base for exploring Scotland’s most famous landscapes.

In recent years, Scotland has continuously won awards for being the most beautiful country in the world. Most of the places that push Scotland ahead of New Zealand and Canada can be found a short drive from Inverness!

5. For History Buffs: The Iconic City of Stirling

The last of our recommended cities to visit in Scotland is the city of Stirling. This historic city is conveniently almost equidistant from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Stirling was also the capital of Scotland before Edinburgh took the top spot.

Stirling’s positioning in the centre of Scotland made it the ideal choice as the capital city. You’ll see signs of its former glory in the grand buildings and the incredibly impressive Stirling Castle.

In fact, many people (some of our clients included) even prefer Stirling Castle to Edinburgh Castle. 

Why visit Stirling?

Beyond the castle, there is history everywhere you look in Stirling. One of the most popular historic sites is the Wallace Monument, a tower erected in 1869 to honour Sir William Wallace. You likely recognise the name from the film Braveheart! Sir William Wallace was a nobleman who became one of Scotland’s main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence against the English.

Nearby, you will also find Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce won his famous victory over the English. The Battle of Bannockburn Experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the historic battle with the help of 3D scenes, art, and artefact exhibits.

You can also visit the impressive Airthrey Castle and the old picturesque grounds of the University of Stirling.

History buffs visiting Scotland cannot, and should not, exclude Stirling from their itinerary! 

We hope this guide has helped you choose which of the cities to visit in Scotland during your holiday. Our wee country is overflowing with natural beauty and history, and fitting one or two of our cities into your trip is essential!

If you have any questions about Scotland’s cities or about our range of Scottish tours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch . Start planning your dream Scotland tour, and let us inspire you!

This post was originally published in July 2019 and updated in June 2021.

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Top tourist attractions & places to visit in Scotland

Looking for the most popular Scottish tourist attractions? We've got iconic castles, incredible museums, family days out, beautiful gardens, and places off-the-beaten-track. What's more, many of them are completely free to visit! Check out our list, based on the latest visitor numbers.*

Loch Lomond Shores Balloch

The Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch

Admission: Free

Just 25 minutes from Glasgow, this stunning spot on the map offers a wide range of indoor, outdoor and water-based activities, as well as great shopping opportunities, food & drink and exciting family-friendly events.

Loch Lomond Shores is situated in Balloch in the stunning Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, so you’re in for a treat with the lush scenery and landscapes. Get out on the water with boat tours and watersports, or keep your feet dry and try out Treezone or the SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium. The kids will love the dinosaur themed Jurassic Grill, or if you’re looking to tuck into something local and fresh, pop by the farmers market every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Garden; Edinburgh

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Founded in 1670 and considered to be one of the finest gardens in the world, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers 72 acres of peace and tranquillity and is only a stone's throw from the bustling city centre.

Similar places to explore: Dawyck Botanic Garden, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, St Andrews Botanic Garden,

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National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh

National Museum of Scotland

Set on Edinburgh's Chambers Street, the National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and precious objects. Not only one of the best attractions in Scotland, it's also one of the most popular in the UK outside of London and offers a great, year-round programme of temporary exhibitions and events.

Similar places to explore: The National Portait Gallery, The McManus Art Gallery & Museum, Perth Museum.

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Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle in the sunshine

Admission: Paid

Edinburgh Castle is a true icon of Scotland and has dominated the skyline of the capital for centuries. Unusually, it's set atop an extinct volcano. It takes the title of Scotland's most-visited paid-for attraction.

Similar places to explore: Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Falkland Palace.

Edinburgh Bus Tours Edinburgh

A City Sightseeing Bus in the Grassmarket

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Sit back and relax on one of Edinburgh’s 5-star bus tours. Hop on and hop off as you like and discover the magnificent sights in Scotland’s capital, from the historic Old and New Towns to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Palace of Holyroodhouse and much more.

Departing from Waterloo Place, just below Calton Hill, choose from the City Sightseeing Edinburgh tour, available in multi-languages, The Edinburgh Tour, with live guides to show you the best highlights, or The Regal Tour, a multi-language tour that will take you around the grand parts of Edinburgh.

Scottish National Gallery Edinburgh

National Galleries Scotland: National

© National Galleries Scotland

The Scottish National Gallery houses Scotland's national collection of fine art from the early Renaissance to the end of the 19th century. The walls of this top attraction are adorned with masterpieces, from Raphael, Velázquez and Vermeer to Monet, Cézanne and Van Gogh, as well as works of Scottish artists.

Similar places to explore: National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One and Two, The Burrell Collection, Aberdeen Art Gallery. 

Glasgow Science Centre Glasgow South Side

a daytime view from the river Clyde showing the Glasgow Science Centre buildings on the bank of the river including the 127m high Glasgow Tower struct

Discover your inner Bell, Watt or Fleming at Glasgow Science Centre. This family-friendly attraction is an ideal spot for keeping the wee ones occupied, with plenty of fascinating hands-on exhibitions for the grown-ups to enjoy too. With workshops, interactive activities, shows, a planetarium and even an IMAX cinema, you can learn about all the science projects, experiments and discoveries that have led to the world we know today.

Head to the Science Show Theatre for live science shows that go whizz, bang and pop! Relax in the Planetarium, a state-of-the-art full dome projection room where you can connect with the cosmos and learn from live presenter-led shows from expert astronomers and scientists.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Glasgow

Exterior of the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery

You'll want to keep coming back to this museum time and time again. Set next to a classic Victorian park by the River Kelvin in Glasgow's west end, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses a staggering 8,000 objects in over 22 beautiful galleries.

Similar places to explore: Hunterian Museum, V&A Dundee, The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum.

National War Museum Edinburgh

Red and white striped military jacket on display at the National War Museum

The National War Museum can be found in Edinburgh Castle and is filled with exhibits and artefacts that tell of the impact of war on Scotland's history, identity and reputation abroad.

Similar places to explore: The Gordon Highlanders Museum, Coldstream Museum, Fort George. 

Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh

Giraffes at Edinburgh Zoo

© The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

With over 1,000 animals from every corner of the globe, a visit to Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic family day out. At this top attraction in Edinburgh you can meet the penguins at the famous Penguin Parade and get closer than ever before to chimpanzees on the Budongo Trail.

Similar places to explore: Highland Wildlife Park, Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park.

Glenfinnan Monument The Highlands

Glenfinnan Monument & Visitor Centre

An epic tourist attraction amidst Scotland's stunning landscapes built to honour the fallen Jacobite clansmen, the Glenfinnan Monument overlooks Loch Shiel and is backed by the world-renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct. Learn more about this turbulent time in Scotland's past and the kilted Highlander who stands on top of the monument.

Similar places to explore: Wallace Monument, Tay Bridge, Leaderfoot Viaduct.

Riverside Museum Glasgow

Riverside Museum

The spectacular Riverside Museum sits on the River Clyde and is home to the Glasgow Museum of Transport. It is full of fascinating objects and vehicles which tell the story of Scotland's past and present. It's one of the top places to visit in Scotland and a must-visit when in Glasgow.

Similar places to explore: RRS Discovery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, National Museum of Flight

Stirling Castle Stirling

Stirling Castle

Not only one of the finest and best-preserved Renaissance buildings in the whole of the UK, Stirling Castle was also the favoured residence for many of Scotland's kings and queens. It sits dramatically atop a volcanic rock overlooking the River Forth and was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. 

Similar places to explore: Linlithgow Palace, Holyrood Palace, Caerlaverock Castle.

Gallery of Modern Art Glasgow

A large sandstone building with pillared entrance area and a tall cupola feature on the roof. Lots of people can be seen milling aorund the outside of

Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is Scotland's most visited art gallery and the centre for Glasgow's extensive modern and contemporary art collection. Found in the heart of Glasgow in Royal Exchange Square, with the famous Duke of Wellington Statue guarding out front (usually with a traffic cone atop his head), GoMA is free to enter. 

The gallery provides a thought-provoking programme with displays of local and international artworks alongside temporary exhibitions and events with artists. Don't miss the permanent display that charts the building's history. 

Urquhart Castle Inverness

Urquhart Castle

© VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton

Urquhart Castle has had its fair share of dramatic moments. Thankfully, you won’t come face-to-face with any gruesome or bloody battles during your visit. Step back in time and uncover the history behind the famous castle ruins left by its residents, historic replicas and much more. Make sure to climb up the Grant Tower where you’ll enjoy glorious views of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs, Loch Ness.

Similar places to explore: Dumbarton Castle, Lochleven Castle, Kilchurn Castle.

Culzean Castle & Country Park Ayrshire

Culzean Castle and Country Park

© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

This majestic cliff-top castle is tucked away in the Ayrshire countryside in an outstanding coastal location. Boasting a regal exterior, intricate interior, pristine gardens and 260 hectares of grounds to explore, you are all set for an enjoyable family day out.

Similar places to explore: Dunrobin Castle, Drumlanrig Castle, Caerlaverock Castle.

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St Giles' Cathedral Edinburgh - City Centre

St Giles' Cathedral

An iconic cathedral that has prominently stood in the capital’s city centre since the 1140s, St Giles’ Cathedral has seen a wealth of historic, and turbulent, moments in Scotland’s past and has a real story to tell.

Join in a free guided walking tour every day at 10:30am or 2:30pm to hear the tales from the building’s early foundations and John Knox’s Reformation, to seeing the famous Thistle Chapel, and learning all about the rebels and royals that have set foot here. It is recommended to book ahead for these tours as they fill up fast.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh - City Centre

Vortex Tunnel at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

© Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

A trip to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a day out that the whole family can enjoy. Labelled as Britain’s “most fun attraction”, you’ll find over 100 interactive exhibits and optical illusions across five floors, from the Vortex Tunnel and Mirror Maze to Ames Room and Bewilderworld.

Make your way up to the Rooftop Terrace where you can admire 360° panoramic views of the city and beyond. Have a go on the free high-power telescopes to see a close up of all your favourite places. Eye Spy Edinburgh is also a must-see. Experience Edinburgh in 3D from the 1850s all the way up to present day, with live city View Cams you can control to zoom in and out of locations across the capital.

The Royal Yacht Britannia Edinburgh

Exterior photograph of The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Experience TripAdvisor’s Best UK Attraction of 2023, the Royal Yacht Britannia. Delve into a bit of Scottish history and explore this unique floating royal residence. With five decks and a fascinating audio tour available in over 30 languages, you can learn all about how this luxury yacht has been a staple for big names, including the late HRH Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.

Located in the north of Edinburgh, this is an utterly unique experience you won’t want to miss out on. If you want to go that extra step, you can stay in one of 22 luxurious cabins onboard the nearby Fingal, Britannia’s sister ship, for an experience you won’t forget.

The Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh - City Centre

The stunning Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection

Whisky connoisseurs are in for a treat at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh. Located just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle, you can learn how world-renowned Scotch whisky is made from expert guides, who’ll tell you all the little-known secrets and answer all your questions.

Choose from a selection of tours and experiences where you can taste a range of drams and find your favourite. Stop in at the Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar and tuck in to Scotland’s delicious dishes and larder, and make sure you pop in to the Whisky Shop too – there are over 450 whiskies to choose from.

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Want to see all of these attractions and more?

Why not check out one of our guided tours? Let the experts show you the must-visit attractions but also show you all of our alternative hidden gems.

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(*This list is based on the  Moffat Centre Scottish Visitor Attraction Monitor 2023.)

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The 11 best places to visit in Scotland

From sky-high mountains to unspoiled beaches, the Land of Scots has plenty to offer

Vibrant historic cities, sandy unspoiled beaches, tiny characterful islands and mountains rising into the clouds – imagine a country that could give you it all, all in one trip? Well, in Scotland, you don’t have to imagine.  This compact country of a mere 30,000 square miles at the north-western corner of Europe has got the lot – with a dram or two of the world’s best whisky on the side.

B e it the capital city of Edinburgh’s crepuscular cobbled streets, Glen Coe’s ghostly landscape, the golden sands of Luskentyre on Harris or the fish and chips of the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland is full of incredible places to visit and things to enjoy from coast to coast. Here are the best place to visit in Scotland, by someone who grew up there. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏞️ The most beautiful places in Scotland 🎭 The best things to do in Edinburgh 🍻 The best things to do in Glasgow 🏩 The best  Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands

Malcolm Jack  is a writer from Scotland . At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Must-see places to visit in Scotland

1.  edinburgh.

In the Scottish capital, history looms above you at practically every turn. The city is built on and around seven hills, including extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat , and Castle Rock, where the mighty 900-year-old Edinburgh Castle clings improbably to the top. Below in the warren-like Old Town, discover the dense cobbled streets, closes and stairways of a centre of human habitation over a century in the making. In the New Town, admire grand neo-classical Georgian architecture. Every August, Edinburgh hosts the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe . 

Discover Edinburgh: 📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh 🍝 The best restaurants in Edinburgh 🏘️ Where to stay in Edinburgh

2.  Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris

300 miles from the bustling heart of Edinburgh lies a white sandy beach so peaceful and untouched you can barely believe you’re still in the same country. Resembling a tropical paradise with its azure blue seas, Luskentyre lies at the end of a long narrow track on the Hebridean isle of Harris’s Atlantic-facing west coast. Save for a few nearby houses there are few signs of human habitation. Come early enough in the morning and you might get the beach all to yourself.

🏖️ Discover more of the best beaches in Scotland

3.  Braemar

At 339 metres above sea level, it’s one of the coldest places in Britain. But for a slice of Scotland at its most dramatic and beautiful, not to mention luxurious, you can’t beat a bit of Braemar. The peaks of the Cairngorm National Park envelop the village, which has an almost Alpine feel thanks to its unusual colourful Victorian-era timber buildings. There’s a plush hotel with a huge art collection and a gourmet restaurant, and a boutique high street with all from cosy pubs to a patisserie. In winter you can ski nearby up at Glenshee.

4.  Mull of Kintyre

A corner of Scotland so entrancing that a Beatle was once inspired to write a song about it. Down at the far southwestern tip of the Kintyre peninsula lies headland with views all the way to Northern Ireland on a clear day. Paul McCartney owns a farm in the hills above nearby Campbeltown, where he spent many a happy time in the 1970s together with his late wife Linda McCartney and their young children. It was there that he wrote and recorded one of his most successful songs ‘Mull of Kintyre’ – a heartfelt ode to the mountains and the mist rolling in from the sea that’s as apt today as it ever was. 

5.  Glasgow

What it might lack in good looks compared to Edinburgh, Scotland’s biggest city more than makes up for in personality and passion. The former ship-building mecca on the River Clyde has remerged from late-20 th century industrial decline as a cultural powerhouse, famed for its music, clubbing and visual art scenes, and increasingly its wealth of wonderful cafes, bars and restaurants. The leafy green parks and top-class museums aren’t bad either. Glasgow ’s down-to-earth sense of humour enriches everything about the place, and makes great nights out a certainty. 

Discover Glasgow: 📍  T he best things to do in Glasgow 🍴 The best restaurants in Glasgow 🏨 The best hotels in Glasgow

6.  Lochranza Distillery, Isle of Arran

You’ll find amazing whisky distilleries all over Scotland from Speyside to Skye, but few are as fun and convenient to visit as Arran’s. Get a train from Glasgow direct to the Ardrossan ferry terminal and enjoy a swift hour’s sailing across to the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. From there you can take a bus or taxi up the coast to Lochranza for a whisky tour and a tasting. Once home to more than 50 distilleries (most of them illegal), Arran now has just a handful, of which this the oldest and most visited. Its water, sourced from Loch Na Davie, is said to be the purest in Scotland.

7.  Isle of Eigg

A tiny inner Hebridean island of legends, both ancient and modern. In centuries past Eigg, with its distinctive stump-like peak An Sgùrr, witnessed Viking conquests, warring clans, a brutal massacre and all but complete clearance of human habitation by its lairds in favour of farming sheep. But in 1997 it was given a new lease of life, after being bought over by islanders and reinvented as a bastion of off-grid, sustainable community ownership and living. Population today 100 plus and slowly rising, Eigg’s an inspiration, wrapped in magical seafront and nature, with its own microbrewery, music festival and miles of cliffs, crags and beaches to roam and explore.

8.  The Flow Country, Caithness and Sutherland

What does a giant, desolate peat bog in the far north of Scotland have in common with the Serengeti, the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef? Answer: World Heritage Site status, which was granted to the 1,500 square mile Flow Country in 2024. One of the world’s largest carbon stores, vital to the future of mankind, its Scotland’s first World Heritage Site inscribed for purely natural criteria. As one of the most sparsely populated places in Britain, rich in flora and fauna, with great snow-capped mountains rising and falling across its horizon, it’s a breathtaking landscape to behold. Like journeying to the edge of the world.

📍 Discover the most beautiful places in the world

9.  Glen Coe

The sheer majesty of the Highlands unveils itself few places more powerfully than in this great valley formed by an ancient supervolcano. Glen Coe is synonymous with one of Scotland’s most notorious acts of violence, when around 30 men from Clan MacDonald were slain by government forces in the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising of 1689 in the Glencoe Massacre. Their ghosts are said to still linger in the landscape, but the only thing truly haunting about Glen Coe is its rugged beauty. The way the steep slopes of Buachaille Etive Mòr and Aonach Eagach rise up suddenly and mightily around you along the mountain pass is truly awe-inspiring.

👻 Discover the most haunted places in the world

10.  Dundee

Scotland’s fourth-largest city has enjoyed a new lease of life in recent years, in many ways thanks to the arrival of the V&A Dundee in 2018 – the first design museum in Scotland and the first Victoria and Albert museum outside of London . Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma in a striking style evocative of Scotland’s coastal cliffs and Dundee’s nautical heritage, it has hosted fascinating exhibitions on all from tartan to video games and kimonos. Moreover, it has been a catalyst for a stylish regeneration of not just the city’s post-industrial waterfront, but its eating and drinking scene, its nightlife and its sense of cultural self-esteem. 

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