To help you find the information you want quickly, we’ve divided Scotland into 4 regions and also used different coloured symbols on the touring map. The 4 regions are indicated here and the coloured tabs on pages throughout the guide.
Different types of attraction are highlighted by spots of various colours, eg (see key below).
This is your guide to many of Scotland’s most exciting and interesting places to visit. You’ll find all you need to know here. Whether you want to: explore Scotland’s culture and heritage in the shape of castles, stately homes, gardens, whisky distilleries, museums & galleries; choose a theme and take a guided tour; get active - extreme or relaxing, ashore or afloat; have some family fun in all-action, all-weather attractions where youngsters can let off steam and grown-ups can relax; go sightseeing, in our cities, or through our fabled diverse highland, lowland and coastal landscapes; or indulge yourself in some of Europe’s finest shopping… Scotland has it all.
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Front cover photo: Urquhart Castle
Photos: KataThomson/ Shutterstock.com; Nick Fox/ Shutterstock.com; Lukassek/ Shutterstock.com; Marcin Kadziolka/Shutterstock. com; Cawdor Castle; Marisa Estivill/Shutterstock.com; Dolphin Spirit; Sandy Harvey/ Shutterstock.com; Juergen_ Wallstabe/Shutterstock.com; reissmcgphoto/Shutterstock. com; Chris Watt, Dewars Aberfeldy Distillery; TTstudio/ Shutterstock.com; Robin Dessens/Shutterstock.com; Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB/ Shutterstock.com; Warren P/Shutterstock.com; Ulmus Media/Shutterstock.com; godrick/Shutterstock.com; Logan Botanic Garden.
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Sheila Fleet OBE is one of Scotland’s most distinguished jewellery designers, her work shaped by Scotland’s culture, history, nature and landscapes.
Handcrafted at her Orkney workshop, each piece of Sheila’s iconic jewellery tells a story, from dramatic seas and skies to breathtaking Neolithic sites.
Inverness, the Highland capital, and the seaside town of Nairn are great bases for exploring, including Culloden Battlefield and Fort George or use them as a base to explore the ‘North Coast 500’. A visit to the 5* Loch Ness Experience is essential to enjoy learning the history behind the famous legend. All along the shores of the Moray and Cromarty Firths are other attractive little Scottish towns such as Cromarty, Tain and Dornoch. Wick has a Heritage Museum telling the story of the area’s herring fishing industry.
Orkney has a wealth of prehistoric sites, including Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar. Stromness, on its sheltered bay, has plenty of character, while Kirkwall has a good selection of shops, notably for crafts and jewellery.
Shetland, the most northerly island group in the UK, has ferry connections with Aberdeen and Kirkwall. Lerwick is by far the largest town. Shetland is noted for its wildlife and its Viking heritage.
For sheer atmosphere, Scotland’s rugged north coast is unbeatable. Breathtaking scenery continues down the western seaboard via Lochinver to the ferry-port of Ullapool, which makes an excellent base for exploring this area.
Many enjoy Inverewe Gardens, thriving in the Gulf Stream’s mildness. Gairloch has fine beaches and also a golf course. Loch Maree and Torridon, with some of Scotland’s most spectacular mountains, are also in the area’s ‘must sees’.
Step into the story of the Highlands at The Inverness Castle Experience, where culture, heritage, landscapes and people come alive through captivating tales and interactive experiences.
An unmissable private flight with one of our flight instructors; discover the beauty of the Highlands from the skies, in one of our aeroplanes or gyrocopters.
“Absolutely amazing”
“Breathtakingly marvellous”
Experiences for 1 to 3 people, with prices starting at £139. Open 7 days a week at Inverness Airport. For online bookings and further information:
“Brilliant, friendly, truly unique”
“From a warm welcome to a first class service, Highland Aviation are true professionals”
A real living home, Cawdor Castle & Gardens will be open daily from 10am to 5pm, 25th April to 4th October 2026.
Audio guide in 10 languages included or read the humorous room notes written by the 24th Thane of Cawdor.
Formal gardens with contemporary sculptures, Nature Trails, on-site Café and Gift Shops. Cawdor Castle & Gardens, Cawdor, Nairn, IV12 5RD www.cawdorcastle.com
The bustling North Sea port of Aberdeen, Scotland’s third largest city, has plenty of accommodation, shopping and night-life, and is a gateway to Royal Deeside. Dundee is varied and vibrant, with a good choice of shopping and also cultural options - with a notable art centre as well as museums - including the V&A Dundee museum, and a fascinating industrial heritage. The coast features historic fishing ports such as Buckie and Stonehaven, spectacular cliffs and long golden beaches stretching from the Moray Firth to Angus.
Some of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries are along the River Spey. The region is famous for its castles, with Glamis, Blair, Crathes and Dunnottar being particularly impressive. Visitors can enjoy Queen Victoria’s “dear paradise in the Highlands” at Balmoral Castle.
The region has some great car-touring routes: from Deeside via The Lecht and into Strathspey; Dunnottar Castle from the Lowlands into Highland Perthshire via Crieff, the Sma’ Glen and Aberfeldy; or the mountain route to Aberdeenshire via Glenshee - the highest main road in Scotland.
Amongst the towns, Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey give easy access to the Cairngorms National Park. Elgin is gateway to the ‘whisky country’ of the Lower Spey; Kirriemuir is ideal for exploring the Angus Glens. The prosperous town of Perth has fine Georgian architecture, while from holiday towns like Dunkeld or Pitlochry, visitors can discover ‘Big Tree Country’ with Perthshire’s record-breaking trees.
Site of natural or wildlife interest/
Nature reserve
Site of cultural or historical interest
Prehistoric site
Viewpoint
Beach
National Park boundary
Motorway
Primary road
Other road
Railway
Airport
Main ferry route
and database right 2026.
The numbers on the map relate to the numbers on the adverts in this guide
1 Speciality Shops
1 Family
1 Distilleries & Breweries
1 Castles & Historic Sites
1 Museums, Galleries & Exhibitions
1 Tours & Cruises
1 Wild & Active
1 Eating & Drinking
GlenKindie Estate is set on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Home to a collection of five beautifully designed holiday cottages. Surrounded by fabulous views, with scenic walks straight from your door.
Open April - October 10am - 5pm (Last entry 3:45pm)
Explore 30 rooms, beautiful gardens, a playground, restaurant, and gift shop. Blair Castle & Gardens has everything you need for a great family day out.
Tickets and prices: www.atholl-estates.co.uk/blair-castle
Men’s & Ladies Country Clothing, Shoe & Accessories Halls
Leading brands curated alongside House of Bruar collections
Largest Pure Cashmere & Natural Fibre Knitwear Hall in the UK
Country Living Hall, Present Shop & Rural Art Gallery
The Sale Shop with clothing, knitwear, accessories & homeware
Comprehensive Fishing Tackle & Specialist Stalking Department
Atrium Restaurant & Bakery, serving fresh meals, cakes & coffee
Award-winning Food Hall with Butchery, Delicatessen
The Whisky Shop & Scottish Ice Cream Parlour
Luxury Lobster,Fish & Chip Shop
Free parking on the doorstep of the magnificent Falls of Bruar
Set in the glorious landscape of the Scottish Highlands, The House of Bruar is immersed in nature and offers a wonderful day out for all to enjoy. Discover our exclusive knitwear and tweed collections, curated alongside prestigious country brands and hard-to-find handmade treasures, then relax and savour delicious food in our restaurant and Food Hall—the perfect Highland experience and a day to remember. To order our Mail Order Catalogue visit our website or call
This picturesque area has fjord-like sea-lochs and a diversity of islands, linked by an excellent ferry network. The Outer Hebrides are easily reached from Ullapool, Uig on Skye, and Oban. Lewis and Harris have some of Scotland’s finest beaches and one of the UK’s most important prehistoric sites, the Calanais Standing Stones. The southern portion of this chain, notably Barra, Eriskay and the Uists, is spectacular and rich in wildlife.
Skye is famous for its Cuillin Hills and the extraordinary landscape of the Quiraing. Aside from the scenery, other attractions include Talisker Distillery and Dunvegan Castle.
On the mainland, Plockton is very photogenic - as is Eilean Donan Castle, also on this part of the coast. There is an excellent touring route here, down through Kintail to the Great Glen and Fort William.
Here, next to Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain) is Nevis Range, the popular skiing and mountain biking centre.
The busy little ferry port of Oban is a good base for exploring the ‘Glorious Gardens of Argyll’. Inveraray is another picturesque little town, with Inveraray Jail one of the main attractions.
Cowal’s wooded peninsula reaches down to the island of Bute, where Rothesay is a traditional resort. Mount Stuart is also a popular attraction here. Other islands include: Iona with its Abbey and High Crosses; Islay, with its many whisky distilleries; also Colonsay and Gigha. Mull has spectacular cliff scenery.
Eastwards are Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, which is a national park. Gateways here include attractive villages such as Aberfoyle and Callander. A steamer excursion on Loch Katrine is the essential Trossachs experience.
A collection of unique hotels in Skye & Oban
On the surface we’re a group of four hotels. But really, we’re much more than that. From the flavours we combine and the experiences we gather to the warm welcomes we give, we’ll always go the extra mile to make sure you’re looked after; treated as family and entertained as friends.
BOAT TOURS
PADDLE TOURS
MINIBUS TOURS
BOAT TOUR
Boat tours operate daily from Luss & Balloch (Loch Lomond). Luxury Mini-van tours to Loch Lomond are available with Scotland wide collection & drop-off. Walk, hike, bike & paddle tours can be combined into half & full day package tours. Group bookings & private tours are available. Advance booking is recommended. Please visit our website for tour information & pricing, or to book online.
BOAT TOURS PADDLE TOURS
Island Tour
Castle Tour
Private Tour
Canoe Tour
Paddleboard Tour
Kayak Tour
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Minibus Tour
Walking Tour
Guided Bike & Hike
CANOE TOUR
SPEEDBOAT TOURS
Tour options from 30 minutes to half day or full day experience. Please visit website for interactive map, route planner & pricing.
OPEN 7 DAYS AT LOCH LOMOND & RATED #1 ON TRIP ADVISOR
Loch Lomond Leisure operate daily from 2 locations at Luss Beach (G83 8PA) and Loch Lomond Shores Balloch (G83 8QL). Advanced booking is recommended. Please phone or visit our website to book online.
• Speedboat Tour
• Speedboat Taxi
• Mountain Bike & E-Bike
• Stand Up Paddleboard
• Giant Paddleboard (6 pax)
• Canoe & Kayak
• Row & Pedal Boat
• Self-Drive Fishing Boat
• Self-Drive Motorboat
Two great cities, the coastal delights of Fife, the hills of the Scottish Borders, the moors and forests of Galloway and the resorts of Ayrshire and Arran are all in this area.
Edinburgh has a vibrant year-round cultural life, museums, art galleries, and historical attractions such as Edinburgh Castle. City excursions include East Lothian’s coastline and towns such as Haddington, North Berwick and historic towns like Linlithgow.
To the north, the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife are very eye-catching. With golf heritage, a ruined cathedral and great shopping - St Andrews is a ‘must see’. Or head over to Anstruther to see the Scottish Fisheries Museum - a fantastic day out for all ages.
In the west, Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, is a great shopping centre. The city’s pubs, restaurants
and clubs add to its vibrant nightlife. South of Glasgow, the Robert Burns Museum in Alloway, Ayr, gives an insight into the poet’s life.
Near Falkirk is the Helix Park, home to The Kelpies, spectacular 30m sculptures of horses heads.
The Scottish Borders are famous for their historic abbeys, with mill shops to be discovered in the ‘textile towns’ of Galashiels, Selkirk and Hawick. The region also has many stately homes to visit, including Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott.
Westwards, Galloway towns are always attractivenotably colourful Kirkcudbright, once noted for its artists’ colony, and Castle Douglas. Galloway’s main town is Dumfries, with its Robert Burns connections.
The Galloway Forest Park is the largest forest park in the UK, easy to reach from places such as Newton Stewart and New Galloway.
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Discover five floors of hands-on illusions, mind-bending fun, and Edinburgh’s best views. Unique, magical, award-winning, and open daily.
Beside Edinburgh Castle