City escapes

Scotland has eight cities to explore, each with its own unique charm. From the cultural capital city of Edinburgh, where you can follow in the footsteps of royalty at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia, to Glasgow, UNESCO City of Music. Feel the buzz of experiencing live music at one of the city’s iconic venues or visit in January for Celtic Connections, the UK's premier celebration of folk, roots and world music. Discover one of the UK's finest art collections at Aberdeen Art Gallery. Step back into Scotland's rich history at Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Dunfermline Abbey. Scenic Perth boasts spectacular views, and Perth Museum is home to the incredible Stone of Destiny. Visit nearby Dundee for Scotland's design museum, V&A Dundee, or spend time exploring Inverness, capital of the Highlands.  Don't miss the Inverness Castle Experience.

Read moreOpens in a new window

Scotland on screen

Scotland is the destination star of many film and TV shows, offering breathtaking backdrops for iconic scenes.  From Harry Potter and James Bond, to Indiana Jones, Spiderman and Brave. Experience for yourself the allure, magic and drama of Scotland's landscapes.  Fans of Outlander will be transported back in time visiting locations of their favorite TV moments, from historic Doune Castle to stunning Linlithgow Palace. You'll recognise the magnificent Rosslyn Chapel from The Da Vinci Code, Orkney's captivating coastlines from The Outrun and historic Glamis Castle from The Crown.  

Read moreOpens in a new window

Foodie experiences 

Scottish cuisine is renowned for its outstanding quality, making dining in Scotland a food lover's dream. Wherever you go, you are never far from restaurants, pubs and cafes with seasonal menus that celebrate the best of our fresh and local produce. Meet the makers at farmers' markets and enjoy field to fork agritourism experiences. Regional delicacies like Arbroath Smokies, Shetland salmon, Aberdeen Angus Beef and Stornoway Black Pudding are a must try, not to mention, Haggis our national dish! Enjoy the finest Scottish whisky and gin and take a distillery tour for the full immersive experience. You'll find them across Scotland, each with their own unique character and stories to tell.

Read moreOpens in a new window

Walk in your ancestors’ footsteps

For those with Scottish ancestry, there’s no better way to feel truly connected with your Scottish roots than visiting Scotland. From historic battlefields and mythical standing stones to enchanting castles, towns and villages, you can hear the stories, folklore and traditions which shaped Scotland's history, culture, and people. Explore regions across the country associated with clan and family surnames and experience the music, whiskies and produce that your ancestors enjoyed. A number of attractions in Scotland provide fascinating insight into how your ancestors lived throughout the generations, like the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore, a fascinating open air museum. 

Looking for experiences to gift friends and loved ones in Scotland? A Scotland Loves Local gift card lets you treat them to something special while supporting Scottish businesses.   

Read moreOpens in a new window

Enchanting legends

Scotland has a fascinating rich cultural heritage. Find out more about ancient myths and legends on a visit to The Kelpies or the Loch Ness Centre. Explore castles, from medieval marvels to mysterious ruins and fairytale settlings, like Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries or Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire. Discover historic abbeys like Dunfermline and Melrose, and delve into the past at significant sites like the heart of Neolithic Orkney and Iona Abbey. 

Read moreOpens in a new window