Scotland is one of the world’s great tourist destinations, offering a mixture of vibrant cities and beautiful countryside. The nation naturally divides into five main regions: the busy central belt, in which both the biggest cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow stand; the Southwest and Borders; the long East Coast; the mountainous Highlands and West Coast; and the many islands of the north and west.
Scotland’s natural attractions are many, but it also has strong historic and cultural appeal. For more information about the country’s legacy of castles and other historic properties, contact the National Trust for Scotland  or Historic Scotland.

Edinburgh
Known as ‘the Athens of the North’, Edinburgh is one of the United Kingdom’s finest cities. It straddles a deep gorge occupied by newly refurbished Waverley Station, and gardens containing the Scott Monument. On its south side is Old Town, the original city center, while opposite is the predominantly Georgian New Town, with its elegant 18th-century architecture. This is also the main shopping area, centered on Princes Street.
Edinburgh Castle, the nation’s top tourist attraction, also housing the Scottish Crown Jewels, stands in Old Town at the head of the Royal Mile, which extends to the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queen’s official Scottish residence. Edinburgh Zoo is also popular, especially with families. Attractions such as St Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Center, the Writer’s Museum and the Camera Obscura pepper the Old Town, along with galleries and museums.
Edinburgh is home to many of Scotland’s national galleries and museums, including the Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery of Scotland, a new gallery at the National Trust for Scotland, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art and the National Museum of Antiquities. There is also a National Center for Dance.
Edinburgh’s cultural life offers a program of theater, music and dance unrivalled in the UK outside London. It has Britain’s largest stage and largest theater in the Festival Theater and the Edinburgh Playhouse, respectively. These feature during the three-week August Edinburgh Festival, the world’s largest of its kind. The festival season kicks off with the spectacular Military Tattoo, staged outside the Castle. The world’s biggest New Year party (known as Hogmanay in Scotland) takes place over several days at the end of each year.

Excursions
Attractions close to Edinburgh include the city’s port, Leith, where the former Royal Yacht Britannia is now open to visitors; Linlithgow, with its magnificent palace; Hopetoun House, one of Scotland’s best stately homes at South Queensferry; Deep Sea World, at North Queensferry; and the Scottish Seabird Center at North Berwick.

Glasgow
Only 77km (48 miles) west of the capital, Glasgow is a dynamic cultural center, with a variety of events taking place year-round, and the world-famous Burrell Collection and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Glasgow has fine parks, and Scotland’s only complete medieval cathedral.
Kelvingrove Park’s art gallery houses works by top Renaissance and modern painters. The Royal Exchange Building houses the Gallery of Modern Art.
Hampden Park, the national soccer stadium, incorporates the new Scottish Football Museum. On the south bank of the Clyde, opposite the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Center, is the new Glasgow Science Center featuring interactive attractions and the 127m (416ft) revolving Glasgow Tower. Also on Clydeside is Clydebuilt, the Maritime Museum.

Excursions
Southeast of Glasgow is Lanark, where the New Lanark Visitor Center is, a complete 200-year-old model village built by social reformer Robert Owen. On a cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde is Culzean Castle, once home to the Kennedy family. Immediately south of the city is Hamilton, with 13th-century Bothwell Castle and the Robert Adam Chatelherault Hunting Lodge. On the way to East Kilbride is the newly opened Museum of Scottish Country Life, a 68 hectare (170 acre) attraction based on a Georgian farm at Kittochside.

Central Scotland
As well as the country’s two major cities, the populous central area of Scotland contains many other places of historic, scenic and general interest. Almost anywhere in this region is within easy excursion distance of either Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Despite the urban nature of much of the central area, attractive countryside is never far away. In the west are the Firth of Clyde and the Dunoon Peninsula, to the northwest lies Loch Lomond, and to the east are the small villages and rugged coastline of the former county of Berwickshire.

Stirling
Huge Stirling Castle sits dramatically atop a volcanic promontory above the town. The nearby Wallace Monument similarly dominates the surrounding countryside. In the town center is the Old Town Gaol, while close by are the battlefields of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn, where William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace and Robert Bruce respectively inflicted humiliating defeats on the English in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

Excursions
Blair Drummond Safari Park, the little cathedral city of Dunblane, Doune Castle and Callander, site of the Rob Roy and Trossachs Visitor Center, are all well worth visiting.

South West Scotland and the Borders
South and west of Glasgow, Ayrshire has an attractive coastline and a number of seaside resorts, including Prestwick and Troon, site of yet another world-class golf course. Irvine offers the Scottish Maritime Museum, and nearby Dundonald Castle was childhood home of William Wallace. Vikingar, a multimedia visitor center at Largs, highlights Viking influences on the region, while Alloway, birthplace of Robert Burns, features a number of attractions dedicated to the poet. Off the Ayrshire coast lies Arran, an extremely popular holiday island.

Dumfries & Galloway
This region consists of open, rolling countryside, lakes and pine forests. Towns like Dumfries, home of Robert Burns; Kirkcudbright, a former artist’s colony; and Gatehouse of Fleet are all popular centers. Country houses, castles, gardens and special interest museums are common in the area. To the far southwest, Stranraer is the ferry port for Belfast, and the main town on the subtropical Rhinns of Galloway Peninsula.

The Borders
The Borders area was scene of many Anglo-Scottish battles down the centuries. It is a region of lush green hills and moorland. The area’s wealth allowed construction of several outstanding ecclesiastical buildings, notably the abbeys at Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Melrose. The border towns of Galashiels, Hawick, Peebles and Selkirk are still centers of the wool, tweed and knitwear industry. Abbotsford was home to Sir Walter Scott.

The East Coast
Aberdeen
Some 56km (35 miles) north of Montrose is the ‘Granite City’, Scotland’s third-largest, built largely, as its nickname suggests, of granite. It is the center of Britain’s North Sea oil industry. The city has a 16th-century cathedral, a university and a 14th-century bridge, the Brig O’Balgownie. Visitor attractions include the Art Gallery, Marischal Museum and Maritime Museum. Inland on Royal Deesside, Braemar is the site of the most famous of the Highland gatherings. There are several National Trust properties within easy reach of Aberdeen, including Castle Fraser and Fyvie Castle.

Dundee
North across the Firth of Tay in the former county of Angus is the city of Dundee. A city of printing, jam and jute, Dundee is home to the Discovery Point Visitor Center, based around Captain Scott’s exploration ship, RRS Discovery, which lies alongside. Another popular attraction is Sensation, which offers a hands-on exhibition about the senses. Verdant Works traces Dundee’s long tradition of jute trading in the Textile Heritage Center.

Perth
King James I’s own relatives murdered the unpopular monarch here in 1437, and, later, John Knox preached one of his earliest sermons in the town. Nowadays, Perth boasts Scotland’s Garden and the National Tartan Center, together with two castles and Scone Palace, where Scottish monarchs were once crowned.

Elsewhere
St Andrews, northeast of Edinburgh in the ‘Kingdom’ of Fife, claims to be the home of world golf. In addition, the town has a university, castle and cathedral. The Lammas Fair takes place every August. Some 25km (15 miles) to the north is Glamis, whose castle features in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
West of Dundee is the former county of Perthshire. This area was center of the Pictish realm, and the northernmost area in Britain occupied by the Romans.
Up the coast from Dundee is Carnoustie, famous in golfing circles around the world. Next is Arbroath, which has a famous ruined Abbey and a strong fishing heritage – the famous ‘Arbroath Smokies’ (smoked haddock) come from here. Further north, the town of Montrose has fine broad streets and sandy beaches.
Continuing north past Aberdeen to Peterhead and Fraserburgh, the coastal trail leads through charming fishing villages, then west along the Moray Firth to the Georgian town of Banff and magnificent Duff House, where part of the reserve collection of the National Galleries can be seen. Further along this coastline is Elgin, which has a ruined cathedral and a well-restored abbey church. There are many highland gatherings and games in this region. Beyond Inverness, the countryside is mainly moorland, glens and forests, and home to some of Britain’s rarest fauna, including wildcats and golden eagles.
Most of the towns in this area are small. Highlights include Dingwall and Invergordon. The towns of Thurso and Wick mark the end of the railway line. John O’Groats, due north of Wick, is the northernmost village on the British mainland.

The Highlands & the West Coast
The Scottish Highlands contain some of Britain’s most breathtaking scenery. Railway and road traverse the countryside between the capital and Inverness, passing through the Grampian Mountains and the Forest of Atholl. The lochs of the central highlands feed the River Tay, one of the best fishing rivers in the British Isles. Tayside, and Speyside to the north, are Scotland’s major whiskey-producing areas, with dozens of distilleries. Also in the Highlands are the Pass of Killiecrankie, Blair Atholl, Kingussie and Aviemore, the winter ski resort.

Inverness
The UK’s northernmost city, many of whose buildings date back to the 17th century. Inverness is also famous for its location at the head of Loch Ness, deep-water home of the mythical monster. The site of the Battle of Culloden where the government forces, including many of the lowland clans, crushed Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces in 1746.

Fort William
One of the best-known towns on the West Coast, as well as the largest resort. Above the town looms Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis (1343m/4406ft). Attractions in the town include the Ben Nevis Distillery and Visitor Center. Nearby is Glencoe, where the Campbells massacred the Macdonald clan in their sleep; when shrouded in mist, Glencoe still has a haunting atmosphere. The Glencoe Visitor Center tells this story, while Celtic myth and legend is the topic of Highland Mysteryworld close by.

Elsewhere
On the West Coast at the mouth of Loch Linnhe is Oban, gateway to many of the islands and the beautiful region of Kintyre. Further north is the town of Mallaig, which, like Oban, is a rail terminus. One of the best ways to reach Mallaig is on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William, which runs through some spectacular scenery. The so-called ‘Road to the Isles’, which also passes through Glenfinnan and Arisaig, a pretty resort known for its white sands, is the driving alternative.
Ullapool is still an important fishing port, and is also the departure point for car ferries to the Outer Hebrides. North of Ullapool, the road passes through Inverpolly Nature Reserve into Sutherland, and the landscape becomes even wilder, with isolated mountains rising from a rocky plateau. Fishing villages dot the rugged coastline. Inland is one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, an area of mountains, moorland, lochs and rivers, rich in wildlife.

The Orkney and Shetland Islands
These two island groups lie northeast of the Scottish mainland – see the Travel section for details of air and sea connections. The islands are of particular interest to birdwatchers, sea anglers and rock climbers. Birds are also the main attraction on National-Trust-owned Fair Isle, between Orkney and Shetland.

Orkney
The Pentland Firth separates Orkney from the mainland. The islands are fertile, although with very few trees, and enjoy a predominantly mild, variable climate. The main town, situated on Mainland, is Kirkwall, boasting a cathedral and many other places of interest. Orkney is rich in prehistoric sites, including the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, the Maes Howe burial mound, and the standing stones at the Ring of Brogar. On the other side of Scapa Flow is Hoy, whose sheer cliffs and windswept sandstone landscape make it one of the most dramatic of the Orkney group. Other islands include Westray and South Ronaldsay.

Shetland
This group of 100 (15 inhabited) rugged islands is the most northerly part of Britain. Their climate is surprisingly mild considering their northerly latitude (the same as southern Alaska). The chief town of Lerwick, on Mainland, the largest island, relied in former days almost solely on fishing but now benefits from North Sea oil. Places of interest include the Jarlshof Bronze Age settlement, the island of Foula, the nature reserve on Noss, Mousa Broch on uninhabited Mousa, and the world’s most northerly castle on Unst.

The Hebrides
A network of ferry routes from the mainland serves the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Many are also reachable by air. Among the inner islands are Islay (an important whiskey distilling location with six distilleries open to visitors) and Jura. Iona is Scotland’s Holy Island and first permanent British Christian site, as well as burial place of many Scottish kings and chiefs. A ferry from Oban serves Mull and the Western Isles. A little further from the mainland are Coll and Tiree, small communities in the windswept Atlantic.

Hebrides - Scotland

Skye
The Sound of Sleat and the Inner Sound separate world-renowned Skye from the mainland. There are ferry links from Mallaig, while the Skye Bridge crosses from Kyle of Lochalsh. The Bright Water Visitor Center on the Isle of Skye celebrates the history of the island. The island ‘capital’ is Portree, while major attractions include Talisker Distillery, Armadale Castle, and seal-watching boat trips past the Cuillin Mountains.

The Western Isles
Settled for at least 5000 years, this chain stretches for 200km (130 miles) from north to south in a gentle arc. The northernmost, and largest, islands are that of Lewis and Harris, the former containing the Western Isles’ capital, Stornoway (Steornabhagh). The well-known tweed cloth comes from Harris, at the mountainous southern end of the island. Across the Sound of Harris lies North Uist (Uibhist a Tuath), further south are Benbecula (Beinn na Faoghua), South Uist (Uibhist a Deas) and Barra, where the ‘airport’ is the smooth sandy beach. Each island has its own strong character, and all have good beaches. Attractions include the 5000-year-old Calanais Standing Stones on Lewis; Barra’s Kisimul Castle and the Seallam Visitor Center, Taobh Tuath, Harris.

Activities

Golf
Scotland, where golf was invented, is home to some of the world’s most famous golf courses, notably the Old Course at St Andrews – the historic ‘home of golf’ (the prestigious Open Championship in July 2000 was held here). In total, Scotland has some 500 courses. Further Open Championship courses can be found in Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Troon and Turnberry. In addition, there is an abundance of world-class courses, such as Blairgowrie, Downfield, Murcar, Nairn, North Berwick, Royal Aberdeen, Royal Dornoch, Southerness and Western Gailes. Also available is a fine selection of natural links courses in the outlying areas. For details of golfing holidays, membership and golf courses, contact VisitScotland (see Top Things To Do section).

Equestrianism
One of the most popular equestrian activities is pony trekking on the native Scottish Highland pony. Beginners can try a one- or two-hour trek, while experienced riders may opt for a full day- or week-long trek. Many riding centers offer unaccompanied children’s holidays with the possibility of adopting a pony for a week. In the southeastern Borders area, which is known as ‘Scotland’s horse country’, and where horses play an important part in local festivities, accommodation often comes equipped with stables. Further information can be obtained from The British Horse Society (Scotland) (tel: (01764) 656 334).

Cycling
Scotland has an extensive network of signposted cycling routes and off-road trails for mountain biking. On small country roads there is often little traffic. Bicycle hire and cycling tours are available throughout Scotland. Bicycle transport facilities are widespread on Scottish trains, notably on InterCity services (between London and Scotland), where no extra charge applies (although reservations are compulsory). It is advisable to check in advance if a train will carry bicycles.

Fishing
Visiting anglers must generally have permission, usually in the form of a permit, available from the local tackle dealer, fishing club or estate. Local tourist offices can supply information on fishing in their area, the cost of permits and where to get them. There is no closed season for coarse fishing, though the rule is rod only and it is forbidden to fish with two or more rods simultaneously. Scotland is one of the world’s best destinations for salmon fishing. The statutory closed season for salmon varies from river to river, but is generally from November 1 until February 10-15 (visitors should check with local tourist offices). Fly fishing is the most accepted and traditional method of fishing for salmon. There are also excellent opportunities for trout fishing. Glacial lochs are home to the elusive Char, usually found in deep water. Boats and guides can be hired from hotels and angling clubs. The statutory closed season for brown trout is from October 7 until March 14 (both days inclusive). Sea angling can be practiced along the coast, where boats and bait are supplied by local tourist offices and fishing clubs. More than 50 sea fishing festivals and competitions take place annually.

Watersports
There are 2560km (1600 miles) of coastline and thousands of lochs and rivers. Inland, canoeing can be practiced on tranquil lochs or whitewater rafting on wild river stretches. Along the coast, a well-established sailing and yachting industry with modern marinas offers a range of sailing and boating facilities. Canal cruises are also possible, notably in the Crinan Canal, which links the Clyde and the West Coast of Scotland; and on the 96km- (60 mile-) long Caledonian Canal, with the option to charter a yacht, motor cruiser or stay on a hotel barge. A restoration project, the ‘Millennium Link’, restored 110km (69 miles) of the canal (from Glasgow to Edinburgh and the Forth to the Clyde). For further information on watersports, marinas, harbors and moorings, contact Sail Scotland Ltd (tel: (01309) 676 757.

Walking and hiking
Scotland’s variety of scenery – from rocky peaks, moorland and rolling green hills to lochs, glens, and wild coastlines – makes it ideal for walking. The vast network of trails is steadily growing. Short-distance walks can usually be completed in a day. For advice on the best routes, contact VisitScotland. The best-known long-distance walks include three ‘official’ trails – the West Highland Way (the busiest, 150km (95 miles) from Milngavie, north of Glasgow, to Fort William, passing through some spectacular Highland scenery, and quite strenuous in the second half); the Great Glen Way, 118km (73 miles) from Fort William to Inverness, opened in 2002, which can be combined with the West Highland Way; the less demanding Southern Upland Way (Britain’s first official coast-to-coast footpath, 340km (212 miles), from Portpatrick to Cockburnspath, passing through moorland, conifer plantations and crossing a few major rivers); and the Speyside Way (a lowland route, 101km (63 miles), from Buckie to Aviemore, running along one of Scotland’s most famous salmon-fishing rivers, the Spey). Part 1 of The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which came into effect in February 2005 gives everyone a right to be on and to cross most land (including inland water) in Scotland, subject to some exceptions, provided that access is exercised responsibly. This applies to walkers, cyclists, horseriders, disabled on buggies, paragliders, cavers, canoeists etc. The right does not extend to mechanized vehicles such as 4x4s unless a route is a pre-existing right of way (rights of way not being affected by the Act). Guidance on exercising access responsibly is given in the Scottish Outdoors Access Code

Wildlife
Red deer, golden eagles, peregrine falcons and wildcat are some of the creatures inhabiting Scotland’s mountainous regions, while the lower slopes of the central Highlands provide a sanctuary for red squirrel, capercaillie, crested tit, Scottish crossbill and pine marten. Wild salmon, trout and otter can be found in Scotland’s abundant and spectacular lochs, one of which – Loch Ness – is also the reputed home of ‘Nessie’, the famously elusive Loch Ness monster.

Wintersports
Scotland has five ski resorts: Cairngorm, Glencoe, Glenshee, The Lecht and the Nevis range. Snowfall varies according to the altitude and is most consistent (particularly between November and May) in the Nevis range or Braeriach, in the Cairngorms. Snowboarding is possible at all five resorts. Mountaineering and climbing expeditions (including guides) are also widely available.

Spectator sports
The most popular spectator sports are rugby and football, while the annual Highland Games season also attracts many visitors.