Orkney Islands
Orkney Islands The wild, windswept Orkney Islands lie off the northernmost tip of the British mainland (at around the same latitude as Stockholm) and are noted for their stunning scenery and historic sites stretching back millennia. There are about 70 islands all up, though little over a dozen are
Glencoe
Glencoe Glencoe offers some of the finest landscape in Scotland, indeed the whole of the UK, where dramatic mountains sweep down to glens (valleys) until they meet the moody waters of the lochs.While this is a site of historical significance due to the Glencoe Massacre of 1692, the primary draw is
Glenfinnan Monument
Glenfinnan Monument The Glenfinnan Monument stands in the village of Glenfinnan in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands. It was erected in 1815 to commemorate the Jacobite Rising of 1745 that began in Glenfinnan when Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard on the shores of Loch Shi
Culross
Culross With its cobbled streets, narrow wynds, and old tollbooth on the shores of the Firth of Forth, Culross (pronounced Koo-ross) is said to be best-preserved 17th-century town in Scotland. Seventeen miles northwest of Edinburgh, Culross once thrived on the trade of coal and salt, but when the
Holy Island
Holy Island Holy Island is located in Lamlash Bay off the Isle of Arran on Scotlands western coast. The island has a spiritual heritage dating back to the 6th century. Today there is the Centre for World Peace and Health on the north end of the island which has ongoing retreat programs and courses
Bowmore Distillery
Bowmore Distillery Founded back in 1779, the Bowmore Distillery holds the prestigious title of the Isle of Islay’s oldest distillery and the first of the island’s eight renowned distilleries is often the starting point for whisky-tasting tours. The distillery now has holiday cottages for gues
Falkland
Falkland Flanked by the Lomond Hills in central Fife, the former royal burgh of Falkland is known for its twisting streets and centuries-old stoned houses. Dominating the town center is the famous Falkland Palace. Once the hunting lodge of the Stuart Monarchs, the palace was a favorite summer reso
St Andrews
St Andrews Founded in the 4th century, the Scottish town of St Andrews is known for being home to Scotlands oldest university as well as for being the golf capital of the world. Set on a wide bay on the northeast coast of Fife, the seaside town is surrounded by white sand beaches, including the fa
Killiecrankie
Killiecrankie Killiecrankie is a small village near Pitlochry in Perthshire, sitting close to a wooded gorge formed by the River Gary in a region of spectacular Highland scenery. Close by is the National Trust for Scotland’s Killiecrankie Visitor Centre, nestled in the scenic Killiecrankie Pass an
St Andrews Golf Course
St Andrews Golf Course Laying claim to the world’s oldest golf course and boasting a history of the game that dates back to the 15th century, the coastal town of St Andrews has long been renowned as the ‘home of golf’ and it’s still Scotland’s premium destination for international golfers. The St
Arthurs Seat
Arthurs Seat Along with Calton Hill and Castle Rock, Arthurs Seat forms part of the ridge of cold volcanoes that give such drama to the Edinburgh skyline. The mountain sits in Holyrood Park, 650 acres (260 hectares) of wild parkland just a short walk from the Royal Mile. So you can be shopping for
Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace Linlithgow Palace is the classic romantic ruin, steeped in royal history and set beside a picturesque loch. It was begun in 1424 on the site of another palace that burnt down. Its halcyon period was during the reign of the Stuarts, who used it as a pleasure palace; it was particu
Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace The Palace of Holyrood House, most often called Holyrood Palace, faces Edinburgh Castle along the length of the Royal Mile. Like its majestic companion, its riddled with some of Scotlands most potent history. The Abbey in the grounds was founded in 1128, and the palace itself is b
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle Look up anywhere in Edinburghs old town and youll see Edinburgh Castle, seeming to grow out of the blackened cold volcano that forms its plinth. Theres evidence of human habitation on this spot that dates back to 900 BC, and the Castle has been a royal stronghold since the Middle
Princes Street
Princes Street Gracious Princes Street, with its epic length, gardens, stellar shopping, and knockout views, is the central vein of Edinburgh and one of Europes great thoroughfares. It’s also at the center of the city’s world-famous Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) celebrations, which revolve around a ma
Provands Lordship
Provands Lordship The oldest house in Glasgow, the eccentrically named Provands Lordship was built in 1471 for the chaplain of St Nicholas Hospital. The citys only medieval building to avoid the wrecking ball, the house is now a museum. Its a fascinating place to see period details in situ, from
Gallery of Modern Art
Gallery of Modern Art A multimedia mixed bag of paintings, ceramics, furniture and sculpture come together at the Gallery of Modern Art, one of Britain’s most popular contemporary art museums. Temporary exhibits mix with the fine permanent collection of works by the likes of Hockney and Warhol. Go
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle In a country of castles, Stirling Castle may just be the ultimate royal stronghold. In fact, it was once rumored to be the home of King Arthur and his knights. Like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle dominates the surroundings, looming over it from a plug of volcanic rock. This impr
Royal Mile
Royal Mile Bookended by Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile (its actually slightly longer than a mile) is the grand center of Edinburghs Old Town. The Royal Mile is dominated by granite, giving it a dark, Gothic feel, and lined with majestic buildings - banks, churches, courthouse
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye The Isle of Skye is Scotlands largest island, and justly famous on the tourist circuit. However, most visitors stick to the beaten track, and if youve a longing for solitude it wont take you long to find your own corner of this little paradise. When the suns out, theres nowhere quite
