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Scotland in a Nutshell

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We like to think that Scotland is small but perfectly formed!

Scotland has something for everyone - whether you're looking for adventure in the great outdoors, art and folk festivals, dramatic scenery, a unique cultural experience or a bit of luxury.   Enjoy stunning scenery, from magnificent mountains and isolated beaches to remote islands and picturesque fishing villages, and see centuries of history come alive as you explore Scotland's rich heritage.

Scotland in a Nutshell

Southern Scotland is an area of stunning scenery and fascinating history.   Admire the rolling hills, ruined abbeys and picturesque villages of the Borders and enjoy a rural retreat in Dumfries and Galloway.   On the Clyde coast Ayshire and Arran has some of the country's best golf courses, as well as beautiful scenery. 

The country's capital, Edinburgh, is another location to see Scotland's history come alive - explore the historic Old Town from the magnificent Edinburgh Castle down to the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. If you visit in August, prepare to find the city transformed by the largest arts festival in the world - the Edinburgh Festival.

Scotland's largest city lies an hours travel to the west of Edinburgh. Glasgow has become one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities over the last 20 years. Discover its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere, with fantastic shopping, art galleries, museums, restaurants and bars.

Beautiful countryside - such as the glens, hills and lochs of the Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park - are within easy reach of the major cities. The mountains and glens of Perthshire and the hills of Angus and Deeside lie further north, showcasing the rich colours of the Scottish countryside.

Some of Scotland's most memorable scenery is on the rugged West Coast - an area of outstanding beauty running from Argyll north to Wester Ross. On the opposite side, the East coast is a mix of pretty stone-built fishing villages, farmland and golf courses. The university town of St Andrews, in the Kingdom of Fife, is known as 'the home of golf'.

The majestic Cairngorm Mountains lie across the lower Highlands and provide a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. North of the Cairngorms you will find the Moray coast, with its Malt Whisky Trail, and the castle country of the North-East. Inverness, in the crook of the North's jagged 'L' shape, is a good base for exploring the world famous Loch Ness, which forms part of the Great Glen down to Ben Nevis.

Scotland's spectacular islands are located around the West and North coasts. The Inner Hebrides include Mull, and nearby Iona, the 'birthplace of Christianity', as well as Islay and Jura, famous for their wildlife and whisky, and Skye, the most visited of the Inner Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides, or Western Isles, include Lewis, Harris and Uist, remaining at the heart of Gaelic language and culture.

Orkney and Shetland lie off the north coasts and are rich in Norse heritage and incredible archaeological sites. These more remote islands contain some of Scotland's wildest scenery and finest bird-watching.

Why not take this 3 minute tour of Scotland?