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  1. Home
  2. Travel & planning
  3. Eco-Travel

Sustainable & responsible tourism in Scotland

Find out what responsible travel means to Scotland and how you can plan and enjoy a responsible trip.

What is sustainable or responsible tourism?

Braewick Caravan & Campsite

Sustainable tourism is holidaying in an eco, green and environmentally friendly way.

Responsible tourism is considering the wider impact your trip could have on the country you're visiting, and the world.

Your choice to travel responsibly can help:

  • protect the landscape
  • boost the local economy
  • provide funding for new and innovative projects

Choosing a destination

Consider visiting during less popular times of the year and discover places off the beaten track.

Spring holidays & breaks in Scotland

Spring in Scotland is a great time to visit. The longer days mean hours of playtime during your Easter holiday and nature is bursting into life.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Winter & Christmas breaks

The weather may be chilly, but the welcome will be warm. You haven't seen anything like Scotland's Christmas celebrations.

Canisp, Cul Mor and Cul Beag seen from Stac Pollaidh

Summer hidden gems

If you are travelling during summer, why not consider visiting some lesser-known places this time? We've got plenty of ideas for places off the beaten track which will still give you an amazing experience.

  • 11 Off-the-beaten-track holiday destinations in Scotland
  • 5 Days of iconic attractions and hidden gems in Scotland

Slow down and stay longer

Fraserburgh Beach

© Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

Taking more time to explore Scotland can help you experience destinations more deeply and travel at a gentler pace. Longer stays can give you greater flexibility, opportunities to discover local businesses and communities, and the chance to revisit places in different weather, seasons, or times of day.

Take the Slow Road – Historic Environment Scotland

Slow Travel Scotland: See the Best of Alba – Matador Network

Travel more mindfully

Scotland's public transport options are great for travelling sustainably around the country.

Getting around Scotland by train

Find information about getting around Scotland by train. Including discount fares and passes, Glasgow's subway, scenic train trips, and more.

Getting around Scotland by ferry

Scotland's ferry services connect up our beautiful islands with the mainland.

Your ultimate guide to cycling in Scotland

Planning a cycling trip? Here's your ultimate guide to cycling in Scotland, with cycle routes, tours, bike parks and more!

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Explore Scotland sustainably

Galloway Distillery, Newton Stewart

Discover eco-friendly businesses, responsible tourism ideas, and lower-impact ways to explore Scotland. From sustainable accommodation and eco tours to slower-paced travel experiences, there are lots of ways to make your trip more mindful while supporting local communities and places.

Sustainability certified hotels – Booking.com

Scotland Eco Tours – Viator

Scotland holidays – Responsible Travel

Respect the landscape

You should always be respectful of the landscapes and communities you visit. We ask everyone to tread lightly and consider how their behaviour impacts each other and Scotland.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Explore Scotland's outdoor land responsibly by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which applies to most land and inland water.

Outdoor safety in Scotland

Find peace of mind with our top tips on how to stay safe while holidaying in Scotland.

From Deep Time to Our Time

Filmed across the Cateran Ecomuseum, watch how the destination champions car-free holidays by using low-carbon ways to travel.

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