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Scotland's regions

Map of Scotland showing individual regions

From the gentle rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway to the breathtaking peaks of the Cairngorms in the Highlands by way of Edinburgh's genteel Georgian townhouses, the variety of Scotland's landscapes never fails to amaze and impress visitors.

Often within a few hours travelling, you can experience a landscape that changes rapidly from gentle rolling hills to rugged coasts and dramatic, towering peaks. Vibrant, cosmopolitan cities whose outlook is definitely to the future rub shoulders with ancient castles and monuments rooted firmly in the past while the cultural frenzy of the Edinburgh Festival is also within easy reach of the peace and tranquility of sandy beaches, country parks and outstanding nature reserves.

Use the links below to explore what each the different regions of the country has to offer.

1. Shetland

An entrancing blend of Scotland and Norway, Shetland's scenery is surprisingly varied for such a small area and is often truly spectacular. The islands offer everything from rocky crags to fertile farmland, pebble beaches to stupendous cliffs.
2. Orkney

Orkney is a truly unique destination. A deep sense of history can be felt everywhere in the 70 or so scattered islands that make up the archipelago, islands where life is defined by the past and sculpted by the sea.
3. The Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides - also known as the Western Isles - comprise some 200 islands, stretching for 130 miles. Here on the edge of Europe is a striking mix of landscapes from windswept golden sands to harsh, heather-backed mountains.
4. Highlands & Moray

For many people, the Highlands 'are' Scotland, living up to their picture-postcard images with majestic scenery, awesome wild places, towering mountains, and broad expanses of shimmering loch. They are all this, of course, and much more besides.
5. Aberdeen City & Shire

With its castles, whisky distilleries, dramatic coastlines and long-standing royal connections, Scotland's north east is a firm favourite with visitors from all over the world.
6. Angus & Dundee

A visit to the ancient land of Angus and the east coast city of Dundee rewards you with unspoiled Hghland glens, stunning rugged coastlines and a vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre.
7. Perthshire

Situated in the very heart of Scotland, Perthshire is a mecca for lovers of the great outdoors and adventure sports, boasting some of the finest and most accessible scenery anywhere in the Highlands.
8. Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Savour the atmosphere of Hebridean islands, the charm of rural villages and the natural frontier separating the West Highlands' rugged grandeur from the gentler beauty of the Lowlands.
9. The Kingdom of Fife

Ancestral home of Scottish monarchs, world-famous for its golf and with some of Scotland's best scenic attractions, The Kingdom of Fife is a proud region with its own distinct identity.
10. Edinburgh & the Lothians

The vibrant, historic city of Edinburgh is often the gateway to Scotland for many visitors. Explore its surrounding countryside to discover an area steeped in history, filled with castles, great houses and battle sites.
11. Glasgow & the Clyde Valley

Condé Naste Traveller magazine's 'Favourite UK City 2006', Glasgow is an exciting mix of a world-class arts and culture, stylish eateries and places to stay and some of the best shopping anywhere in the UK.
12. Ayrshire & Arran

Situated on the beautiful Clyde Coast, Ayrshire and the neighbouring isle of Arran is a golfers' paradise and is also home to some of the most prestigious heritage and visitor attractions that Scotland has to offer.
13. Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries & Galloway offers a perfect escape from the stresses of modern life. A mecca for golfers, cyclists, walkers, and anglers, it also boasts huge tracts of forest and moorland where you're more likely to see deer or birds of prey than another person.
14. Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is the main gateway to Scotland from the south but there is more than enough here to make it a destination in its own right.