Dream Barbie Pink Attractions

Sarah Henderson ·July 19, 2023Reading time: 4 minutes

Unable to resist the hype of the new Barbie film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, I've embraced all things Barbie and Scotland.

I've pulled together a list of my favourite pink places to visit across Scotland for your epic Barbie dream house inspiration. From shocking pink lodges on isolated lochs, to pastel pink castles that inspired Disney, here's the ultimate pink getaway across Scotland.  

  1. Drumlanrig Castle, for the fancy Barbie Dumfries & Galloway

    Drumlanrig Castle

    © @mattwardphotography

    This Barbie likes the finer things in life and doesn’t believe in minimalism. More is more.

    Nestled in the beautiful Nith Valley, the “Pink Palace" is one of the finest examples of 17th century Renaissance architecture in the country. It's one of a few pink castles in Scotland, and with its red hewn sandstone exterior, 17 turrets, 4 towers, spiralling staircases and ornate period features, it’s definitely one of the most extra on this list! But it’s much more than just a pretty face. Inside you can experience an impressive art collection, with pieces by Rembrandt, Thomas Gainsborough, Alan Ramsay and Sir Joshua Reynolds. 

     

  2. Culzie Lodge, for the adventurous Barbie Loch Glass, Easter Ross

    Culzie Lodge on the edge of Loch Glass

    © @withryan_

    This Barbie is up for a challenge. There’s no loch too remote and no Highland hill they won’t take in their stride.  

    This is probably the most Instagrammable place on the list. It is the total embodiment of the Scottish Barbie aesthetic;  a bright pink lodge emerging from the mists of a dramatic Highland loch. And although it’s basically the antithesis of the Barbie vibe, it does have a film connection! You might recognise the area from the opening scene of The Dark Knight Rises, which was filmed over the loch. 

  3. Craigievar Castle, for the fairy tale Barbie Aberdeenshire

    Craigievar Castle

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    This Barbie is a dreamer. They won’t let something as mundane as scaffolding get in the way of their pink vision. 

    This Scottish Baronial towerhouse is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, located in the foothills of the Cairngorms in west Aberdeenshire. The towerhouse’s pink exterior, turrets and gargoyles are like something from a fairy tale, and it is rumoured to be the inspiration for the Disney castle.  

    The castle is currently undergoing conservation until 2024 to keep it looking fabulous. The grounds remain open from dawn until dusk, free of charge, surrounded by pink scaffolding, of course.  Find out more about the “Pink Again” project.

     

  4. Coastal cottages, for the real estate Barbie All over Scotland

    Colourful cottages in Pittenweem

    © @johnmurrayjnr

    This Barbie is all about finding the perfect dream house. Location, location, location!  

    What better way to spend a weekend than finding your dream house in a quaint Scottish fishing village? Wait till sunset for a dusky pink glow and wander around these colourful cottages, painted in every hue. There are plenty of picturesque coastal villages dotted along the Scottish coastline, so check out our list for more inspiration.  

  5. Sandwood Bay, for the outdoors Barbie Kinlochbervie, Sutherland

    Sandwood Bay

    © @nicolnic

    This Barbie loves the great outdoors. Nature can be pink too, guys.  

    The wild and spectacular Sandwood Bay in Kinlochbervie has a distinct pinkish glow from sandstone erosion. Take a stroll along the remote beach, which has nearly 1.5 miles of pink sand and a dramatic sea stack called Am Buachaille. I mean, a pink sand beach in Scotland is about as glam as the outdoors get! 

  6. Abbot House, for the classy Barbie Dunfermline

    Abbot House, Dunfermline

    © VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale / Welcome to Fife

    This Barbie is the epitome of culture, swotting up on local history whilst sipping an artisan coffee.  

    Next on our Barbie attractions list is Abbot House, instantly recognisable by its vibrant peachy pink tones and fondly known as the “pink hoose”. It comprises a gift shop selling locally made products, an independent coffee shop and a book nook with local, Scottish and antique books. There’s also a workshop space in the picturesque walled garden, or if you fancy, you can opt for an adrenaline-filled afternoon at their escape room experience. Oh, and there's also a unicorn statue outside.

     

  7. Indulge in a pink delicacy, for the foody Barbie All over Scotland

    Wild Eve botanical infusion

    © @wildeveharris

    This Barbie knows how to find the best local produce and the art of making cocktails that look as good as you do. 

    Pink Gin – Yep, Scotland is that great, we have multiple delicious pink gins to choose from. Try the sustainable Kintyre Pink Gin from Beinn an Tuirc Distillers, Love Gin from Eden Mill or Hebridean Pink Gin from the Isle of Tiree! There are plenty of places to pick up a pink gin in Scotland.

    Wild Eve – A delicious, non-alcoholic botanical infusion, Wild Eve is a beautiful deep pink colour, with tones of chamomile, rose and honeysuckle. It’s crafted on the Isle of Harris and is also vegan and organic. 

    Elsa's Bar at The Fife Arms - This Art Deco bar in the decadent Highlands hotel was inspired by fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who invented the colour "shocking pink". They have plenty of cocktails to match for any pink connoisseur.

    Laila – The Edinburgh-based all day brunch spot with a Middle Eastern twist is an absolute must for any pink lover - their pastel pink, rosy exterior is hard to miss. For the ultimate Barbie vibe, try their fresh Rose Candyfloss Pink Pancakes.  

If you’ve been inspired by Barbie, why not read more about influential Scottish women across history? 

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