Welcome to Scotland

In light of COVID-19, everyone's health and safety is the most important thing. This means despite the love and desire to share our friendly, passionate and unique country, we must ask everyone at this time not to travel to or around Scotland. Please stay safe everyone.

You can get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Scotland at the Scottish Government website.

We are an innovative country, so while you are not able to come in person, keep an eye on our website and social media channels for lots of inspiring and beautiful content on Scotland - our way of keeping you smiling through these difficult months.

Our country, regions, cities, towns and businesses are amazing, and we will all be working together to ensure your next trip will be one that will live long in the memory, when it's safe for everyone to do so.

We look forward to welcoming you to Scotland very soon.

Kayakers on Camusdarach Beach near Arisaig, Highlands

Kayakers on Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig, Highlands

Year of Coasts & Waters 2020

Dive into Scotland in 2020 as we celebrate our remarkable coasts, lochs, rivers and canals and all they contribute to our wonderful way of life.

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Events

Music, food and drink, Highland games and so much more - browse a fantastic programme of events and festivals across Scotland.

Accommodation ideas

Whatever your budget - choose from a great range of accommodation throughout the country.

Holiday & breaks

Find fantastic ideas for the perfect Scottish break.

Activities

Get active and explore Scotland's great outdoors on land and on water!

Attractions

Explore history, science, arts and culture and much more at Scotland's attractions - many of which are free!

Travel Info

Find everything you need to know about travel in Scotland.

Food & drink

Discover Scotland's amazing food and drink scene and sample all of our delicious offerings, from haggis to whisky!

Watch our Tour Guides in action

Inside Aberdeen's new art gallery — Tour Guide Tales: Aberdeen Art Gallery1:31

Aberdeen is famous for its stunning, sparkling, granite buildings and monuments which shimmer in the sunlight, one of which being the newly renovated Aberdeen Art Gallery.

The gallery is filled to the brim with striking pieces of art, incredible masterpieces, fine art collections and is also a great spot to learn all about the region’s history and fascinating stories. Head on a tour of the Balmoral Gallery to hear all about the tales of Scotland’s romantic side at the time of Queen Victoria.

River Spey, Newtonmore, Cairngorms National Park — Tour Guide Tales: The Black Officer of Badenoch1:31

The River Spey runs through the majestic Cairngorms National Park and is home to hundreds of mountains, lochs, rivers, and forests. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife that live here, visit friendly towns and villages, and discover interesting distilleries along the way too. Badenoch is tied with Aviemore in the national park and is a haven for walkers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, featuring hundreds of activities and things to do within the park. Hop aboard an open canoe with Spirit of the Spey and soak in the incredible landscapes that surround you the entire way along the River Spey. The journeys along the river allow you to get to know its history, secrets and beauty, as well as the chance to meet the people who make their home here. Listen closely as you learn about the rich history and heritage of Badenoch and the infamous John MacPherson, also known as the Black Officer, born in 1724. He had been in the army and was a recruitment officer for the area. Find out why MacPherson was not liked by the locals and how he came to be a successful crofter in the Highlands. Find out more at www.visitscotland.com/see-do/landscapes-nature/national-parks-gardens/cairngorms/ https://www.facebook.com/BadenochProject/ https://visitcairngorms.com/ https://cairngorms.co.uk/ See more from VisitScotland: Subscribe on YouTube: https://goo.gl/v8Rfpp Visit our website: https://www.visitscotland.com/ Like our Facebook page: https://goo.gl/28ZRdn Join the iKnow Community https://community.visitscotland.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://goo.gl/Mc3dFD Say hello on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisitScotland

RRS Discovery Tour Guide Tale — Tour Guide Tales: RRS Discovery Dundee1:30

Dundee is known for being a compact city full of character and charm, and with hundreds of attractions to explore, it's no surprise that it's becoming one of Scotland's most popular destinations. Hop aboard the RRS Discovery on the Dundee waterfront to learn about the true story behind Captain Scott's journey to the Antarctic.

Tour Guide Tales: Falkland Palace & Gardens1:31

Falkland Palace & Garden is a beautifully restored renaissance palace in Fife, which features a picturesque formal garden, as well as one of Britain's oldest tennis courts.
The palace was once the country residence of the Royal Stuarts, and was adored by Mary Queen of Scots herself. Come along and admire the spectacular architecture, learn about the centuries old carvings, paintings and furniture, marvel at the magnificent Chapel Royal, and enjoy a guided tour where you can delve in deeper.

Tour Guide Tales: The Angels of Annandale Distillery1:31

Annandale Distillery near Annan in Dumfries & Galloway was established in 1836 and has been through three whisky making eras.

Head along to the distillery to learn about the fascinating history of Annandale. Find out how not all of the whisky makes it to the bottle; the angels get their share too! Join an educational tour of the distillery and follow the distilling process, see how each cask is made and preserved and discover the ways in which the Scotch whisky acquires its unique taste.

Johnstons of Elgin Hawick mill — Tour Guide Tales: Unravel Hawick's Cashmere Industry1:31

Head to Johnstons of Elgin in Hawick where you can uncover the fascinating heritage behind the production of some of the finest cashmere products in Scotland at the visitor centre.

During your time in Hawick, make sure to check out the other premium producers in the town. From the whisky, vodka and gin of The Borders Distillery, to the knitwear, cashmere and tweeds stocked by Hawico, William Lockie, and the Lovat Mill, Hawick is a top Scottish destination for luxury shopping experiences.

Travel deals

Find special offers on flights, tours and much more with great ideas for touring Scotland.

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Welcome to Scotland

Year of Coasts & Waters 2020