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Year of Coasts & Waters 2020

Year of Coasts and Waters 2020

Water is the life-blood of our green and pleasant country. It's what makes the landscape so special and loved, whether you're exploring the coastline by kayak, enjoying some delicious Scottish seafood or uncovering the secrets of a coastal fortress.

You can now travel short distances of around 5 miles to enjoy Scotland's outdoors, use public spaces for recreational purposes such as sitting in the sun, and to meet up with one other household in small numbers.

Please remember to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres at all times, both indoors and outdoors.

Find out more about the activities you can do in current Covid-19 restrictions of Phase 2 and future phases.

While you are not able to visit in person, do keep an eye on our website and social media channels for lots of inspiring #YCW2020 content celebrating our coasts and waters - our way of keeping you smiling through these difficult times.

Coasts and Waters Events

The events programme that was designed to celebrate the year is currently subject to cancellation and postponement in line with current COVID-19 government advice and some events planned for 2020 may re-schedule to 2021. Further updates will follow.

Our Inspiring Coasts and Waters

Year of Coasts and Waters 2020

With seas on three sides, over 125,000 km of waterways and thousands of lochs, water is not something that Scotland is short of.

Most of our much-loved natural attractions and landscapes have been sculpted by waves and water, and are a real sight to see up close.

So what are you waiting for? Taste the salty sea spray in the wind, see the shimmering reflections of a still Scottish loch, or wander peacefully along a tumbling river. Join us in 2020 as we celebrate our Year of Coasts & Waters.

Standfoto aus dem Online-Film - Scallop — Scallop Diver - Ben's Story

Let Ben Oakes tell you why nothing compares to going out into the wild to dive, fish and explore in Scotland. He works alongside his dad to place small scallops in the shallows, which are harvested by hand once fully grown. As far as he’s aware, they are the only people in the world who use this method of fishing. For Ben, this is home and he can’t imagine doing anything else.

Sail Scotland video thumbnail — It's time to Sail Scotland

If you've ever dreamed of navigating your way around misty isles or gliding gracefully along deep, still waters, then a boating holiday in Scotland is most definitely for you. There are over 100 inhabited islands, over 18,000 km of coastline and many lochs to explore to keep you coming back year after year. Drop anchor at friendly moorings up and down the country and experience our warm welcome ashore for yourself.

Watersports video thumbnail — Splash into Scotland's watersports

With over 18,000 km of coastline, around 31,000 lochs and hundreds of miles of rivers and canals, water is not something we're short of here. So what better way to immerse yourself in Scotland, than by trying a few amazing watersports? From whitewater rafting and canyoning to wakeboarding, canoeing and some of Europe's best surfing breaks - doing something on, in or below the water really should be part of your trip plans.

A lady in a wheelchair accompanied by her partner and dog enjoy an amble along a sandy beach

Accessible days out

From beach days to watersports and whisky tastings - delve into the range of possibilities!

Read the Euan's Guide top picks for accessible days out celebrating the Year of Coasts and Waters.

Read the guide

Share your coasts and waters experiences using #ycw2020 and #visitscotland!

Where will your journey take you?

Lochan Urr in Glen Etive with the Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor in the background

Lochan Urr, Glen Etive

Glen Etive is one of Scotland's most beautiful valleys. Take the singletrack road that branches off the A82 in Glen Coe and follows the Etive, a river popular with kayakers and canoeists. About halfway through the valley is Lochan Urr where the views of the Glen Coe mountains are breathtaking. You might recognise Loch Etive from the film Skyfall.

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Lochan Urr, Glen Etive

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Just a stone's throw from the pretty harbour of Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle, one of Scotland's most striking castles, towers impressively above the North Sea. This coastal fortress is home to many historical mysteries, has welcomed kings and nobles and once defied an eight-month siege by Cromwell.

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A delicious plate of Scottish seafood from the Ee-Usk seafood restaurant, Oban

Stunning Scottish Seafood

Did you know that more than two-thirds of the world's langoustines are landed here in Scotland? The clear, clean seas, lochs and rivers throughout and around Scotland are home to delicious fish and seafood, and there are plenty of tempting traditional and modern fish dishes to enjoy.

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Ben A'an, The Trossachs

Standing just 454 metres tall, Ben A'an is not a high mountain, which makes it all the more accessible, but what it might lack in stature, it more than makes up for in views! It's a great first hillwalk for younger legs and the views over Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park are spectacular.

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Yachts moored in the shadow of historic Dunstaffnage Castle, near Oban

Sailing in Scotland

See Scotland from a different perspective - from the deck of a yacht. Exploring some of our vast coastline and myriad islands by boat is an incredible experience that will stay with you for years, whether you charter a skippered vessel or captain your own. Discover Dunstaffnage Castle with a stop off at Dunstaffnage Marina, near Oban for instance.

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Dunstaffnage Castle near Oban

The Kelpies, Falkirk

A trip to Scotland during our Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 would not be complete without spending some time around our fabulous canals. Journey from the west coast to the east coast along the mighty Caledonian Canal, or head for Falkirk and admire the impressive Kelpies at The Helix or the remarkable Falkirk Wheel.

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The Kelpies at dusk, The Helix, Falkirk

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Year of Coasts and Waters 2020

Coasts and Waters Events

Our Inspiring Coasts and Waters