Year of Coasts and Waters 2020-21

Dive into Scotland in 2021 as we celebrate our spectacular coasts and waters.

Times have been difficult for us all recently, but we're ready to help you visit your favourite spots and attractions again, whilst exploring Scotland's incredible coasts and waters that will make your visit all the more memorable. Water is the lifeblood of our green and pleasant country. It's what makes the landscape so special and loved, whether you're exploring the coastline by kayak or paddleboard, wild swimming in one of our famous lochs, savouring some delicious Scottish seafood, enjoying a warming single malt whisky or uncovering the secrets of a coastal fortress.

Keep reading and begin planning your Year of Coasts and Waters trip around Scotland. Make sure you check out our Year of Coasts and Waters Travel Guide and don't forget to share all your adventures and special experiences with us using #YCW2021.

Coasts and Waters Events

The events programme that was designed to celebrate Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters has been reshaped and is now taking place around Scotland over the next few months, in line with current COVID-19 government advice.

Don't miss these thirteen brilliant Year of Coasts and Waters events and the full programme of events is shown in the entries below. Keep an eye on this section for further updates and any additional Year of Coasts and Waters 20/2021 events.

If you find yourself in Aberdeenshire, Moray Speyside, Orkney or Shetland between now and the 17 October, look out for 50 amazing lighthouse sculptures along Light The North - The Lighthouse Trail, which shine a light on Clan Cancer Support. See an Orca lighthouse sculpture in Elgin, there's a Doric Dalek in Aberdeen and a Year of Coasts and Waters Two Worlds, One Scotland lighthouse sculpture can be found on Kirkwall Pier in Orkney.