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13 Instagram Accounts Perfect for Holiday Inspiration

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Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, Isle of Lewis

If, like me, you love to while away the hours looking at Scotland snaps on social media, then look no further! We’ve compiled a list of our fave Scottish accounts from organisations we work with and admire. Tick ‘follow’ and fill up your feed with epic Scottish travel inspiration every day. Go on, have a little scroll!

Don’t forget to follow VisitScotland too 📷!

For history, landscapes and places to visit

1. Historic Environment Scotland 

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What do you make of the #DronePhotography we’ve been looking at this week? Pretty snazzy eh? • As you will have read by now, we have these incredible views thanks to our photographers / videographers, Matt and Santi. They recently gained their qualifications to safely fly drones – also known in ‘the biz’ as UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) – and have since been capturing some awesome shots from the sky. • What do you think about this one? This incredible historic structure is known across Britain for its unique triangular shape. Welcome everyone to Caerlaverock Castle, which you can enjoy in all its geometric glory. • What you can see here are three lengths of defensive curtain wall linked by three high corner towers. #DidYouKnow that on the north side there is an impressive twin-towered gatehouse, where the Maxwells had their private rooms? Can you imagine living in such a stately home? • We love when our fab followers tag us in pictures from their adventures at our historic sites but we are all about looking after our lovely visitors and site staff, and protecting and conserving the historic sites in our care. • So if you are looking to capture great shots of the sites that #HistoricScotland look after, please check out the UAV/Drone guidance on our website (or via the link in our bio) and contact our Filming and Photo Unit before your visit. • We hope you are enjoying these #drone photographs. Keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow’s airborne adventure! • #scotland #thisisscotland #icu_scotland #scotland_greatshots #beautifulscotland #visitscotland #igscotland #loves_scotland #instascotland #scotspirit #hiddenscotland #photooftheday #scotlandshots #instacool #lonelyplanet #travelnow #landscape #natgeo #worldsbestgram #dronephotography #UAVphotography #UAV #aerialphotography #historicscotland #drones #FlyResponsibly

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History buffs will quickly become addicted to posts from Historic Environment Scotland, who show off our incredible castles, palaces and prehistoric monuments.

2. National Trust for Scotland 

The National Trust for Scotland might just give you the idea for your next day out. They share amazing history and heritage attractions, as well as wildlife and wildernesses.

For beautiful nature

3. Scottish Natural Heritage 

Getting up close to Scotland’s breathtaking natural environment is what the folks at Scottish Natural Heritage do best. If you’re a fan of cute puffins or baby seals, this one’s for you.

4. Forestry and Land Scotland 

We’re not short of amazing forests to explore, and Forestry and Land Scotland really know how to capture the mystery of our leafy landscapes!

For culture

5. National Galleries of Scotland 

Get your culture fix with the National Galleries of Scotland. Their account features art and objects from their three Edinburgh galleries: Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (One and Two).

For incredible photography

6. The Highland Collective

The Highland Collective are a talented team of photographers who will brighten up your day with adventurous angles and stunning shots of Scotland’s most rugged corners.

7. Walk Highlands

Walk Highlands is an essential resource for walkers of all levels in Scotland. Not only do they share some lovely pictures, but their website is great for finding routes, reports and guidance for hillwalking.

For islands, coasts and seafaring adventures

8. Sail Scotland

If you prefer to see Scotland by boat, Sail Scotland‘s Insta offering will not disappoint! Enjoy coastal photography shared by salty sea dogs exploring the nooks and crannies of our coastlines.

9. Caledonian MacBrayne 

Calmac provide ferry services from the Mainland to 22 gorgeous west coast islands – so we’ll always be a big fan!

10. North Link Ferries 

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#Repost @globalmouse ・・・ #ad It was love at first sight. I’ve been to a fair few beaches over the years but St Ninian’s, here in Shetland is without doubt one of my favourites. It’s a tombolo beach meaning there’s sea on both sides and it is absolutely beautiful. In the 1950s a local school boy found a chest of treasure under what was believed to be the site of the Medieval church on the island which adds to its mystique and certainly got the imaginations of the children whirring. I loved it here so much, the waves gently crashing, sun shining, gentle Scottish breeze. I think this is a beach for every season and I might just have to test that out on my return visit 😉 We had a jam packed rest of the day including a boat trip to the island of Mousa where we clambered over the world’s best preserved Iron Age broch and took a trip to Sumburgh lighthouse where the brilliant visitors centre told the stories of lighthouse keepers come and gone and the role it played in thwarting a Nazi raid on British ships. We even spotted puffins nesting in the cliffs here 😍 Finally we ran around the amazing ruins of Jarlshof which has archaeological remains from so many different eras. Now we’re having some delicious tapas in The Dowry in Lerwick whilst recounting tales of our day. Do follow along on our Instagram stories to see more of our travels, we are having the best time and have well and truly fallen for Shetland 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

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More exciting voyages await you with North Link. See beautiful shots of the northerly isles of Orkney and Shetland. There are sailings from Aberdeen (to Kirkwall and Lerwick) and Scrabster (to Stromness).

For making your trip a reality  

11. Hostelling Scotland

Quirky, sociable and convenient, the accommodation options from Hostelling Scotland might be the missing piece of your holiday puzzle.

12. Loganair

‘Scotland’s Airline’ Loganair flies to some glorious and far-flung places in Scotland, including Barra, Stornoway, Islay and Tiree, as well as several other destinations.

13. Caledonian Sleeper

Fall asleep, then wake up in Scotland! What could be more exciting than that? Travel in style with a trip aboard the Caledonian Sleeper train, which travels between London and Scotland.

Are you feeling inspired to explore Scotland? Make sure to share your favourite snaps with us on Instagram too! Or download some of our high-quality desktop backgrounds.

 

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