Map of Scotland's Regions, Cities & Destinations

Edinburgh

Not only a capital city, Edinburgh is also the leading festival city in the world, home to the phenomenal summer festivals, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Known For

Castle

Festivals

World Heritage Site

Edinburgh festival fireworks display at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh's skyline including Calton Hill and the Scottish Parliament buildings seen from Salisbury Crags

Performers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on the Royal Mile

Glasgow

We're not exaggerating when we say that we think Glasgow is one of the most exciting cities you'll ever come across. Scotland's largest city is a lively, bustling place, distinctive and full of character, where you are bound to get a very warm welcome indeed.

Known For

Events

People

Shopping

Bells Bridge at dusk with the SSE Hydro in the background, Glasgow

A frontview of the Riverside Museum, Glasgow

The restaurants and bars of Ashton Lane, Glasgow, on a sunny day

Aberdeen

It's the powerful contrasts that give Aberdeen its personality: laid-back and fun-loving, dynamic and modern, cultured and historic, with wonderful cityscapes that meet the sea and lots of down-to-earth charm.

Known For

Boats

Granite

Shopping

Blue skies surround Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen

Aberdeen Beach and the Big Wheel of Codona's Amusement Park

Isle of Arran

Ayrshire & Arran

Ah, bonnie Arran - we like to think of it as the gem of the Firth of Clyde. Here you can find a little bit of everything you'd ever want from a Scottish island; an ever-changing coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered beaches, verdant forests, cultural festivals and abundant local produce.

Known For

Cheese

Walking

Water sports

Mountain climbing on the Isle of Arran © istockphoto

Machrie Moor Standing Stones on the Isle of Arran © AG Firth

Looking out over Lamlash Bay on the Isle of Arran © Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Team

Aviemore

Highlands

Aviemore is surrounded by lush Highland scenery in the north west corner of the majestic Cairngorms National Park. Towering mountains, sparkling lochs and dense forests surround this bustling village, making it a popular year-round destination for a huge range of summer and winter activities.

Known For

National Park

Reindeer

Snow

Loch An Eilein at Rothiemurchus, Aviemore

Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge, Highlands

A snowboarder mid-air at the CairnGorm Ski Centre, Highlands

Dumfries

Dumfries & Galloway

This historic market town more than lives up to its local nickname of 'The Queen of the South'. Connected by lovely russet-hued sandstone bridges which straddle the grassy banks of the River Nith, this former royal burgh has an interesting history and special connection to Robert Burns.

Known For

Curling stones

Mountain biking

Robert Burns

Devorgilla Bridge over the River Nith, Dumfries

An artist and printmaker in her workshop in Port William

Looking out over Logan Botanic Garden in Port Logan

Dundee

One of Scotland's seven cities, Dundee has acquired a few names over the years - 'one city, many discoveries', 'jute, jam and journalism', and, very recently, a 'UNESCO City of Design'. But we think there's so much more that can be said about this dynamic, compact city!

Known For

Design

Hill

Ship

The exterior of McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum

Looking over the water to Broughty Ferry Castle near Dundee

Looking over the River Tay and the Tay Rail Bridge to the city of Dundee at twilight © Iain Jaques / istockphoto

Fort William

Highlands

There's much more to Fort William than simply bagging Ben Nevis - although climbing the tallest mountain in the UK is, of course, quite a feat. Think pubs stocking fine Scotch whisky, daredevil mountain-biking, loch-side wanders and even trips aboard the steam train that took Harry to Hogwarts.

Known For

Ben Nevis

Mountain biking

Outdoor Capital

Ben Nevis seen from the beach at Corpach, Fort William, Highlands © Kenny Lam

Looking across the waters of Loch Linnhe to Fort William and a snow dusted Ben Nevis, Ardgour, Highlands

Glencoe

Highlands

Located within the awe-inspiring Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands, the deep valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe were carved out centuries ago by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions. Glencoe village is picturesquely set between the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the famous glen.

Known For

Glens

History

Walking

The chairlift at Glencoe Mountain, a ski and snowboarding resort in the Highlands

Rock climbing with Glencoe Activities © Glencoe Activities

Lagangarbh Hut, Glen Coe, near River Coupall, Highlands

Inverness

Highlands

Crowned by a pink crenellated castle, the Highland capital really has got all the elements for a memorable city break. Explore a thriving culinary scene, lively pubs and bars, great shops and the spread of galleries and cultural attractions, all set close to the pretty banks of the River Ness.

Known For

Ancestry

Battlefields

River Ness

Inverness Castle and bridge at night © Bill Buchan

A City Sightseeing tour bus in Inverness, Highlands © Soraya Photography

Inverness Whisky Festival, Inverness Highlands

Isle of Islay

Argyll & The Isles

Islay, the 'Queen of the Hebrides', is probably best known for its peaty, smoky whiskies. Some say they are the best in the whole world. Home to eight working distilleries, Islay definitely has the process of making the stuff down to a fine art. Sláinte!

Known For

Deer

Walking

Whisky

A view from the MV Finlaggan Caledonian MacBrayne ferry approaching Port Askaig on the Isle of Islay, Inner Hebrides

A Caledonian MacBrayne ferry leaving Port Askaig with Isle of Jura behind, Inner Hebrides

Machir Bay on the Isle of Islay, Inner Hebrides

Isle of Jura

Argyll & The Isles

The gorgeously untamed island of Jura is one of Scotland's wildest places. Located off the west coast, the long and narrow island is known for its soaring mountains, delectable whisky, a swirling whirlpool and local population of just 200 people (who are outnumbered hugely by over 5,000 wild deer).

Known For

Deer

Whirlpool

Whisky

Looking across to the small port of Craighouse on the east coast of Jura, Inner Hebrides

The Paps of Jura, Inner Hebrides © MartinMcCarthy/istockphoto

Sampling whisky in the Quaich Bar of the Craigellachie Hotel during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in Moray, Highlands

Kirkwall

Orkney

Orkney's bustling capital is an ancient Norse town, standing at the divide between the East and West Mainland. An 11th century marvel, the town was founded by Earl Rognvald Brusason who built his Kingdom here. This little town is just one example of the archipelago's fascinating past.

Known For

Cathedral

Viking

Whisky

Boats moored at the harbour in Kirkwall, Orkney Mainland

The exterior of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney

A folk music session at the Bothy Bar in Kirkwall, Orkney Mainland

Lerwick

Shetland

The only proper town in Shetland, Lerwick is a standalone gem. With a proud maritime heritage and the ancient Norse roots, this settlement has grown slowly but surely and is now a bustling port for trade, business and visitors to the isles. It's the perfect starting point for exploring Shetland

Known For

Beer

Boats

Fire

Boats moored at the harbour, Lerwick, Shetland

Colourful boats at Burravoe on the Isle of Yell, Shetland

Lewis, Harris & Stornoway

Outer Hebrides

When you arrive in Stornoway, you just know you're about to begin an unforgettable Hebridean adventure. The harbour town is the portal to discovering a dramatic island landscape, rich in natural and historical heritage, and it's the epicentre of Gaelic culture.

Known For

Boats

Food & Drink

History

Calanais Standing Stones, Calanais, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

Sea Kayaking in Stornoway Harbour, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Carloway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & The Forth Valley

Loch Lomond is one of our most beautiful and iconic places.The mesmerising loch lies in the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, surrounded by charming villages, lush countryside and rolling hills, and is a place where you can try lots of brilliant activities.

Known For

Food & Drink

Islands

wildlife

Clear blue skies and sunshine over boats anchored on Loch Lomond

Two walkers on a mountain path near Loch Long, with Arrochar and Ben Lomond in the distance

Loch Ness

Highlands

This beautiful loch is shrouded in mystery, all thanks to a long, thin green creature that circles the deep waters, occasionally raising her head above the water for a picture. It goes without saying that Nessie is our favourite monster, but the place where she lives is even more fascinating.

Known For

Boat trips

Kayak

Nessie

Urquhart Castle © JohnBraid/ DollarPhotoClub

Hobbit pods overlooking Loch Ness at the Loch Ness Holiday Park, Invermoriston, Highlands

Loch Ness monster fibreglass model, near Inverness, Highlands

Isle of Mull

Argyll & The Isles

There really is no need to 'mull over' the decision on whether you should visit the Isle of Mull - this Inner Hebridean island is filled with possibilities. Located off the western mainland, it's the third largest island in Scotland and one of the most accessible, being served by three ferries.

Known For

Fingal's cave

Painted houses

Sea eagles

Coloured houses and sailing boats in Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides

The Isle of Staffa and Fingal's Cave, Inner Hebrides

Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides

Oban

Argyll & The Isles

When it comes to having an unforgettable break, Oban is definitely a place which is big on things to see and do. Surrounded by miles of dramatic coast and beautiful countryside, it's known as the Gateway to the Isles, as a number of ferries depart from its port and travel to the Hebridean islands.

Known For

Ferries

McCaig's Tower

Seafood

Caledonian MacBrayne, Oban to Mull ferry, Argyll

Peebles

Scottish Borders

Gorgeous little towns on the banks of the River Tweed are a common thing in the glorious Scottish Borders, and perhaps none are as pretty as Peebles. Only a short distance from Edinburgh, it is certainly no ordinary town, with its spectacular scenery, shopping, cafés, events and outdoors activities.

Known For

Fishing

Mountain biking

Walking

Looking along the River Tweed towards Peebles

Mountain bikers cycling on the trails at Glentress, Scottish Borders

A train travels along the Borders Railway line

Perth

Scotland's ancient capital for five centuries, the 'Fair City' of Perth is now the country's newest city. Bustling, compact and beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay, Perth is a sparkling cosmopolitan gem that keeps on giving visit after visit.

Known For

Food & Drink

Golf

River Tay

Exterior of Scone Palace in Scone, Perthshire © Juliet Photography / Dollar Photo Club

Exhibits by J.D. Fergusson and Margaret Morris inside The Fergusson Gallery, Perth

Pitlochry

Perthshire

Pitlochry is an excellent base for exploring Perthshire. Breathe in fresh air and stand back to admire the view. The town is nestled amongst the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire, where the refreshing greenery of the forests in spring transforms into a blaze of golds and reds come autumn.

Known For

Queen's View

Salmon

Whisky

The River Garry and Garry Bridge, near Killiecrankie, Pitlochry © Richard Elliot

Sunrise at the Queens View, Loch Tummel, Pitlochry

The Falls of Bruar, Blair Atholl, Perthshire

Isle of Skye

Highlands

Skye is a truly magical place, home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes. Whether you're visiting for a few days whilst touring Scotland or staying for a longer spell, the island has countless ways to enchant you, with its mountain ranges, miles of dramatic coastline and captivating history.

Known For

Bridge

Clans

Cuillin

Sunset skies over Neist Point Lighthouse on the Isle of Skye © adrianpluskota-Fotolia

Misty skies over The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

Grey skies over The Quiraing, Isle of Skye

St Andrews

Kingdom of Fife

Standing proudly on the east coast of Scotland, historic St Andrews is a jewel in the crown of Fife. The town offers panoramic views out across the North Sea and is famous for its historic university, medieval streets, gorgeous traditional buildings and, of course, its world-famous golf courses.

Known For

Beaches

Golf

History

Blue skies over the exterior of St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews

The Swilcan Bridge on the 18th Fairway of the Old Course, St Andrews, Fife

A map showing Scotland's Secret Bunker, St Andrews

Stirling

A wee city with a big history, Stirling punches well above its weight for historic attractions and spectacular scenery, not to mention shopping, places to eat and events. It's home to a number of iconic Scottish landmarks which include Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument.

Known For

Bannockburn

Castle

Wallace Monument

A group of hill walkers reaching the summit of Ben A'an with views of Loch Katrine behind © LochLomond&TheTrossachsNationalPark

Ayr

Ayrshire & Arran

Start your Ayrshire & Arran adventure in Ayr. The town is the perfect base to explore the
area further with stunning coastlines, mysterious castles, Burns heritage attractions, accessible islands, impressive golf courses and of course mesmerising dark skies all within easy reach.

Known For

Walking

Robert Burns

Food & Drink

Blue skies over Dunure Castle and beach, south Ayrshire

A family at Portencross Beach near West Kilbride, north Ayrshire

Looking over the exterior of the Dark Sky Observatory in Dalmellington at night © Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Team

Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

Between the rolling hills and mountains in the west and the cliffs and shores of the east, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire has family activities, plenty of wildlife and a bustling modern Granite City.

Known For

Castles

Crown

Trails

Stormy skies loom over Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Actors act out the launch to HMS 'Bounty' with tradtional costumes at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, Portsoy, North Aberdeenshire

Golfer tees of at Murcar Golf Links, Bridge of Don, Aberdeenshire

Argyll & The Isles

Find stunning scenery and island paradises in the awe-inspiring Argyll & The Isles. The region is home to 23 inhabited islands, each offering tranquil beaches and their own unique cultures, while the coastline and countryside of the mainland will take your breath away.

Known For

Ferries

Seafood

Whisky

Boat tour to the island of Staffa from Ffionport on the Isle of Mull

Sea kayakers explore the coastline around Castle Stalker, Loch Laich, Appin, Argyll

Ayrshire & Arran

Easy to reach and even easier to explore, Ayrshire & Arran sits on the west coast of Scotland and is the perfect place to discover the charms of island life, countryside towns and sandy shores. The region is also home to the birthplace of the National Bard and many other historical treasures.

Known For

Food & Drink

Robert Burns

Walking

Children play in the grounds of Dean Castle and Country Park, Kilmarnock, east Ayrshire

A group of sea kayakers in Brodick Bay on the Isle of Arran

Dumfries & Galloway

From the rocky and sandy coast looking out for miles across the sea, to the lush green inland forests and hills, Dumfries & Galloway is simply amazing. It's the region in south west Scotland which has inspired writers, artists and creative types and is a haven for wildlife.

Known For

Mountain biking

Robert Burns

Stargazing

Sunset over Loch Ken, Dumfries & Galloway

Light shines through the trees in a Galloway forest

A mountian biker on the Phoenix Trail at the Mabie Mountain Biking Centre, Mabie Forest, near Dumfries

Dundee & Angus

What do you get when you combine the country's first UNESCO City of Design and a splendid countryside which has helped bring us Aberdeen Angus beef, Arbroath Smokies and Peter Pan? The beautiful and vibrant region of Dundee & Angus, of course!

Known For

Family fun

Peter Pan

Smokies

The exterior of Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, Dundee

Edinburgh & The Lothians

Edinburgh and the Lothians are so close, yet they're both so very different. Scotland's capital city borders the lush countryside and the attractive coastline of the Lothians, and together they offer visitors a captivating blend of rich history, natural beauty and adventure.

Known For

Edinburgh Castle

Forth Bridges

Rosslyn Chapel

Looking out on Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth from East Lothian

A close up of a butterfly at Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, Midlothian © Kenny Lam

Map of Greater Glasgow and The Clyde Valley

Head to Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley to discover the cosmopolitan delights of Scotland's largest city, or explore the wealth of natural scenery, great family days out, industrial heritage and fascinating history in the towns and countryside in the Clyde Valley.

Known For

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Parks & Gardens

World Heritage Site

New Lanark Visitor Centre seen from the Clyde walkway

Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley

Stretching across central Scotland from east to west, the landscapes of this region are wonderfully diverse. Explore coast, country, glens, mountains and a city to find wonders including a National Park, enchanting castles, giant horse head sculptures and the world's only rotating boat lift.

Known For

Kelpies

Loch Lomond

National Park

A view of Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an in the Trossachs

The Lomond Duchess cruise ship sailing back to Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch © Kenny Lam

Orkney

Come to Orkney for the wildlife, the beaches and the history, and we reckon that you'll fall for the culture and the creativity too. This archipelago of around 70 islands lies north of mainland Scotland and was voted one of the UK's top 10 islands in the 2015 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards.

Known For

Diving

Food & Drink

World Heritage Site

A scene from the VisitScotland Brilliant Moments advert. The Ring of Brodgar at sunset, Orkney

The path back to Rackwick from The Old Man of Hoy, Orkney

Outer Hebrides

Oh, the magical Outer Hebrides. Arriving on these incredible islands, you really will feel like you have escaped from it all. Discover a different pace of life as you explore untouched coasts and countryside, fascinating history and unique island cultures.

Known For

Beaches

Harris Tweed

Standing stones

A boat sails around the Isle of Harris on one of Haish Taylor's Scenic Cruises

Harris Beach, Isle of Taransay, Outer Hebrides © istockphoto

Perthshire

Perthshire is a region of breathtaking variety, from its serene glens and endless expanses of lush forest, to its bleakly beautiful moors, rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls. Roam around 'Big Tree Country', scale Highland peaks, try thrilling watersports and explore Scotland's 'Fair City'.

Known For

Big tree country

Stone of Destiny

Water sports

Looking over Loch Dunmore to Faskally Woods in Pitlochry, Perthshire

Boat brings visitors to Lochleven Castle on Loch Leven

The Highlands

The Highlands is an amazing concoction of culture, history, nature and unparalleled scenery. Think big skies, mind-blowing landscapes, superb food and hospitable people - it really doesn't get any better if you want to escape and unwind.

Known For

Dolphins

Glenfinnan

Loch Ness

Lochan na h-Achlaise, Rannoch Moor, Highlands

The Jacobite steam train passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct at the head of Loch Shiel, Lochaber, Highlands

Balnakeil Beach by Durness in Sutherland, Highlands

The Kingdom of Fife

Fife's rustic villages, charming towns and unspoilt coastline conspire to give the region a certain 'wow' factor. While St Andrews is undoubtedly the best kept jewel in the Fife's crown, there's much more to Fife that will spoil urban travellers, explorers, cyclists, museum-goers and foodies alike.

Known For

Food & Drink

Golf

History

The Swilcan Bridge and spectators at the 144th Open in St Andrews, Fife

Land yachting on West Sands beach, St Andrews, Fife

Shetland

An archipelago made up of more than 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited, the Shetland Isles are closer to Norway than mainland Scotland. As a result the islands have a unique cultural heritage which includes fantastically preserved archaeological sites and a spectacular fire festival.

Known For

Fair Isle

Pony

Seabirds

The fiddler plays whilst sitting on the wall of a garden on the Island of Trondra, Shetland

Northern Lights in Shetland © istockphoto

Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders has a colourful past which belies its serene landscape. The many stately homes, haunting castles and four magnificent abbeys are testament to its rich and occasionally turbulent history.

Known For

Abbeys

Borders Railway

Common Ridings

A couple on a hillside during the day above St Mary's Loch, Scottish Borders

Colourful houses and stormy skies in Jedburgh Town Centre, Scottish Borders

By road

Scotland's road network makes it easy to drive around and provides efficient travel between cities and major towns, and access to rural areas. The motorway network runs across the central belt, with major links further north to Aberdeen and south to England. Trunk roads connect the rest of Scotland.

A motorcycle on the road between Gairnshiel Lodge and Crathie, Aberdeenshire

The road bridge over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye

Looking down at rolling mist beside the A82 in the Highlands, near the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge © Airborne Lens

Travel by road

By sea

Get to Scotland's inhabited islands by ferry. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates routes to over 20 destinations in the the Firth of Clyde and the Inner and Outer Hebrides. NorthLink Ferries connect Orkney and Shetland to the mainland, and inter-island travel is served by council-run ferries.

The MV Caledonian Isles ferry crosses from Ardrossan to Brodick on the Isle of Arran

A cyclist looking out at the Corran ferry at Ardgour

Looking out over the water at Elgol, Skye

Find more ferry info

By air

Scotland has four main airports; Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, plus many regional airports spread across the country in Dundee, Inverness, Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. There is a wide range of interconnecting flights between the main and regional airports.

View of Barra from the inter-island plane between Barra and Benbecula

North Uist seen from the window of a plane in the Outer Hebrides

A Flybe plane lands at Barra Airport on Traigh Mhor Beach, Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides

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