Stac Pollaidh in the North West Highlands Geopark
Kim Walton
Scotland's UNESCO Trail
The first country in the world to bring together 16 UNESCO sites into one trail. Are you ready to discover the wonders within?
UNESCO Biospheres
Explore protected ecosystems that are home to a diverse array of native flora and fauna, alongside communities that live sustainably and work to conserve their natural environment.
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
Untouched coastlines, deep forests and historic rural communities wait for you in the south west of Scotland.
Wester Ross Biosphere
Dramatic mountains, rich biodiversity and a strong connection between people and the land are at the heart of this biosphere.
Scotland's UNESCO Biospheres
Discover Scotland’s UNESCO Biospheres, where wild landscapes, unforgettable wildlife and inspiring adventures invite you to reconnect with nature.
UNESCO Global Geoparks
Geoparks are areas of outstanding geological and scientific importance. These special places are protected and monitored to help us better understand the geophysical and climate forces that shape our planet.
Isle of Arran UNESCO Geopark
From volcanic eruptions to glacial landscapes, discover the wildlife, biodiversity, and archaeological heritage.
UNESCO North West Highlands Geopark
Stretching over 2,000 square kilometres in the far corner of mainland Scotland, the geopark is a spectacular example of different rock geologies.
Geopark Shetland
Ancient geology, archaeological treasures, Viking heritage and wildlife tell a story spanning billions of years.
Scotland's UNESCO Global Geoparks
Wild and positively unexpected, explore Scotland's three UNESCO Global Geoparks where the landscapes feel like you've reached the edge of the world.
Who and what is UNESCO?
UNESCO recognises and protects the world’s most rare and unique places. Scotland is home to 16 UNESCO sites, many of which are firsts of their kind, and considering the size of Scotland, we think that is quite impressive! UNESCO stands for ‘United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’, a specialised part of the United Nations (UN) founded in 1945. Its mission is to promote peace, sustainable development, and human rights by encouraging collaboration and discussion between nations.
Its work spans education, the environment, social inequality, communication, and the exchange of knowledge. One way it resolves some of these problems is by identifying and protecting some of the world’s most special places so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Scotland is home to 16 UNESCO designations, brought together through Scotland’s UNESCO Trail – the first national trail of its kind in the world. These include:
- 7 World Heritage Sites
- 2 Biosphere Reserves
- 3 Global Geoparks
- 4 Creative Cities
Together, these designations showcase the remarkable breadth of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, from ancient landscapes and geological wonders to historic places, creative communities and centres of innovation.
By raising awareness of these sites, UNESCO status can help attract investment and create jobs, spur technological innovation and scientific progress, and enhance the world’s cultural and environmental diversity.
Een jacht in Port Edgar, South Queensferry
See your snaps of Scotland's UNESCO Trail
Embark on the first of its kind trail that brings together some of Scotland’s most scenic, magical, and jaw-dropping places.