Suidhe Viewpoint
Sustainable & responsible tourism in Scotland
Discover how making thoughtful travel choices can help you connect more deeply with Scotland's landscapes, communities and culture.
What do sustainable and responsible travel mean?
Sustainable tourism means choosing greener, low impact ways to holiday, from how you travel to where you stay.
Responsible tourism looks at the bigger picture: how your visit affects Scotland’s environment, culture, communities and economy, as well as the wider world.
Small choices can make a meaningful difference. Travelling responsibly can help:
- protect our mountains, coastlines, woodlands and wildlife
- support our local communities by spending in local businesses
- support new ideas and projects that care for Scotland’s future
Choose a different season or place
See Scotland in a different light. Spring brings bright skies and longer days while autumn paints our forests red and gold. Winter holidays mean time for crisp walks and cosy evenings by the fire. When you travel outside the busiest periods, or choose a lesser-known place, you often have more space to pause, look and listen.
Spring holidays & breaks in Scotland
Spring in Scotland is a great time to visit. The longer days mean hours of playtime during your Easter holiday and nature is bursting into life.
Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland
Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.
Autumn breaks
There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.
Winter and Christmas breaks
The weather may be chilly, but the welcome will be warm. You haven't seen anything like Scotland's Christmas celebrations.
Make the journey part of the experience
Watch the landscape unfold from a train window, feel the sea air on a ferry deck, or take in the sights and sounds of the countryside on foot or by bike. Scotland’s public transport and active travel options can help you move around more sustainably while bringing you closer to the places you came to see.
Getting around Scotland by train
Get around Scotland by train with discount fares and passes, Glasgow's subway, scenic train trips, and more.
Bus & coach travel in Scotland
You can take the coach or bus between all of Scotland's major towns and cities.
Your ultimate guide to cycling in Scotland
From the rustle of woodland trails beneath your wheels to views across mountains, glens and sea, Scotland is made for exploring by bike.
Walking in Scotland
From bucket list peaks and ancient forest paths to long distance routes and serene lochside views, add Scotland to your walking holiday.
Travel mindfully with our Carbon Calculator
Our Carbon Calculator shows the estimated environmental footprint of your trip to Scotland, allowing you to make informed choices. From booking sustainable accommodation to taking public transport, your decisions can reduce your impact on our natural environment.
Simply answer our questions and we’ll estimate your holiday carbon footprint, to get an idea of the impact of your visit on the planet. Find out what sustainable travel choices you can make, plus hints and tips to help make sure Scotland remains beautiful and unique for everyone to enjoy. If you're really up for a challenge, see if you can achieve our highest award and become a Sustainability Unicorn...
Can your holiday be more green?
Answer these simple questions about your trip to Scotland and we'll calculate your emissions.
How it works
What is CO2e?
We display the results of the Carbon Calculator in CO2e, which stands for "Carbon Dioxide Equivalent" and measures CO2 as well as other greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide.
Our methodology
You can find full details and explanations behind our carbon calculator and how it works on our methodology page.