Scottish Traditions, Activities & Things to Do

Although we may not be able to get outdoors and explore all the fantastic locations, attractions and scenery that Scotland has to offer in person, it doesn't mean we can't enjoy them from the comfort of our home.

This page is dedicated to bringing Scotland to you through creative ideas, delicious traditional recipes, fascinating history trips back in time, interactive eBooks, inspiring videos and lots more to keep you entertained! If you have visited Scotland before, we hope this page will bring back good memories. And if you have always wanted to visit, then read on for more ways to get involved with our beautiful country!

Here are just a few ideas we think you'll love:

Amazing Virtual Things to See in Scotland

There are hundreds of cool things to see in Scotland, a lot of which you can experience from your sofa! From virtual tours of some of Scotland's top attractions and an insight into wildlife webcams, to being sucked into amazing videos of Scotland, downloading one of our desktop images, and even tuning into a great podcast, there are many amazing virtual experiences to be had!

Why not challenge yourself to get your daily steps in and bag a virtual Munro? Or if you'd rather kick back and relax with a warm cuppa, there are lots of great Scottish things to listen to.

Head on a virtual museum tour:

Scottish Activities to Entertain the Kids Indoors

If you're stuck at home with the kids, now might be a great time to get stuck into some indoor activities. Explore your creative side and delve into Scottish crafts activities, uncover some fascinating Scottish history, try your hand at learning some Scottish words, or just curling up on the sofa and let your imagination run wild with some great Scottish films!

Why not get involved in NorthLink's Facebook colouring competition which encompasses the traditional Orkney folk tale of the Selkies from storyteller Tom Muir? Download the colouring sheet.

Keep the little ones entertained at home...

From colouring in and fascinating famous Scots, to incricate origami and Scotland's own Storybook Trail, there's plenty to keep the kids busy indoors.

Homemade Highland Games

Scottish Stories: Three Heilan Coos

Scottish Origami for Kids

18 Braw Scottish Words & Their Meaning

Feel good films to watch

Scotland's Storybook Trail Opens a new window

Traditional Scottish Things to Enjoy

Scotland has its fair share of unique features, locations and history, so before we get back out to explore all that the country has to offer, why not brush up on Scotland's traditions? From our interesting famous Scots and deep-rooted ancestry, to our iconic landscapes making it to the big screen, there's plenty of all things Scottish to keep you busy until holiday time.

Famous Scots

From Rabbie Burns to Macbeth, there are famous Scots in history and even Hollywood.

Meet the Maker - Bagpipes Opens a new window

As you travel around Scotland, the iconic blasts of the bagpipes will fill the air. But how is this wonderful instrument made, you might wonder?

Mary Queen of Scots film locations map

Discover the filming locations that featured in Mary Queen of Scots and visit the historic places that Mary Stuart would have known in real life.

Outlaw King film locations map

Discover the filming locations that featured in Outlaw King and visit the historic places that Robert the Bruce would have known in real life.

History

See all our history, which gave us castles, stone circles and more.

Scottish Clans

Discover more about the clan system in Scotland.

Jacobite Risings

The Jacobite Risings proved a decisive period in Scotland's history

Buy Beautiful Scottish Artworks

Why not indulge in a spot of digital retail therapy and maybe purchase a little something to remind you of Scotland - beautiful artworks!

6 Brilliant Independent Bookshops in Scotland

If you’re looking for a new book to read, now might be a good time to support a local bookshop - browse a few shops around the country supporting online orders.

9 Must-Read Books About Scotland

Literature inspired by Scotland has long drawn visitors to our shores. Take the time to lose yourself between the pages of these remarkable stories set in Scotland.

Scottish Food, Drink & Recipes

Are you a budding chef, or just love to get creative with some delicious Scottish food and drink? Well, you're in luck! Since we're all at home, this is a great opportunity to put your skills to the test in the kitchen and whip up some of your favourite Scottish recipes, or even some new ventures you've been wanting to try out. Also check out Scotland's Craft Alcohol that you can order online.

Listen to Kenny Maclean, production manager at the Isle of Harris Distillery as he talks about producing Scottish gin — Meet The Maker - The Gin Distiller2:46

“Scotland has got a rich heritage of distilling …” according to Isle of Harris Distillery production manager Kenny Maclean. But this doesn’t just apply to our world-renowned single malt Scotch whisky.

There’s also been a surge in the production of small-batch handcrafted Scottish artisan gins resulting in a wonderful selection of over 100 gins, produced by over 50 makers across Scotland. Learn more about how gin is made and what makes the Isle of Harris Distillery's gin unique.

No barrels, no whisky - meet the Coopers of the Speyside Cooperage — Meet The Maker - The Cooper2:45

‘Nae coopers, nae whisky’ might sound like a bold statement from Darren Morrison, cooperage foreman at Speyside Cooperage, but the role of the cooper is one of the most important steps in whisky production. After all, it’s a cooper’s job to carefully restore the oak casks, ready to be filled with the distilled spirit that, once matured within the cask, will become fine Scotch whisky. View the video and learn more about this fascinating process.

Meet the Maker - The Brewer2:27

In Scotland "we have a rich beer heritage" says Jamie Delap of Fyne Ales in Argyll. Never has that been truer, than now. Over the last two years there’s been a huge surge in Scottish craft beer production and consumption. So what are you waiting for? Have a look at Scotland’s Craft Beer Map and get along to a brewery tour as part of your next trip in Scotland.

Planning Your Next Trip to Scotland

We know nothing can compare to traveling around Scotland and experiencing the landscapes, culture, history and more in person, but don't worry, everything will still be here for you to enjoy and explore once it's safe to do so again. In the meantime, we hope this will keep you entertained and inspired to plan your trip to Scotland in the future and when you do, we'll be here to welcome you with open arms.

Scottish Traditions, Activities & Things to Do

Amazing Virtual Things to See in Scotland

Scottish Activities to Entertain the Kids Indoors