12 Iconic Scottish views

Hear the waves crash against the cliffs below as you approach Dunnottar Castle, a cliff edge ruin with one of Scotland’s most unforgettable settings. Follow the coastal path from Stonehaven and take in the stunning views as the haunting and dramatic castle comes into view.

Make the most of your trip:

See Dunnottar Castle from a different angle as you paddle along the coastline beneath its towering cliffs. Explore the many coves, caves and cliffs around before warming up and grabbing a bite to eat in one of the many cafés in Stonehaven. Then delve into the local history at Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum, housed in the oldest building in town.

Experience Dunnottar Castle

Visit Aberdeenshire

Resembling the tip of a fiddle bow, Bow Fiddle Rock juts out of the sea between Portknockie and Cullen.This impressive natural landmark is formed from a hard rock called Cullen quartzite and shaped by ancient geological forces over millions of years. For a truly memorable view, visit at sunrise to see the light pour through its arch.

Advice from the photographer: "A rare occurrence takes place for around a week twice a year. If you visit during May and August, you may be lucky enough to catch the sun rising through the arch of the Bow Fiddle Rock!"

Make the most of your trip:

Visit the charming fishing town of Cullen with its Victorian viaduct framing the surrounding landscape. Walk along the golden sands of Cullen Beach, or try your hand at watersports such as paddleboarding, kayaking and coasteering before warming up with a bowl of the town’s most famous dish, Cullen Skink.

Explore the beautiful Bow Fiddle Rock

Visit Aberdeenshire

Framed by Siloch’s spear-like peak, Loch Maree is a place to slow down and linger a while. Paddle across the calm waters to explore some of the more than 60 islands that are dotted around. The largest, Isle Maree, features ruins of an 8th-century chapel and a holy well linked to Saint Máel Ruba, which attracted pilgrims for hundreds of years. Keep an eye out for a unique geographical curiosity too: an island with its own loch, with another island inside it. Back on dry land, strap your walking boots on and explore the trails through the ancient Caledonian pinewoods of Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.

Make the most of your trip:

A short walk leads to the tumbling waterfalls of Victoria Falls and panoramic views over Loch Maree. Depending on your route, pause in Kinlochewe or Gairloch for a bite to eat.

Discover Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands National Nature Reserve

Explore the Highlands

The salty sea breeze greets you as you explore Sumburgh Head, where a lighthouse designed by renowned architect Robert Stevenson has watched over the coast since 1821. Follow the clifftop paths, watch waves crash against the rocks below and marvel at bustling seabird colonies, with gannets and puffins nesting along this dramatic coastline.

Make the most of your trip:

Between April and October, stop by the Observatory in the visitor centre for coffee and cake with a view of passing wildlife! Just a few miles away from Sumburgh Head, step through 4,000 years of history at Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement. Walk through these preserved Neolithic and Bronze Age dwellings while discovering more about the people who used to live here.

Visit RSPB Sumburgh Head

Visit Shetland

Perched above the River Tweed, this scenic viewpoint in the Borders offers breathtaking views across the lush green valley below. Take a moment to soak up the peaceful surroundings, with the distinctive Eildon Hills rising in the distance.

Make the most of your trip:

The rolling landscapes of the Borders are packed with stories of the past. Explore nearby Dryburgh Abbey with its incredible traces of medieval paintwork still visible in the chapter house. Visit the final resting place of Sir Walter Scott in the abbey grounds and learn about this famed writer’s life and works at his former home at Abbotsford House & Gardens. Exploring the historic streets of Melrose is the perfect way to finish off your day.    

Discover Scott's View

Enjoy Melrose

The Merrick is the highest peak in southern Scotland. Follow the trail to the summit for far-reaching views over Galloway Forest Park and the Solway Firth. Due to its geographical position, the summit has one of the longest lines of sight in the British Isles, stretching an incredible 144 miles. On very clear days, you may even spot the summit of soaring Mount Snowdon in North Wales.

Make the most of your trip:

For a less strenuous day out, spend some time surrounded by woodland and hills at Loch Trool. Discover Galloway Forest Park by bike on the renowned 7stanes trails, with routes to suit everyone from families to seasoned riders. When night falls, look up; with minimal light pollution, this is one of the best places in the UK for stargazing!

Climb The Merrick

Visit Dumfries & Galloway

Stroll along the soft sands of Ayr beach and admire the same coastal views that captivated Victorian holidaymakers. Watch the Isle of Arran rise from the sea on the horizon and look out for the distinctive silhouette of Ailsa Craig, an ancient volcanic plug in the Firth of Clyde that is home to 36,000 pairs of gannets.

Make the most of your trip:

Follow the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 106-mile route that winds along the coastline, taking in beaches, dramatic clifftop views, rocky shorelines and charming coastal towns. Or head south to visit Culzean Castle where you can walk through the colourful gardens, discover winding woodland paths and admire the ornate interior of this grand clifftop estate.

Visit Ayr

Explore Ayrshire & Arran

Ok, you don’t necessarily have to arrive in Barra by plane – you can also catch the ferry from Oban and South Uist or drive from Vatersay - but then you will miss the stunning views from above. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters and island surroundings just before you touch down on Traigh Mhòr beach, the world's only beach runway for scheduled flights.

Make the most of your trip:

In Castlebay, sample locally produced gin infused with seaweed at the Isle of Barra Distillery before taking a boat to explore Kisimul Castle. Venture further south to Vatersay, where white sandy beaches and turquoise waters will make you feel like you are in the Caribbean. You might even share the sand with Highland cows who like to roam the shoreline.

Explore the Isle of Barra

Visit the Outer Hebrides

One of Scotland’s most iconic beaches, Lunan Bay is a vast expanse of striking pinkish sand. Popular with surfers, families, birdwatchers and horse riders, this is a magical spot for a windswept walk, at any time of the year. For a higher vantage point, head to Red Castle for stunning coastal views. This red sandstone ruin on a grassy bluff has been keeping watch over the bay since the 12th century.

Make the most of your trip:

Just a short drive from Lunan Bay, the historic town of Arbroath is home to the striking red sandstone ruins of Arbroath Abbey, where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320, asserting Scotland's status as an independent nation. Alternatively, bring your binoculars to Montrose Basin Nature Reserve, where wading birds, geese and other wildlife gather among the mudflats of the Esk estuary.

Explore Lunan Bay

Visit Angus

Set on the east side of Elie Ness overlooking Ruby Bay, Lady’s Tower was built in 1770 as the private retreat of Lady Janet Anstruther after her daily sea swims. Local legend says a bellringer was sent through Elie before each dip to ensure she could enjoy the water in peace. Today, it’s a peaceful spot to listen to the gentle lap of the waves, watch sunlight stream through the stone arches and take in the coastal views.

Make the most of your trip:

Spend some time exploring the rockpools of Ruby Bay or stroll along Elie and Earlsferry Beach. Follow the Fife Coastal Path as it winds along the shoreline, keeping an eye out for the varied seabirds, dolphins and seals, or simply enjoy some of Scotland's breathtaking coastal views.

Find out more about Fife

While Oban is best known for its seaside location, it is also surrounded by rolling hills. To fully appreciate this, head to Pulpit Hill, a lesser-known viewpoint that provides stunning views over Oban Bay and the nearby islands, including Mull and Kerrera.

Make the most of your trip:

Oban is often referred to as the Seafood Capital of Scotland, so a walk along the town’s promenade is the perfect place to sample fresh seafood delicacies. For an island-hopping adventure, catch the ferry to Kerrera, a small island just off the coast. And if you want to tick off another island, plan a trip to the Isle of Mull, known for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife and colourful harbourfront in Tobermory.

Go on a day trip to Kerrera

Visit Oban

Edinburgh is viewpoint central, but there are few better ways to see the city than hiking up Arthur’s Seat. Rising above the capital, this ancient volcano offers panoramic views stretching from the streets of Edinburgh to the shimmering water of the Firth of Forth. Take your time on your way to the summit before enjoying one of the city’s most spectacular views.

Make the most of your trip:

Stroll along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's historic Old Town and soak up centuries of history, with hidden closes and winding alleyways revealing stories at every turn. Alternatively, explore the elegant Georgian streets of the New Town, browse fascinating museums, linger over coffee in cosy cafés or sample the city's vibrant food scene. Whatever you choose, Edinburgh makes for an unforgettable city break.

Climb Arthur’s Seat

Visit Edinburgh

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.