Visiting Scotland?
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tour ideas & insider tips

Warning: for optimum viewing, this Scotland site requires cookies or biscuits and also coffee. There is a lot to read, so you might as well get comfortable.

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Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri – Horace

‘Bound to swear to the words of no master’ – or, to follow no one blindly or slavishly.

That’s the site motto. Pithy, eh? So, don’t expect I’m going to be nice about everywhere, all the time. This is an independent view. We Scots can be a plain-speaking bunch!

Planning a Scotland trip?

Scotland is a small nation, yet there are so many options for visitors: city, countryside, Highland, Lowland, islands, hot-spots and hidden gems. So this is where you’ll find lots of great tour suggestions, our own insider knowledge, along with great travel tips, opinions and good information on heritage, culture and environment, plus Johanna's great scone recipe! (It's like a cookies policy, only tastier.)

How much time do I need for Edinburgh?

At least a couple of days. Probably more. If time is pressing, take a look here for a basic list of must sees in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, capital of Scotland. The Scott Monument (left), Balmoral Hotel, centre

Should I visit both Edinburgh and Glasgow if I only have a few days?

No. Choose one or the other then go and explore the rest of the country. You can get a cultural hit from either. Glasgow is a fantastic city for shopping. It isn't so picturesque as Edinburgh though. (And don't mention the two cities' rivalry. I have a relative from Glasgow who says she never goes to Edinburgh because the water disagrees with her. Honestly.)

Which bits of the Scottish Highlands are unmissable?

Glencoe for atmosphere without effort. Glen Affric for beauty with optional effort. (I mean, you might want to get out of the car but it's not compulsory.) The Torridons for drama. Anywhere north of Ullapool for sheer atmosphere. Lots more beautiful scenery. That's something that we do rather well. If the places named here are unmissable, most of the rest of the landscape of the north is pretty good too!

Loch Lomond from Duncryne Hill, looking north. Ben Lomond right of centre. Rowan tree with berries, right.

Loch Lomond, looking north into the Highlands from Duncryne Hill.

What about Scotland's islands?

Skye if time is short. Skye if you have plenty of time. Orkney if you want to get under the skin of a different kind of island, with a Scandinavian flavour. Colonsay if you need to run away and hide for a few days. Actually, nearly all of the islands are rewarding. (I even like Bute.) And Shetland is so extraordinary it doesn't feel Scottish at all.

Should I try to see a Highland Games?

Highland Games were especially invented when (mostly) Lowland folk realised that the original Highlands with real communities didn't exist any more but that they themselves still enjoyed dressing up. I'd say, yes, go on. It's a lot of fun.

Do I need to know about Bonnie Prince Charlie, Rob Roy and all these other characters?

Not really, but there are some scenic places of interest associated with them such as Culloden for Bonnie Prince Charlie and Balquhidder for Rob Roy.

Our weather - will it be a problem?

Scotland's weather can be unpredictable - but it isn't as bad as you've heard. (In fact, you should have been here last week. Everyone says that.) Just pack some sun-cream and a light raincoat. You'll be fine.

This is our dog Millie climbing Ben Wyvis near Inverness.

Should I take my camera to Loch Ness, just in case?

If you have your heart set on seeing Loch Ness, then of course. As for the beast: just think of it as Santa Claus with humps. Something you'd want to believe in. The link above tells you how to make your own monster pictures.

Will I see the real Scotland in a week?

Yes, you can go all over Scotland from this page. Navigation options left or right above, or at the foot of this page. Go on, dive in....you don't know where you might end up! (And thanks for reading this far!)

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