7 REASONS TO VISIT Scotland
Your Summer travel adventure could be right on our doorstep. From stunning scenery, rural beaches to bustling city life, here’s…
1 EDINBURGH THE HAPPIEST UK CITY
According to a recent survey, Scotland’s capital city is the happiest in the UK. Perched on rocky cliffs, a visit to Edinburgh’s famous castle is a must, if only to take in the spectacular views of the welcoming city below. From the pubs serving locally made food, beers and whiskys to the fantastic shopping in the famed Medieval Old Town and nearby Georgian New Town, there is much to explore. And if you are an animal lover or taking little ones, put Edinburgh Zoo on your itinerary, home to more than 1,000 animals, including the only place in the UK to see giant pandas.
2 GLEN COE THE SETTING FOR SKYFALL
Located within the awe-inspiring Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands, the deep valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe were carved out centuries ago by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions. This magnificent scenery was also the backdrop for Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig as 007. The secret agent returned to his Scottish roots, with the climax taking place at Bond’s family home, Skyfall Lodge, which is located in Glen Coe. To recreate your own James Bond moment and to really make the most of what the area has to offer, explore by car.
3 DUNDEE HOME OF COOL FASHION
A trip to Dundee will satisfy any culture vulture’s cravings! It’s home to the V&A Dundee, the world’s only V&A museum outside London. The city around it is also home to historic ships and museums for kids (and big kids), plus theatres, arts centres and cool bars for grown-ups.
4 SCOTCH WHISKY DRINK UP!
Approximately an hour from Aberdeen, The Glenlivet Distillery sits in a wild and remote glen in Ballindalloch, Banffshire. As well as taking in the stunning scenery, you can sign up for the hour-long Glenlivet Classic Tour, which offers you an introduction to the process of whisky-making, a guided tour and visit to one of the warehouses, followed by a sampling. The tour is offered throughout the day, pre-booking is advised.
5 HISTORIC ST ANDREWS PERFECT TO A TEE
Famous for being the university town that saw Kate and William fall in love, its golf courses (10, to be precise) and being named after the patron saint of Scotland, don’t miss out on a visit to St Andrews and the catherdal, a round of golf at the historic Old Course, if you play, and – weather depending – a beach picnic or a walk along part of the Fife coastal path. (To walk the entire path takes nine days!)
6 ROYAL BALMORAL HOLIDAY LIKE A QUEEN
Originally a 16th-century tower house built for the powerful Gordon family, Balmoral was converted into a Scottish Baronial mansion in 1852. The Royal Family traditionally spend their Summer holidays here, but you can visit the ballroom and the grounds three months of the year. Visit balmoralcastle.com for more. The village of Crathie, popular due to its proximity to Balmoral and Royal Lochnagar distillery, is also worth a visit.
7 BRILLIANT BEACHES DREAMING OF VITAMIN SEA?
If you like your beaches sandy, blissful and full of activities, then the town of Ayr’s coastline will not disappoint. Ayr beach is under an hour’s drive away from Glasgow, making it a great option for a city-meets-sea adventure. As well as the stunning coastline it’s also home to putting green, play area and crazy golf. You can also enjoy views across to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.