Your invitation to discover the east coast
When you mention the east coast to someone in the west – they automatically assume we are talking about Edinburgh. However, as they – and everyone else across Scotland – will discover, there is more to the east coast than just this cosmopolitan capital.
Of course we cannot talk about the east without mentioning Edinburgh.
Our capital city with a castle that sits on a volcanic plug, this international city is a hotspot for tourists and Scottish visitors alike.
As we are all venturing out more, and beginning to explore our wonderful small country, we are encouraged to travel to cities and towns around us, but see them through the eyes of a tourist.
That is exactly what you can do when you next visit the east coast.
One question to always ask yourself before you set off for the east is ,“what things would you recommend a tourist does if they asked you about the east?” – your answer is exactly what you should do!
It’s amazing what new information we can learn about the towns and cities on our doorstep, or 50-100 miles away – as we discover so much more about their history, heritage and lesser-known hidden gems. Whether you are craving a city break, a coastal retreat or a luxury hotel with a river view, the east coast has all this – and more. Besides the city of Edinburgh, this part of Scotland also takes in a number of other mustvisit areas, including Fife, Dundee & Angus, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, Moray Speyside and Perthshire, to name a few. Some of their star attractions feature on the front cover of Discover the East Coast.
From castles and cathedrals to distilleries and dungeons, there are plenty of attractions waiting for your visit.
Another city in the east is, of course, Dundee. Did you know this waterfront city was named as Lonely Planet’s Best in Europe?
It was always a cultural city worth visiting, but perhaps even more so since the V&A museum opened its doors and the waterfront has been regenerated.
Then, just under 60 miles away from Dundee, it’s Aberdeen, the famous Granite City, called so because it is best-known for its locally quarried granite.
According to Visitscotland, this eastern city is “truly prides itself on having an endless list of attractions and activities – challenge yourself to see them all!”
One of the big attractions of Fife is St Andrews, the home of golf, and an ever-popular spot for families, couples and tourists because of its historical links.
With seven golf courses, it is the largest public golf complex in Europe. But, as you will discover, there is much more to this seaside town than golf, so swing by and take a look! Heading north, a little, Moray Speyside boasts castles full of heritage and amazing architecture, rich in culture. It also has outdoor activities, perfect for all the family, and enough gorgeous scenery to take your breath away.
Beneath the Scottish Highlands and above Cairngorm National Park, Moray is just over three hours from Edinburgh by car.
Then, located in the heart of Scotland lies picture-perfect Perthshire. It is comprised of five main towns, which are just a 30-minute drive from each other.
Tourists also love this historic region of Scotland, so consider Perthshire as your next port of call.