5 reasons to visit Scotland
Scotland has rugged islands, spectacular wildlife and vibrant cities to explore, meaning whatever kind of holiday you're looking for, there's bound to be something for you.
Foodies will love visiting for the gastronomy on offer. Scotland's location, surrounded by the North Atlantic, means it boasts some of the world's best fish and seafood options. Distilling is a big part of Scotland's heritage too and you'll find no end of craft gins and whiskies, which vary depending on the region you visit.
Scotland is home to some of the UK's most intriguing wildlife. On land, you might spot adorable red squirrels clambering up trees, majestic stags rutting on the hillsides, and Scottish wildcats - although sightings of this endangered and elusive creature are rare, with only a few hundred still alive.
Get out on the waters surrounding Scotland and its islands and you might spot bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, grey seals and porpoises frolicking in the waves. One great way to spot native Scottish wildlife on land and on sea is to join a cruise, like an island-hopping adventure of the Outer Hebrides. This way you can keep an eye out for amazing creatures as you sail.
With over 6,160 miles of coastline, another thing Scotland does right is seafood. Scotland farms over 65 different species of seafood found in the remote sea lochs and the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea.
To taste the freshest and best seafood it's of course sensible to book a getaway in one of the country's many picturesque harbourfront towns, like Oban. Here, you can often watch local fishermen bringing in the day's catch, which will later end up on your plate.
A tranquil paradise awaits where you'll find white-sand beaches, postcard-perfect towns and cosy pubs with open fires. This stunning archipelago is famous not only for its outstanding natural beauty, but also for its delicious food and long history of whisky production.
Island-hopping is another perfect way to explore several of these isles in one trip, taking you to some of the most stunning locations in the Highlands and Islands. From Islay, known as the 'Whisky Isle', to the small island of Gigha, often referred to as the Hebrides' slice of paradise, and the Isle of Mull, famed for its colourful houses that line the port of Tobermory.
As well as its astonishing rural vistas of lochs, glens, and mountains, Scotland is also home to culture-rich cities with elegant architecture and pretty cobble-stone streets lined with shops. The capital, Edinburgh, has inspired countless works of literature with its fairytale streets, towering castle and backdrop of rugged hills. There is plenty of culture to delve into here too, with several museums housing world-class art collections and historical artefacts.
View our favourite Edinburgh hotels
Many parts of Scotland look like they're straight out of a storybook. And one way to travel around these almost fantastical landscapes is on a historic steam train, making your holiday feel even more like a fairytale.
There are several historic railway lines running through the Scottish countryside, including the famous Jacobite steam train, which chugs over the spectacular 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct, which stars in the Harry Potter films.
It all depends what you look for in a trip: bustling cities, scenic beauty or island escapes. There are so many picturesque parts of Scotland, waiting to be explored. You can't look beyond the capital, Edinburgh, for cultural treasures. Visit Glasgow and combine city life with natural beauty - Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is only an hour away. Delve into legend at Loch Ness while exploring 'The cultural capital of the Highlands', Inverness. We've already mentioned the islands. Some of the most popular include the Isle of Skye, Lewis and Harris, Orkney, Mull and the Isle of Arran.
Each season is unique, so it all depends on whether you're visiting for the weather, fewer crowds, or to coincide with a festival or event. Visit Scotland in August for the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe or the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, or in late December to celebrate Hogmanay. Like the rest of the UK, the weather is unpredictable and it's not too uncoommon to experience all four seasons in one day! So make sure you're prepared when you pack.
Join a unique journey through Scotland's rugged west coast, tracing the story of the Commandos in the company of former Commando, Monty Halls.
