Scotland Things to Do

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ Oban is most often relegated to a pit-stop en route to the nearby Hebrides islands, but the lively capital of North Argyll is a worthy tourist destination in its own right.

With its scenic location sandwiched between rolling hills and windswept coastline, Oban has charmed many visitors into staying longer than planned and makes a popular base camp for visiting nearby Inveraray and Fort William. There’s plenty to see in the town itself too, starting with the impressive McCaig’s Tower, a late 19th century landmark which offers spectacular views from its hilltop lookout.

As one of Europe’s principal island nations, it’s no surprise that the United Kingdom has an excellent network of ferries and passenger ships, and Scotland is no exception. While ferries also link Scotland to England, Wales and Ireland, it’s Scotland’s 790 islands, which benefit most from the ferry network, providing an important link for offshore residents as well as allowing tourists to explore the vibrant island communities. Whether you’re planning a DIY tour of Scotland’s most remote islands or taking a day trip to one of the country’s most popular island resorts, this guide to Scotland’s ferry services should help you finalize your itinerary.

An archipelago of over 70 small islands and isles scattered around the northernmost tip of Scotland, the Orkney Islands lie at the frontier of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean and are one of Scotland’s most scenic holiday destinations. With breathtaking landscapes, miles of rugged coastline and tranquil sandy beaches, it’s no surprise that the Orkney Islands are a hit with nature lovers, but the islands harbor a rich history too. Orkney’s history stretches back over 4,500 years and the islands’ famous Neolithic settlements make up the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ UNESCO World Heritage site, a fascinating collection of Neolithic monuments, stone circles and tombs.

On the tourist trail, Glasgow comes second to Edinburgh in places to visit in Scotland but they are less than an hour apart by train so there’s no need to miss either of them. Edinburgh has all the glamour and history from being the royal seat and capital city. There’s the castle, the palace, the Royal Mile, all that tartan and national spirit.

If you want to know Scotland, you need to know Robert Burns. And the best way to do that, aside from reading his poetry, is to visit his place of birth, Alloway, not far from Glasgow. Alloway is a small village on the southern outskirts of Ayr, a town on the west coast of Scotland [...]

A time for enjoying the countryside and celebrating the inimitable Scottish culture, summertime is the best time to explore the north of the British Isles. From dodging the rain to partying up a storm, here are a few tips for visiting Scotland in summer.