Scotland Travel Guide

Dramatic highlands, mist-shrouded glens, thousands of whisky varieties, and a culture genuinely distinct from England. Scotland offers landscapes that are genuinely moody and people that are truly warm.

Updated · On BootsnAll since 1999 · History

Overview and Things to Consider

Scotland is really different from England - landscape, culture, accent, whisky, and political identity are all distinctly Scottish. Edinburgh is remarkably beautiful with castle dominating the skyline. The Highlands are notably dramatic - mountains, glens, and lochs create landscapes that are seriously moody and beautiful.

Scottish people are distinctly warm and friendly. The accent is thick but charming. Whisky culture is especially central to identity and tourism. Bagpipes, tartan, and Highland dress are truly cultural, not kitsch. The weather is really unpredictable - pack layers and rain gear.

Getting There and Around

Edinburgh and Glasgow airports handle international flights. Trains from England are efficient - London to Edinburgh takes 5.5 hours. Buses are cheaper but slower. Within Scotland, trains connect major cities. Buses (Citylink, FirstBus) reach remote areas cheaply. Highland travel requires either car rental or organized tours.

Renting a car is remarkably useful for Highlands exploration. Driving is on the left, road conditions are good. Single-track roads in the Highlands require careful driving. Walking is notably central to Scottish tourism - hiking trails are everywhere. Ferries connect islands - seriously necessary for island access.

What's Changed Since 2016

Edinburgh tourism has distinctly exploded - prices have climbed significantly. The Fringe Festival has become especially massive. Whisky tourism infrastructure has truly improved. Brexit has affected some visitor numbers but overall tourism remains strong. The Scottish independence movement remains politically significant.

Restaurant scene has really improved in major cities. Digital infrastructure is excellent. Environmental consciousness is high - whisky industry increasingly sustainable. Quality of budget accommodations has improved. The Highland tourism has become more sophisticated.

Ideas to Consider for Your Visit

Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline and offers remarkably impressive views. The Royal Mile is notably charming with shops, pubs, and history. Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament showcase Scottish governance. Arthur's Seat hike offers panoramic views. The festivals are seriously massive - Fringe in August is distinctly energetic.

The Highlands are especially the main draw - Glen Coe is truly dramatic, Loch Ness is really mysterious, the Isle of Skye is remarkably stunning. Whisky tours are notably excellent - visiting distilleries is a cultural experience. The Scottish islands (Orkney, Shetland) offer remote authenticity.

Haggis is seriously eaten - it's actually decent. Fish and chips are distinctly excellent. Scottish salmon is especially world-class. Shortbread is truly addictive. Whisky is the cultural experience - distillery visits are really worthwhile, not just shopping.

Realities to Be Aware Of

Edinburgh in August is remarkably overwhelming - the Fringe Festival brings hundreds of thousands. Prices spike. Hotels book months ahead. The Scottish accent can be notably difficult to understand - don't hesitate to ask for repetition. Weather is seriously unpredictable - rain can start anytime.

Midges in summer are distinctly annoying in Highland areas. Some island ferries can be cancelled due to weather. Public transportation to remote areas is limited. Accommodation in smaller towns is limited. Some attractions have seasonal hours.

If Scotland Is Part of a Longer Trip

Scotland pairs naturally with England - London and the Lake District are accessible by train. Wales and Northern Ireland are also connected. A UK island tour combining Scotland, England, and Wales is especially natural and efficient.

A week covers Edinburgh and basic Highlands. Two weeks allows comprehensive Highland exploration and island visits. More time allows slower travel and deep diving into specific regions.

Yearly Things to Consider

May through September are ideal - warm and accessible. June and July are truly pleasant with long daylight. August brings the Fringe Festival - really massive and wonderful or overwhelming depending on preferences. April and October are mild with fewer crowds.

November through March are cold and dark - midwinter is remarkably depressing. December brings Christmas markets and seasonal charm. January is gloomy. February slightly improves. Hiking and outdoor activities are best May through September. Winter offers dramatic moody landscapes.

Ideas for Itineraries

Four Days: Edinburgh Focus

Days 1 - 2: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, museums. Days 3 - 4: Arthur's Seat hike, day trip to Stirling Castle or whisky region.

Six Days: Edinburgh and Highlands Intro

Days 1 - 3: Edinburgh. Days 4 - 6: Highlands - Glen Coe day trip or overnight in smaller towns, whisky distillery visits.

Ten Days: Highlands and Islands

Days 1 - 3: Edinburgh. Days 4 - 7: Highland exploration - Glen Coe, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye. Days 8 - 10: Return or island hopping.

Fourteen Days: Comprehensive Scotland

Days 1 - 4: Edinburgh. Days 5 - 9: Highlands and Isle of Skye. Days 10 - 12: Western islands or more Highland time. Days 13 - 14: Return or whisky region deep dive.

From the BootsnAll archive

28 stories and articles about Scotland, 2000 to 2019

Show all 28

Cities in Scotland

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Inverness

FAQ

notably thick for non-natives but charming. Don't hesitate to ask for repetition. Younger people speak clearer English. The accent becomes easier to understand after 24 hours of exposure.

For Highlands exploration, seriously helpful. For Edinburgh and main cities, no. Buses and trains cover most routes. Car rental gives flexibility for remote areas.

distinctly unpredictable. Pack layers and rain gear. Summer is mildest but rain is possible. Winter is cold and dark. Weather changes rapidly - prepare for all seasons simultaneously.

The Fringe Festival is especially massive and wonderful - theater, comedy, performances everywhere. But it's also overwhelmingly crowded and expensive. Visit August for Fringe, other months for quieter experience.

The loch is truly beautiful but really touristy. The monster myth is genuine folklore. Go for the landscape and Highland experience, not monster hunting.

Distillery visits are remarkably educational and fun. Islay whisky is notably peaty, Speyside is smooth and complex. Visiting distilleries beats shopping for bottles.

A week covers Edinburgh and basic Highlands. Two weeks allows genuine exploration. More time rewards slower travel through smaller towns and remote areas.

Yes, distinctly. It's not what you expect - it's actually decent. Trying haggis is a cultural experience, not a dare.

Update history (28)▸

  1. · Rewrite

    Updated for modern frameworks, with content updates and changes

  2. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  3. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  4. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  5. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  6. · Contributors

    1 member blog post from 1 blogger

    • 2014: 1 post from 1 traveler on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  7. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  8. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees: all content and prices updated August 2013

  9. · Contributors

    6 member blog posts from 1 blogger

    • 2013: 6 posts from 1 traveler on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  10. · Contributors

    1 member blog post from 1 blogger

    • 2012: 1 post from 1 traveler on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  11. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  12. · Contributors

    5 member blog posts from 3 bloggers

    • 2011: 5 posts from 3 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  13. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  14. · Contributors

    18 member blog posts from 2 bloggers

    • 2010: 18 posts from 2 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  15. · Contributors

    3 member blog posts from 3 bloggers

    • 2009: 3 posts from 3 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  16. · Archive

    Travel guide on BootsnAll, at a new address

    Archived copy of /Europe-Scotland

  17. · Contributors

    3 articles, by Bill Compton, Jennifer Morawiecki and The Global Travellers, plus 16 member blog posts from 6 bloggers

    • August 2008: A Guide to Surviving Edinburgh’s Festival Season - Scotland, UK … - Bill Compton (article) (source)
    • August 2008: New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh - Edinburgh, Scotland - Jennifer Morawiecki (article) (source)
    • August 2008: Tim and Mari’s World Tour - Scotland and Wales - The Global Travellers (article) (source)
    • 2008: 16 posts from 6 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  18. · Contributors

    1 article, by Fiona Sanguinetti, plus 40 member blog posts from 13 bloggers

    • January 2007: Journey of Drink Through Europe - London, Rome, Greece, Germany, Dublin, Scotland, Europe - Fiona Sanguinetti (article) (source)
    • 2007: 40 posts from 13 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  19. · Contributors

    34 member blog posts from 12 bloggers

    • 2006: 34 posts from 12 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  20. · Contributors

    24 member blog posts from 7 bloggers

    • 2005: 24 posts from 7 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  21. · Contributors

    18 member blog posts from 2 bloggers

    • 2004: 18 posts from 2 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  22. · Contributors

    2 Insider dispatches, by Rob Mathison

    • July 2003: Fringe benefits: A survival guide to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - Edinburgh, Scotland - Rob Mathison (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • July 2003: Survivor's guide to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - Edinburgh, Scotland - Rob Mathison (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)

  23. · Contributors

    Anthony St. Clair, BootsnAll staff, contributed to this guide from 1999 through 2003

  24. · Contributors

    1 story, by Jennifer Arthur

    • June 2002: The Glasgow Salsa - Glasgow, Scotland - Jennifer Arthur (story) (source)

  25. · Contributors

    7 Insider dispatches, 1 article, by Carita Groundstroem, Malcolm Blakey and Paul Sentobe

    • August 2001: An Insider's Guide to Festive Edinburgh (1 Aug 2001) - Scotland, UK - Carita Groundstroem (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2001: Edinburgh's International Arts Festivals - Scotland, UK - Malcolm Blakey (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2001: How to Put on a Fringe Play (15 Aug 2001) - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Carita Groundstroem (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2001: I Want to be Mikhail Baryshnikov (16 Aug 2001) - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Carita Groundstroem (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2001: Mama Mia - Here I Go Again! (7 Aug 2001) - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Carita Groundstroem (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2001: Military Tattoo (2 Aug 2001) - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • September 2001: Inns na Druineach - Isle of Iona, Scotland - Paul Sentobe (article) (source)
    • September 2001: September 2001 - Edinburgh, Scotland - Malcolm Blakey (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)

  26. · Contributors

    9 Insider dispatches, 7 articles, by Anthony St. Clair, Bill Compton and Marc Cullison

    • March 2000: A Few Rules for Surviving and Thriving in Edinburgh - Scotland - Anthony St. Clair (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • March 2000: A Personal Guide - Edinburgh, Scotland - Anthony St. Clair (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • April 2000: A Guide to Surviving Edinburgh's Festival Season - Scotland, UK - Bill Compton (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2000: A Golden Night - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Anthony St. Clair (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2000: Festivals Bring Edinburgh Alive - Scotland, UK - Anthony St. Clair (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2000: Fireworks End Festive August - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Anthony St. Clair (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2000: Fringe No Longer Alone - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Anthony St. Clair (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2000: On the Streets - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Anthony St. Clair (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2000: Take Any Road to the Highlands, But Stay on the Left #1: We\’re in Scotland! (Saturday, May 20, 2000) - Scotland - Marc Cullison (article) (source)
    • August 2000: Take Any Road to the Highlands, But Stay on the Left #2: Aviemore (Sunday, May 21, 2000) - Scotland - Marc Cullison (article) (source)
    • August 2000: Take Any Road to the Highlands, But Stay on the Left #3: Fort William (Monday, May 22, 2000) - Scotland - Marc Cullison (article) (source)
    • August 2000: Take Any Road to the Highlands, But Stay on the Left #6: Around Aviemore (Thursday, May 25, 2000) - Scotland - Marc Cullison (article) (source)
    • August 2000: Take Any Road to the Highlands, But Stay on the Left #7: Speyside (Friday, May 26, 2000) - Scotland - Marc Cullison (article) (source)
    • August 2000: Take Any Road to the Highlands, But Stay on the Left #8: Reflections (Saturday, May 27, 2000) - Scotland - Marc Cullison (article) (source)
    • August 2000: Take Any Road to the Highlands, But Stay on the Left #9: Bio - Scotland - Marc Cullison (article) (source)
    • August 2000: Tips for Festival Fitness - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Anthony St. Clair (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)

  27. · Contributors

    3 Insider dispatches, by Ellie Hothersall and Jane MacDonald

    • May 1999: Scotland, UK - Ellie Hothersall (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • May 1999: West Lothian, Scotland - Jane MacDonald (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • July 1999: Scotland, UK - July 1999 - Ellie Hothersall (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)

  28. · Contributors

    Chris Heidrich, BootsnAll co-founder, has contributed to this guide since 1999, including dispatches from BootsnAll and AirTreks travelers