1. Scotland Map Showing the Major Tourist Attractions in Scotland
James Martin, Europe Travel
Click the thumbnail map to see it larger. The map will open in a new window in your browser, so you can follow along with the suggested mapped destinations below.
2. Edinburgh Scotland
Scotland's capital has nearly a half million people, over 60,000 of which are university students. According to Ferne Arfin, Edinburgh attracts 13 million visitors a year, a testament to its attraction as a tourist destination. The world's largest performing arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, isn't the only thing going. You'll be able to attend festivals almost continuously from the end of July to the beginning of September, enjoying film, book, television, art, blues and jazz festivals.
3. Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, so you'll enjoy an almost year-round festival season, a wide range of cultural activities and more museums than you can shake a stick at. Find travel information, hotels, a big map of central Glasgow and more with our guide to Glasgow.
4. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Loch Lomand, just above Glasgow on our map, is the largest body of freshwater in the British isles. Scotland, being small, is easy to get around in, according to Ferne Arfin, Loch Lomond is within an hour's drive for more than 70% of Scotland's population. Find out all about the lake, the Argyll Forest, the wild glens and the villages of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park by clicking the link above.
5. Traquair - Scotland's Oldest Continuously Occupied House
Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, is the address of Scotland's oldest house and possibly the British Isle's oldest occupied castle as well. There are more than 100 acres of woodlands, lawns and gardens here. Mary Queen of Scots, here we come!
6. Isle of Skye
Is it the "shining jewel in the Hebridean crown"? Why not head over and find out. You'll probably end up at Kyle on the mainland section of the Skye Bridge, where there's a train station and tourist office. Cross the bridge and you'll be in backpackers heaven, with some decent hostels and lots of tours to look into.
7. Isle of Arran
A popular tourist destination, especially for hikers and bikers, Isle of Arran calls itself "Scotland in Miniature." 90 kilometers of scenic road circles the island and is perfect for bikers. Brodick is Arran's main town, with a population just over 2000. High atop a hill sits Brodick Castle, which contains a fine porcelain exhibit.
8. Inverness and Loch Ness
Yes, of course you've heard of the Loch Ness monster. It started in 565, when St. Columba freed a monk from the ravages of a sea monster and by golly, even today people swear they're still seeing it. Loch Ness is 7.5 km from Inverness; you'll find lots of tour operators willing to take you.
Inverness, once just an ancient fort, is now Capital of the highlands. Macbeth had his castle here. If you're a bagpipe player or mere aficionado, you'll like Inverness for the Northern Meeting, a famous bagpipe festival.
From Inverness you can easily reach Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. The scenic route takes you to Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Sky.
9. Balmoral Castle in Scotland - The Queen's Private Vacation Home
"About 85,000 people visit Balmoral Castle in Scotland every year, several hundred thousand more walk the estate's open countryside, highland paths and fells." says guide Ferne Arfin. You can even rent a self-catering cottage on the Balmoral estate. Be the Queen's neighbor. You deserve it.
10. St. Andrews, It's More Than Just Golf
You've got a village steeped in history with a castle and ancient Cathedral, good restaurants, sandy beaches, and yes, there's even golf.
11. Orkney Islands
Orkney is perfect for those outdoorsy types. "Happily for today's visitor - in search of wildlife, ancient and recent history, outdoor activities and a unique, Norse influenced culture - Orkney is not hard to reach year round. There are plenty of comfortable places to stay, wonderful, fresh-from-the-sea cuisine, and lots of welcoming Orcadians."
