• Real Scotland

Real Scotland

Why do the locals never frequent the places where the tourists flock?  What do they know that visitors don’t?

 

The world over this phenomenon holds true – down cobbled backstreets and leafy byways, along unmarked paths and beyond echoing courtyards, the locals guard their best-kept secrets: little gems of pubs and restaurants, deserted white beaches and dancing waterfalls, ancient ruins and silent haunts that time has forgotten.

 

And Scotland is no exception to this rule: beneath its eye-catching facade lie hidden depths, an amazing array of authentic experiences just waiting to be discovered.  To help you along, we’ve lifted the lid on the ‘Real Scotland’ – with this exclusive guide drawn from the nation’s collective consciousness. 

 

How did we do it?  Simple – we asked the locals!

 

Lochranza Castle at sunrise, Arran

Islands of the Clyde Estuary

From the picture perfect seaside resorts of Millport and Bute to the foodie delights available on the Isle of Arran's Taste Trail, experience a real sense of escape on the west coast of Scotland. 

 

looking over Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull

Inner Hebrides

Discover beautiful stretches of sand, towering cliffs, beautiful gardens, island gems and mainland mountains. Whether you are sampling fine malts on Islay or spotting wildlife on the Small Isles, breathtaking landscapes are guaranteed.

 

Cuillin Ridge, Skye

Isle of Skye

Dominated by the towering peaks of the Cuillin Hills, Skye offers much more than spectacular landscapes. Take a culinary odyssey, soak up the island's fascinating history or try any number of adventure sports on this magical island.

 

Beach at Huisinis, North Harris

Outer Hebrides

An archipelago with the open Atlantic beyond, enjoy the relaxed pace of life on the Outer Hebrides. Find dazzling beaches, wildlife and historical treasures - and don’t miss the opportunity to track down some eponymous Harris Tweed.

 

Ring of Brodgar, Orkney

Orkney Isles

From spectacular coastal scenery to the stunning array of archaeological sites across the isles, Orkney is full of mystery and intrigue. Be sure to experience a spot of island hopping and discover a way of life truly defined by the sea.

 

Eshaness Cliffs, Shetland

Shetland

Explore this Viking stronghold and glimpse into Norse history, visit spectacular seabird colonies and experience the unique Shetland sound of traditional fiddle playing. An archipelago of more than 100 islands, one trip is never enough.

 

red deer

The Highlands

Whether it’s bagging a Munro or taking in picture perfect vistas, experience the freedom of walking in the Highlands. Then there are the castles, clans and historic battle sites to discover, with an abundance of fine local produce at every stop.

 

Forth Rail Bridge, EdinburghThe Cities 

Enjoy an exciting urban experience combining shopping, culture and entertainment, not to mention top class accommodation and dining. Read on for the hidden gems to seek out in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling and Inverness.

 

Culzean Castle

The South

From the delights of the 212-miles east to west Southern Upland Way to historic abbeys, castles, rolling estates and formal gardens.  Discover the 'must sees' of Dumfries & Galloway, the Scottish Borders and Ayrshire.

 

Crail, Fife

The East

The east of Scotland serves up the best of coast and glen in Fife, Perthshire, Angus and Aberdeenshire. From Fife's historic fishing villages to the magnificent Angus Glens and Perthshire's 'Big Tree Country', explore a ‘cross-section’ of a real Scotland.

 

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe

The West

Experience the romantic landscapes of Loch Lomond, Argyll and the Trossachs. Standing stones, ancient battlesites, literary locations, stunning sea lochs and Munroes are just waiting to be explored. 

 

 

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