Green Scotland

Spend time exploring the spectacular landscapes, fascinating history, exciting attractions and enchanting flora and fauna of Scotland and discover surprises around every corner.

 

From 'green' visitor attractions, Scotland's beautiful gardens open all year round and places to stay to ancient landscapes whose rich ecosystems support rare and beautiful plants and animals, you will soon see why Scotland's beauty is so well cared for and why companies across Scotland are working hard to ensure your visit is as environmentally-conscious as it is enjoyable.

 

Why not discover Scotland the green way by utilising the country’s excellent public transport links or tour with an operator dedicated to environmentally friendly practice?

 

• Flora and Fauna

  

  Delve into history and admire colourful plants and wonderful wildlife as you explore Scotland's inspirational and ancient landscapes.

• Green Scotland

  

  From eco-friendly attractions and accommodation to 'green' tours and ethical shopping, Scotland is full of surprises for the environmentally-conscious visitor.

• Scotland's Gardens

  

  Combine history and horticulture, uncover secret gardens open especially for you and even step deep inside a magical, woodland wonderland.

• The Hermitage by Dunkeld

  Perthshire

  One of the most popular beauty spots in Perthshire and most notable wild salmon leaps, the Hermitage is an outstanding grove of giant trees beside the waterfalls, rapids and swirling pools of the River Braan.

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• River Braan

  Perthshire

  Since adult salmon are absent, this area is of special interest to the trout angler. The countryside is often wild and untouched and the fishing exceptional.

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• Salmon Viewing Centre

  Scottish Borders

  Learn all about the life cycle from the salmon wall display and see what dangers lie ahead in the river.

  Read more 55.492256 -2.82302

• Glen Tanar

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Situated in a beautiful glen at the heart of Royal Deeside and within the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, Glen Tanar Estate offers some of Scotland's most stunning scenery.

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• Falls of Feugh

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  The Falls of Feugh are a short walk from the centre of Banchory. The footbridge is a popular place for spotting salmon leaping.

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• Falls of Rogie

  The Highlands

  Many salmon pass up the salmon ladder here, and you can also spot roe deer, red squirrels and buzzards en route.

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• Caprington Castle

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Ancient farmed landscape with mixed woodland policies, well carpeted with snowdrops; includes an early walled garden with fruit, vegetables and flowers. New stumped garden.

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• Culzean Castle and Country Park (NTS)

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Carpets of snowdrops border the drive and woodland walk between the castle and the swan pond. Other attractions include Deerpark Coastline gardens and a children’s playground.

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• North and South Uist

  Outer Hebrides

  North and South Uist are two of the best places to see machair in bloom, as well as diverse flora and fauna such as the elusive corncrake.

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• Balmacara

  The Highlands

  Balmacara, near Skye, is a real coastal paradise, perfect for discovering the unique ecosystems of the machair plains.

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• Ben Lawers

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  This rugged landscape is home to one of the most celebrated collection of mountain plants in Britain, where you can gaze at rare flora like the alpine forget-me-not.

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• Ben Lui

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  The striking cliffs and jagged outcrops of Ben Lui are home to a lush variety of alpine flowers such as the colouful yellow mountain saxifrage.

  Read more 56.397539 -4.811782

• Kittochside

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  The rolling meadows of Kittochside, part of the National Museum of Rural Life Scotland, are great for spotting colourful flora such as purple Knapweeds and wild pansies.

  Read more 55.773158 -4.225831

• Threave Gardens

  Dumfries & Galloway

  The water meadows of Threave Gardens are perfect for spotting wild flowers such as yellow flag iris, while in the rest of the estate you can enjoy waymarked trails, a wildfowl sanctuary and more.

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• Knapdale Forest

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Some of the best viewing spots are on the walking trail around Loch Coille Bharr.

  Read more 56.485624383431585 -4.21051025390625

• Yair Forest

  Scottish Borders

  This forest sits very close to the River Tweed, which is world-famous for its salmon.

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• Hermitage and Black Linn Falls

  Perthshire

  Admire the Douglas Fir trees, which includes one of the tallest trees in the country.

  Read more 56.5651093 -3.5853577

• Mar Lodge

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  The estate is recognised as one of the most important nature conservation landscapes in the British Isles.

  Read more 56.9922937 -3.4852152

• Loch Garten

  The Highlands

  This ancient Caledonian Pine Forest offers a number of excellent walks and wildlife watching opportunities.

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• Rothiemurchus

  The Highlands

  One of the largest areas of natural forest in Britain, Rothiemurchus boasts an extraordinary variety of wildlife.

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• Glen Affric

  The Highlands

  Glen Affric is a beautiful mix of lochs, native pine woods and moorland.

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• Loch Maree

  The Highlands

  With more than 60 islands, Loch Maree is the nearest thing to natural woodland left in Britain.

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• Ardnamurchan Point

  The Highlands

  Isolated peninsula with a lighthouse in the Scottish Highlands.

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• Arisaig

  The Highlands

  Excellent location for spotting a variety of whales.

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• Chanonry Point

  The Highlands

  Dolphins are often visible from Chanory Point, particularly on an incoming tide.

  Read more 57.57431884397943 -4.093437194824219

• Edinburgh Botanic Garden

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Just outside the city centre find a tranquil haven at this 70 acre garden.

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• Benmore Botanic Garden

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Set on the Cowal Peninsula, this garden is steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful scenery.

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• Dawyck Botanic Garden

  Scottish Borders

  Exotic and native plants combine to make this a beautiful spectacle.

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• Logan Botanic Garden

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Warmed by the Gulf Stream, a great variety of species thrive here.

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• Ardchattan Priory Garden

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Ever since the 13th century there has been a garden at Ardchattan.

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• Priorwood Garden

  Scottish Borders

  Enjoy the herbaceous borders which produce flowers that are dried.

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• Greenbank Garden

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Greenbank covers 30 different gardens with various themes.

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• Cruachan Power Station

  The Highlands

  Visit the generating hall of this hydroelectric power station, a vast subterranean cavern containing four immense generators which produce electricity from the water of Loch Awe.

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• Wilderness Scotland

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  The renowned National Geographic rates Wilderness Scotland as the number one adventure travel company in Europe - take their advice and book one of their exciting tours.

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• Falkland Estate

  The Kingdom of Fife

  Flakland Estate is also home to Falkland Palace and Garden, owned by the NTS and, once a favoured place of retreat and leisure for the Stuart kings and queens of Scotland, including Mary Queen of Scots.

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• Loch Ness

  The Highlands

  Each Summer the banks of the beautiful loch come alive with the sounds of the Rockness music festival.

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• Willow Tea Rooms

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Mackintosh designed every aspect of the Willow Tea Rooms, from the exterior and interior of the building to the cutlery and waitresses' dresses.

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• Our Dynamic Earth

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Fid out all you neeed to know about earthquakes, volcanoes, icebergs, rainforests, dinosaurs and more at the top family attraction.

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• Culloden Visitor Centre

  The Highlands

  Discover more about the Battle of Culloden, the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil, at the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre.

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• Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Visit the beautiful Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, the largest regional park in Scotland.

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• Bowmore Distillery

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Take the two hour Craftsman's Tour and gain access to Bowmore's famous No.1 Vaults - located below sea level - and sample some of the distillery's finest malt whisky.

  Read more 55.7564332 -6.2903905

• Pulteney Distillery

  The Highlands

  Pulteney is the most northerly of Britain's mainland distilleries and continues to manufacture its distinctive brand of maritime whisky using centuries old methods which you can learn about on fascinating guided tours.

  Read more 58.4347395 -3.0873727798461914

• Traquair House

  Scottish Borders

  Dating back to 1107, Traquair was originally a hunting lodge for the Kings and Queens of Scotland.

  Read more 55.6083468 -3.0639816

• Threave Castle

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Threave Castle was built by Archibald the Grim in the late 14th century and was later a stronghold of the Black Douglases.

  Read more 54.93885 -3.969691

• Falkland Palace

  The Kingdom of Fife

  Explore this beautiful palace and grounds and visit the world's oldest tennis court.

  Read more 56.253889 -3.206389

• highland park distillery

  Orkney

  Established in 1798 by infamous smuggler Euson Mason, Highland Park distillery is one of six remaining in Scotland which continues to malt its own barley. Take a guided tour of the distillery to witness the entire brewing process from malting to distillation.

  Read more 58.9668658 -2.9524375

• Hopetoun House

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  150 acres of rolling parkland which includes several walks and two nature trails with superb views over the Deer park and the River Forth.

  Read more 55.992775 -3.459847

• Culzean Castle

  Ayrshire & Arran

  The clifftop castle lies within the Culzean Castle Country Park and is opened to the public. Since 1987, an illustration of the castle has featured on the reverse side of five pound notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

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• Crathes Castle

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Crathes Castle was built over a 43 year period from 1553 – 96 by the Burnett family.

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• Glenkinchie Distillery

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Situated in the tranquil farmland of East Lothian, Glenkinchie Distillery boasts the largest stills in Scotland, with a volume of 30,963 litres. Enjoy a guided tour of the premises and complete your visit with a dram of the distillery's signature 'Edinburgh Malt'.

  Read more 55.889989 -2.891258

• Solway View

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Have a camping trip with a difference and stay in a wooden wigwam at Solway View.

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• Troosachs Holiday Park

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Pitch up a tent in one of two perfectly situated camping areas which provide spectacular views of Ben Lomond and the Campsie Hill. You can also visit the park's custom built nature observation point for the chance to see variety of bird and wildlife.

  Read more 56.1400746 -4.3550204

• Pitmedden Garden

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Admire thousands of colourful annual bedding plants at Pitmedden Garden.

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• House of Dun

  Angus & Dundee

  Stroll through Lady Augusta’s walk to view the carpet of snowdrops throughout the wooded den.

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• Crarae Garden

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Crarae is centred around a beautiful burn which provides a focal point in the garden.

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• Arduaine Garden

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  A plantsman’s garden on the coast of Argyll, enjoying the beneficial influence of the North Atlantic Drift. Early bulbs, rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias and much more.

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• Geilston Garden

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Fruit, vegetables and cut flowers are grown in the kitchen garden and the Geilston Burn winds its way through enchanting woodland walks.

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• Castle Fraser

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  In the grounds of the castle you will find two waymarked walks with magnificent views of the local hills and the spectacular children's Woodland Secrets play area complete with a tepee, bamboo snake walk and giant xylophone.

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• Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens are open all year round for great woodland walks and atunning highland scenery.

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• Calgary Art in Nature

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  The Carthouse Gallery and Tea Room is a great place to start your journey through Calgary Woods. See what you can spot among the trees on a walk down to Calgary Bay, a beautiful cove with pristine white sands.

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• Place of Origin

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Kemnay is also near Castle Fraser, a beautiful 18th century walled garden and the extensive woodland walks.

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• Striding Arches

  Dumfries & Galloway

  This is colt hill, where one of the arches is placed. Other arches made of Dumfriesshire sandstone by Goldsworthy stand in Canada, the United States and New Zealand, echoing the travels of emigrating Scots over the last 200 years.

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• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Head inside the gallery to see a giant sculpture by one of Scotland’s modern masters Eduardo Paolozzi.

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• Jupiter Artland

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Look out for the bright Love Bomb, a 12-metre-high digitally painted orchid sculpture, the biggest in a whole bright garden of flower art which never wilts.

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• Hidden Gardens

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Take a look at the The Rill, created by Julie Brook, is a flat circle of moving water situated within the naturalised area to the rear of the gardens. It reflects traditional channels of water seen commonly in Islamic and English gardens.

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• Gretna Green Sculpture Garden

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Sense the anticipation and high emotions of the thousands of couples who have entered the World Famous Blacksmiths Shop over the years to get married.

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• Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail

  The Highlands

  This woodland walk features thought provoking sculptures which appear to have grown out of the very nature that surrounds them. The Sculpture Trail is 10km south of Aviemore at Feshiebridge, near Kincraig.

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• Ardwell garden

  Dumfries & Galloway

  See the sea of bluebells as you follow the woodland walks in early May.

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• Dunskey Gardens

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Dunskey is a relaxing place with many places for you to sit in tranquility with only the birds, bees and squirrels for company.

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• Logan House Gardens

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Walk through ancient shrubberies and wander down the majestic Monkey Puzzle Avenue.

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• Logan Botanic Garden

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Take a walk to the highest point in the garden for breathtaking views across the Rhins to the Galloway Hills and beyond.

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• Castle Kennedy Gardens

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Described as one of the showpieces of Galloway, this is one of Scotland's most well-known historical gardens.

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• Blair Atholl

  Perthshire

  The magnificent Blair Atholl was one of the first private homes to open to the public in Scotland.

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• Cambo Estate

  Perthshire

  Explore the outstanding woodland by following the wonderful walks that lead you to the the sea.

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• National Museum of Rural Life Scotland

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Step back in time and experience a working farm being run like it was in the 1950s where you can see pigs, sheep and Ayrshire cows as well as a replica 1950s farmhouse.

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• Loch Leven National Nature Reserve

  Perthshire

  Summer at Loch Leven NNR brings lots of new life with tufted ducklings in the lochs and dragonflies and damselflies darting around the wetland flowers.

  Read more 56.1767269 3.3549781

• Falkland Palace and Gardens

  The Kingdom of Fife

  Explore this beautiful palace and grounds and visit the world's oldest tennis court.

  Read more 56.253889 -3.206389

• Taynish National Nature Reserve

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  The wet, mild Atlantic climate has a remarkable effect on the variety of flora and fauna that can be spotted underneath the leafy canopy of the oaks.

  Read more 56.026514 -5.425066

• Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  This reserve is made up of six different woodlands - Cleghorn Glen, Cartland Craigs, Falls of Clyde, Chatelherault, Nethan Gorge and Mauldslie woods.

  Read more 55.753806 -4.015563

• Glasdrum Wood

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  The name Glasdrum means `grey ridge' in Gaelic, perhaps named for the grey of the ash trees that thrive on the lime-rich soil running through the heart of the wood.

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• Canna

  The Highlands

  Canna has many sites of archaeological interest, including nine scheduled monuments, and has links to the Neolithic, Columban and Viking eras

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• Tiree

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  A Mecca for windsurfers, Tiree has some of the most reliable waves and wind in Scotland. It's also known for being one of the sunniest places in Britain.

  Read more 56.503995 -6.863022

• Isle of May

  The Kingdom of Fife

  Prepare to be astonished by more than 200,000 seabirds on the peaceful Isle of May.

  Read more 56.1862564 -2.5556985

• Rockcliffe

  Dumfries & Galloway

  The village of Rockcliffe boasts beautiful scenery and offers great walking on the route to Castle Point and Sandyhills all year round.

  Read more 54.865615 -3.79715

• St Abb’s Head NNR

  Scottish Borders

  Over 60,000 guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes nest on the ledges of the 100m high cliffs. Puffins can also be seen on the slopes either side of Nunnery Point.

  Read more 55.89961930200866 -2.131519317626953

• Nonavaar

  Shetland

  Sitting within dry stone walls and offering great views of the coast line, this pretty country garden boasts ponds, terraces, trees, bushes, varied perennials, annuals, vegetable garden and a greenhouse.

  Read more 59.971918 -1.271469

• Dal an Eas and Dalnaneun

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  These two country gardens, one with awinding burn downs to waterfalls, the other an enclosed garden featuring flowerbeds, vegetables and herbs.

  Read more 56.387231 -5.433931