From ancient monuments and heritage sites to pristine landscapes and jaw-dropping entertainment, Scotland has plenty to offer Australian travellers. Each reflecting the Spirit of Scotland, this is the go-to list of Scotland’s diverse but delightful must-visit attractions, events, activities and adventures.
1.Edinburgh – the Festival City
Edinburgh celebrated the 70th anniversary of its world-famous festivals in 2017, bursting with events and celebrations. Home to 12 major annual festivals including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – the world’s biggest arts festival – you can try your hand on stage in an open-access performance if you dare… http://www.edinburghfestivalcity.com/
2. Under the Scottish sea – the Snorkel Trail
A Scottish first, the self-led North West Highlands Snorkel Trail takes in nine beaches and bays on the coastline of Wester Ross and Sutherland, home to dogfish, barrel jellyfish and sea urchins galore… https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/snorkel-trail/
3. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Celebrate Scotland’s national drink with thousands from around the world at this epic five-day whisky event in stunning Speyside, home to some of the biggest names in Scotch whisky…http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/
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4. Isle of Eigg
Situated south of the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Eigg this year marks 20 years as a fully sustainable island, generating almost 100% of its electricity using renewable energy – it’s also home to 130 bird species including breeding raptor species…www.isleofeigg.net
5. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Televised and watched by an avid global audience each year, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a magnificent spectacle to experience live for Australian travellers. Showcasing bagpipers, marching bands, visiting musicians, fireworks and more in the grounds of historic Edinburgh Castle… https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/
6. 20 years of Potter mania
Twenty years on from its initial print run of 1000 copies in June, Scotland and Harry Potter are inextricably connected. The author JK Rowling penned many chapters in cafés around Edinburgh, including the Elephant House…http://www.touringscotland.co.uk/themed-tours/harry-potter-tours/ It’s an Aussie traveller favourite!
7. North Coast 500
Scotland’s answer to ‘Route 66’, the NC500 covers never ending back roads, wide meandering tracks and beautiful bends through Scotland’s finest northern Highland scenery, taking in stunning beaches and delicious dining stops along the way in the ultimate Scottish road trip…www.northcoast500.com
8. St Andrew’s University
It’s where Wills met Kate and it’s located in the historic town renowned as the global home of golf – what more enticement could an Australian traveller need? http://www.visitstandrews.com/
9. Follow the Viking Festival
Held over two weekends, the Follow the Vikings Roadshow & Festival will showcase Shetland through Viking-inspired activities such as fire-breathing, beach raids, fierce re-enactments, banquets and clambering aboard the long ships used in the smash TV series aptly named….Vikings http://www.shetlandvisitor.com/follow-the-vikings
10. Scotland’s Castle Trail
Home to more than 300 castles, stately homes and ruins, Aberdeenshire is Scottish castle country. Visit 19 of the country’s most dramatic fortresses on Scotland’s Castle Trail, check out royal bolthole Balmoral Castle or head south to the allegedly haunted Glamis Castle… http://static.visitscotland.com/pdf/visitscotland-castle-trail.pdf and www.glamis-castle.co.uk/
11. A UNESCO Triangle
An Australian Traveller favourite is to travel the triangle between Scotland’s beautiful three UNESCO-listed cities, just 100 miles apart: UNESCO City of Music (Glasgow): UNESCO City of Literature (Edinburgh); and the UNESCO City of Design (Dundee)… http: //www. d undeecityofdesign.com/ http://www.cityofliterature.com/ and http://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/glasgow
12. Trawl the Craft Trail
Visit the workshops and studios of Scotland’s thriving arts and crafts sector in Orkney and Shetland, browsing authentic artisan jewellery, pottery, textiles and blown glass, often created using traditional techniques… http://www.orkneydesignercrafts.com/craft-trail/
13. Visiting a Buddhist retreat
There’s no need to head to the east in search of meditation, Scotland is home to Samye Ling, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery which runs courses in mindfulness meditation from its remote valley setting by the River Esk… http://www.samyeling.org/
14. Marvel at Mother Nature
See nature at her very best in Scotland. “Whether you opt to ‘bag a Munro’ (climb one of the country’s 282 mountains over 3000 feet) or witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights; Wick in Caithness and Galloway Forest Park are favoured spots from which to seek out the night sky in Scotland…”www.wildernessscotland.com and https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/landscapes-nature/northern-lights/
15. Epic adventures – fly to the beach at Barra or take a nippy wild dip
Make like Indiana Jones and fly from Glasgow or Benbecula to Barra, Traigh Mhor – a two-mile cockle shell strand which serves as the island’s runway, and disappears underwater twice a day… or get your brave on and go wild swimming at Port Charlotte on Islay, a swimmer’s paradise with seals, sea otters and crystal clear water, or at the mysterious Fairy Pools in rugged Skye… www.loganair.co.uk and www.wildswimming.co.uk/all-scotland
16. Dance with a Scot at a Ceilidh
Get up close and personal with the Scot of your dreams at a ceilidh, where dances include the Strip the Willow – a unique form of couples’ line dancing… ceilidhexperience.visitscotland.com
17. Try whisky….and haggis!
Scotland is home to so many tasty treats to sample. From haggis, to whisky distilleries, to famed fish and chips (Frankie’s Fish & Chips in Shetland, the UK’s most northerly chippie has been named the nation’s best) there’s flavours galore in Scotland for Australian Travellers … www.frankiesfishandchips.com
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