Scotland's Top Attractions: Castles, Lochs, Highlands & Islands

Scotland packs world-class scenery and history into a compact, accessible land.

1. Edinburgh Castle

Volcanic plug fortress; Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, 1 PM gun, Military Tattoo (Aug).

2. Loch Ness

23 mi long, 230 m deep. Nessie legend; Urquhart Castle ruins; Jacobite cruises.

3. The Kelpies (Falkirk)

30-m steel horse heads (Andy Scott); Helix Park; canal-side; illuminated at night.

4. Ben Nevis

UK's highest (1,345 m); Mountain Track (pony track) 7–9 hr round; CIC hut for climbers.

5. Glencoe

U-shaped glacial valley; "Glen of Weeping" (1692 massacre); hiking, photography, ski area.

6. Isle of Skye

Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Dunvegan Castle, Talisker Distillery. Bridge from Kyleakin.

7. Scottish Highlands

Cairngorms NP, Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter), Culloden Battlefield, whisky trail (Speyside).

8. St Andrews

Home of golf (Old Course), university (1413), cathedral ruins, West Sands (Chariots of Fire).

9. Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Aug)

World's largest arts festival; 3,000+ shows, comedy, theatre, street performers.

10. Stirling Castle

Key to Scotland; Wallace & Bruce; Great Hall, Royal Palace, Argyll's Lodging.

Bonus

• North Coast 500 (driving route).
• Orkney/Shetland (Neolithic, puffins, Vikings).
• Whisky regions: Speyside, Islay, Highland, Lowland, Campbeltown.