WEATHER
Jan -March:
51-25F,
mostly cloudy, wet
April -June:
81-45F,
partly sunny, dry
July -Sept:
85-58F,
partly sunny, dry
Oct -Dec:
64-30F,
mostly cloudy, wet
Scotland is incredibly high up at 55 degrees north latitude, keeping the country pretty cool even in the summer months so always pack layers no matter when you visit.
This also affects day length, with the country seeing as little as 8 hours of sunlight during the winter months. On the flipside, you can expect 4am sunrises and 10pm sunsets in the summer. For this reason, we suggest visiting between May and August.
"Where is the coward that would not dare to fight for a land such as Scotland?"
- William Wallace
Is there a single country in the world more romantic than Scotland? I don't think so. And I don't mean that as if it is a country of love, but rather a country to love. It is the last great wilderness of Europe and one that Scots have been fighting and dying for, even when death is almost certain, for more than a thousand years. What is a land so dangerously beautiful that men value it more than their own lives? What land inspires heroes to answer the call like Robert the Bruce and William Wallace? What land inspires both poets and warriors alike? It can only be Scotland.
The earliest evidence of human habitation in Scotland dates back to around 12,000 years ago, with Mesolithic hunter-gatherer communities. By the Neolithic period, around 4000 BC, farming had emerged, and communities built impressive stone structures like burial cairns, and the famous stone circles such as the Callanish Stones. Around 500 BC, Celtic tribes known as the Picts and Gaels began to settle in Scotland, establishing powerful kingdoms. The Roman Empire attempted to conquer the region in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, but the northern territories (Caledonia) remained unconquered.
In the early medieval years, the Gaels, Picts, and Britons merged and formed the Kingdom of Alba. In the 9th century, the Vikings began raiding Scotland's shores, leading to a significant influence on the Northern Isles and the creation of Norse-Gaelic culture that can be observed in areas still today. In the 11th century, the Kingdom of Alba under King Malcolm III and Queen Margaret, and they established close ties with England, leading to Norman influences in Scotland's governance and culture. The reign of King David I witnessed the introduction of feudalism and the expansion of towns and cities.
The 13th and 14th centuries were marked by the Wars of Independence, as Scotland struggled for freedom from English rule. Scottish heroes such as William Wallace (aka Braveheart) and Robert the Bruce played crucial roles in leading the fight for independence. The decisive Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 secured a significant victory for the Scots.
In 1603, the Scottish King James VI ascended to the English throne, uniting the crowns of England and Scotland and becoming James I of England. Although the two kingdoms remained separate, this event laid the groundwork for the eventual formation of the United Kingdom.
Victoria Street in Edinburgh
In 1707, the Parliaments of Scotland and England passed the Acts of Union, officially uniting the Kingdom of Great Britain. This created a single state with a single Parliament in Westminster, London. Despite this, Scotland retained its legal and educational systems.The 18th and 19th centuries brought significant changes to Scotland's economy and society. Industrialization transformed cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, while the rural Highlands experienced the tragic Highland Clearances, during which many Highlanders were forcibly evicted from their lands to make way for sheep farming.
The 20th century saw Scotland's emergence as a center of industry, education, and culture. The discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s brought economic prosperity to the region. In 1999, the Scottish Parliament was re-established, granting Scotland a degree of devolved government. In 2014, Scotland held a referendum on independence from the UK, with the majority voting to remain in the Union. However, the issue of Scottish independence remains an important political topic. Scotland remains under British rule... for now.
Glen Etive, Scottish Highlands
Any good Scottish roadtrip is likely to start in the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site of Edinburgh, a cultural hub with a rich history. It's famous for its iconic Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat (an ancient volcano with stunning views), and an array of festivals, including the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Head north to a city of innovation in Dundee, known for its vibrant cultural scene and the V&A Dundee, a stunning museum showcasing design and architecture. Visitors can enjoy the Dundee Contemporary Arts center, the RRS Discovery, and the nearby Angus countryside. Continue north to the "Granite City," Aberdeen, famous for its stunning gray stone architecture and rich maritime heritage. Visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, stroll along the beach, and explore the beautiful nearby Cairngorms National Park. This area also has many famous distilleries. We recommend Glenfiddich, Glendronach, Glen Garioch, Dalwhinnie, Benriach, and Glenfarclas.
From here, your journey to the Scottish Highlands begins! Known as the "Gateway to the Highlands," Inverness is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Highland region. Loch Ness. Inverness Castle and Culloden Battlefield are notable sites. Then head west to the Isle of Skye, located on the west coast of Scotland, which is a place of unparalleled natural beauty. Renowned for its rugged mountains, dramatic cliffs, fairy-tale castles, and picturesque villages. This region, home to the MacLeod clan, is engrained in Gaelic culture even today.
Next head two hours south to Fort William, a picturesque town located in the Scottish Highlands, near the shores of Loch Linnhe and at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning landscapes such as Loch Lochy, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's also home to the Jacobite Steam Train (better known as the Hogwarts Express), Head another two hours southwest to the Isle of Mull, the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides. The island's diverse terrain provides endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and whale and shark watching. Checkout Calgary Bay and Duart Castle while you're there. There are also incredible distilleries on the west side of Scotland, including Oban, Laphroaig, Talisker, Ardbeg, Bruichladdich, and Bowmore.
Head back south to the lowlands to visit Stirling, known for Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish independence, and the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The National Wallace Monument honors William Wallace. Another half hour south, and you will find Scotland's largest city and a center for culture and art, Glasgow. This city boasts impressive Victorian and art nouveau architecture, world-class museums, galleries, and robust nightlife. The University of Glasgow, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and the Riverside Museum are some of its notable attractions. And finally, if you plan to head even further south to England, consider stopping in Dumfries, a historic town known for its rich history, scenic surroundings, and connections to famous poet Robert Burns. Situated along the banks of the River Nith, Dumfries offers visitors a mix of cultural attractions including 12th-century Dumfries Castle, the ruins of Lincluden Collegiate Church, and the Devorgilla Bridge, dating back to the 15th century, and the Robert Burns House Museum. Our final, most unique suggestion is taking a somewhat frightening flight all the way north to the Orkney Islands. Orkney is home to some of the most well-preserved and significant Neolithic sites in Europe. The Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness are ancient stone circles dating back over 5,000 years, and the Skara Brae village provides a glimpse into Neolithic life with its well-preserved stone dwellings. Most of the inhabitants are descendants of vikings and Norse traditions are still very entwined in their culture today.
Isle of Skye
TOP TO DO'S
Safety
Scotland is one of the safest countries to travel with the Scots being famously hospitable, but common sense is still necessary, especially after drinking alcohol. Petty crime and pickpocketing are still possible. Take extra precaution if you plan to spend a lot of time in nature, specifically climbing or hiking mountains, or in water.
Transportation
The North Coast 500 (in upper Scotland) takes around 14 hours to drive without stops, but we recommend 1-2 weeks to drive around the entire country. A US driver's license is valid in Scotland, but some countries may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note that motorists drive on the left side of the road.
Currency
Scotland uses the British Pound Sterling, and most major cards are widely accepted. If you receive good service,, a gratuity of around 10-15% is reasonable. However, tipping is not expected in pubs or more casual eateries, and it's common for patrons to simply round up the bill to the nearest pound. You need to tip tour guides 10-15%
Safety
First
While the Scots do love a dram, the country has strict drinking and driving laws. And by strict, we mean much strict than the USA - zero tolerance. Plan out your distillery routes well in advance, select a designated driver per day by your schedule or schedule taxi pickups. Remember that no drink is worth a life.
Calling lovers of all things gothic and spooky. In Edinburgh, you have to dine at the Witchery! Specializing in Scottish cuisine, the interior of this space will bewitch you. Try grabbing a window seat in the "secret garden" so you can dine amongst the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Don't let its Michelin status fool you, while the food is award-winning, this seafood joint is totally unpretentious, Husband-and-wife team Michael and Laurence Smith curate their menu around their seafood that comes directly from nearby Loch Bay and the Isle of Skye coastline. Their intimate and cosy joint requires reservations.
Sweet tooth in Glasgow? This award-wining, family-owned biz has your sugar fix ready! The store is gorgeous, and their churros are completely organic. Everything is made small-batch, and we recommend any (and all) of their vegan ice cream flavors.
Vegan food doesn't have to be boring! If you find yourself in Glasgow, head to the Glasvegan for breakfast or lunch. They have burgers, bacon, cheese, and even a full Scottish breakfast, but the best part is that no animals were harmed in the making of your meal!
For the best highlands dining experience, head to Inverlochy Castle to dine at Seasgair (meaning comfy in Gaelic) by famous chef Michel Roux Jr. Expect award-winning British cuisine with French influence while you are surrounded by period decor, gifted to Inverlochy by the King of Norway.
In 1591, this medieval building was built as a place to collect tolls from travelers. Since 1820, the bottom floor has acted as a lively pub that serves Scottish fare and strong whisky. Scottish comfort food and liquid gold? Sign us up.
This Edinburgh cocktail bar is so secretive that they don't even have a menu! Your server will hear about your likes and dislikes and craft you a cocktail accordingly. DM them to get a reservation - only 7 tables! And remember to knock, their door is always locked.
VB Tip: A Full Monty
A traditonal Scottish breakfast is so hearty that many versions will not have all of the elements, but some brave souls decide to go "a full monty"... here's what to expect.
Lorne Sausage: A square-shaped sausage made from minced meat (usually beef) mixed with rusk or breadcrumbs and various spices. It is often called "square sausage" or "slice" due to its shape. Link Sausages: These are traditional pork sausages, similar to the ones found in English breakfasts. Black Pudding: Also known as "blood pudding" or "mealy pudding," this is a type of sausage made from pork blood, oatmeal, suet, and spices. It has a dark color and a distinct savory flavor. Haggis: While not always a part of the breakfast, some Scottish breakfasts may include haggis, especially on special occasions. Haggis is a traditional dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oatmeal, onions, suet, and spices, all encased in a sheep's stomach. Bacon: Scottish bacon is similar to the bacon found in other parts of the UK and is typically made from pork loin. Eggs: Fried, scrambled, or poached eggs are commonly served as part of a Scottish breakfast. Tattie Scone: A potato scone made from mashed potatoes, flour, and sometimes butter. It's usually griddled and served as an accompaniment to the other items. Tomatoes: Grilled or fried tomatoes can be included. In addition to mushrooms, toast, and tea or coffee to wash it all down.
Get the full dine guide (over 100 restaurants) with our downloadable travel itinerary!
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Think capsule wardrobe - tops and bottoms that can mix and match!
Scotland has some big cities like Edinburgh where chic fashion can thrive, but lean more casual for the smaller towns.
Make sure you bring plenty of activewear for working out or hiking.
No matter what time of year, Scotland can be cold, or at the least... chilly! LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS.
VB Tip: Tartan territory
Historically, each clan would have its distinctive tartan, which could be used to identify members and distinguish them from other clans. The colors and patterns were derived from local dyes and available materials, resulting in a wide array of unique designs. Following the Jacobite Rising of 1745, the British government implemented the Act of Proscription in an attempt to suppress Highland culture, and this included banning the wearing of tartan.
Towards the end of the 18th century, there was a revival of interest in Scottish heritage and culture, and the ban on tartan was lifted. King George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822 further popularized tartan when the king himself donned Highland dress, including a tartan kilt. This sparked a renewed appreciation for Scottish traditions, including tartans. Today, Scottish tartans remain an integral part of Scotland's cultural identity and are celebrated during various events, particularly Highland games and gatherings. Many clans and families still proudly wear their tartans at special occasions and family events. To preserve the integrity and authenticity of tartan designs, the Scottish Register of Tartans was established in 2008. It serves as an official record of tartan designs and ensures that new tartans are appropriately registered and attributed to their rightful creators.
as the locals say...
Bonnie:
Pretty
Mountain
Ben:
Banter:
Witty convo
Braw:
Great
Loch:
Lake
Dinnae:
Don't
Ken:
Know
Shan:
Unfair
Wee:
Small
Steaming:
Very drunk
Dram:
Pour of whisky
Hush/quiet
Haud yer wheesht:
Scran:
Aye:
Yes
Food
Fitba:
Football
POP QUIZ!
WATCH
Outlander
Outlaw King
Bravehart
Robert the Bruce
Mary Queen of Scots
Rob Roy
Brave
Harry Potter
Trainspotting
Shetland
READ
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Poems and Songs by Robert Burns
Anatomy by Dana Schwartz
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stewart
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
Clanlands by Sam Hueghan and Graham McTavish
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
Glasgow has its own distinctive dialect known as Glaswegian, characterized by its unique pronunciation, including dropping of the letter "r" at the end of words, rapidly speaking, and the use of glottal stops. Doric is a dialect spoken in northeast Scotland and has a strong influence from the Old Norse language (due to historical connections with Scandinavian settlers). Scots is a language closely related to English and is widely spoken across the Lowlands. It has roots in Old English but has evolved into a distinct form and has a considerable body of literature, including works by Robert Burns. And while Scottish Highlanders speak English, it is heavily influenced by Gaelic. The Western Isles, also known as the Outer Hebrides, have their own Gaelic-influenced dialect called Gàidhlig that is currently experiencing a big revival..
Most historians believe that bagpipes were introduced to Scotland by the ancient Romans or through trade with other Celtic regions. Over time, the bagpipe became an integral part of Scottish culture, particularly in the Highlands, where it was not only a musical instrument but used to communicate across long distances and intimidate enemies as the Scottish led troops into battle. The bagpipe's strong association with military and martial traditions is one reason why it is often heard at formal events, ceremonies, and, most notably, at Highland games. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, held annually at Edinburgh Castle, is one of the most famous events where pipe bands from all over the world gather to showcase their talent and celebrate the bagpipe's legacy.
Terrain: Fertile glens with River Spey running through
Palate: Honey, dried fruits, sherry sweetness, spice, vanilla oak
Famous names: Aberlour, The Balvenie, Dalwhinnie, Glen Moray, Glenfarclas, Glenlivet, Glendfiddich
Terrain: Rugged mountains with a relatively mild climate due to the Gulf stream
Palate: Smoky, peaty, briny, oily
Have a dram of: Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Laphroaig
Terrain: The most vast, rugged of the country with mountains, lochs, glens and islands (sometimes grouped into their own unofficial whisky category)
Palate: Full-bodied, spicy, rich, herbal and more intensity since smaller stills are typically used here
Slainte: Ardmore, Arran, Dalmore, Glen Garioch, The Glenmorangie, Jura, Oban, Old Pulteney, Royal Brackla, Talisker, Tomatin
Terrain: Fertile and lush flatlands with gentle rolling hills
Palate: Softer due to triple-distillation process, use of coal-dried casks instead of peat-dried give a lighter vanilla oak flavor
Fancy a dram?: Auchentoshen, Ailsa Bay, Clydesdale, Glenkinchie, Holyrood, Lochlea
Terrain: Flatter seaside islands
Palate: Salty, briny, oily, vanilla, fruity
Must-see distilleries: Glengyle, Glen Scotia, Springbank
“Can you imagine one hundred million years? Every summer for the whole life of that plant, its leaves caught what light they could and transformed the suns’ energy into itself. Into bark, twigs, stems. Because plants eat light, in much the way we eat food. But then the plant died and fell, probably into water, and decayed into peat, and the peat was folded inside the earth for years upon years - eons in which something like a month or a decade or even when your whole life was just a puff of air, a snap of two fingers. And eventually the peat dried and became like stone, and someone dug it up, and the local man brought it to your house, and maybe you yourself carried it to the stove, and now that sunlight - the sunlight one hundred million years old - is heating your home tonight”
- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
THE WATER OF LIFE
“Whisky” comes from the ancient Gaelic phrase “uisce beatha” literally meaning aqua vitae or the water of life. It first appeared in history in 1494 in a death record of a Scottish clan leader who literally drank himself to death. Don’t fret, whisky standards are way higher today than in the 15th century, thanks to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) who are amongst the strictest regulatory bodies regarding liquor in the world. They clearly define two types of whisky:
-
Blended (90% of the world’s Scotch) can come from different distilleries and be of different types of grain
-
Single malt (highly coveted, but rarer) must come from one distillery come be made from malted barley
Both must be distilled, aged in Scotland for 3 years minimum in oak barrels.
To be considered a Single Malt, whisky must be produced at one single distillery and be made from malted barley, or barley that has been allowed to germinate by soaking it in water. Sometimes, peat is burned to stopped the germination and/or toast the inside of the casks. Eventually it becomes wort, containing sugars like maltose and maltotriose, that will be fermented by the brewing yeast to produce alcohol.
Distillation ups the alcohol into the fermented liquid by raising the temperature and turning it into a vapor before condensing it back into liquid. Distillation occurs in a still of which there are two main types, pot and column, but they come in all shapes and sizes, and every distillery will argue why theirs is best for the overall chemistry of the whisky.
free
get off
The Scots lamented the year of 1644 as the very first taxes on Scotch were introduced, which led, of course, to an increase in illegal whisky distilling across Scotland. Smuggling became standard for the following 150 years. The gaugers (tax collectors) and the illicit distillers began playing cat and mouse, with ingenious Scots coming up with ways of shielding the spirit from taxation. It was common practice for the usually honest members of the clergy to hide Scotch under the pulpit, and whisky was even transported by coffins! Glens (or valleys between mountains and tall trees with fertile land) tended to be a good place to hided plumes of smoke from the taxman, which is why you’ll notice so many whisky brands started there!
By the 1820s, as many as 14,000 illicit stills were being confiscated every year, and more than half of all whisky consumed in Scotland was being enjoyed illegally. Today, the “established” date you see on whisky bottles loosely translates to… “on this date we finally got caught.”
Once the liquor is distilled, it is put into barrels. The wood is harvested for barrels once a tree is around 100 years old. European oak is more porous therefore the liquid satuates the wood more leading to a spicier finish. American oak barrels are less porous and give a softer, more vanilla-forward flavor. Most whisky is a combination of both types of barrels. After anywhere from 3-10+ years, the Master Whisky Makers blend all different casks to create the best whisky for bottling!
Ethical Tourism
Protect Our Planet And Its People
“Peaty” refers to the earthy, sulphuric taste (the terrain from which the peat was harvested heavily influences its profile), but many mistakenly interchange “peaty” with “smoky” which is incorrect because other materials can be burned to give a smoky profile, and peat is not always burned, so “smoky” and “peaty” are entirely separate profiles that are sometimes accompanied by one another but not always.
PEAT LIKE A PRO:
It is universally agreed amongst scientists and conservationists that humans have had a negative effect on wildlife. From decimating natural habitats to poaching, we each have a responsibility to make sure we are experiencing and learning from the world, but positively not negatively.
Here are our suggestions:
1. Off the beaten track. While Scotland is one of the few areas left in Europe where everyone has access to the great outdoors, by right of law, this has led to overtourism in certain areas. Consider staying away from "trendy" areas and go off the beaten track. Scotland has too much to offer for a few, select areas to be so overrun, like cruises dropping off passengers to the same spots in Skye or Outlander fans trampling the Clan Fraser grave at the site of the Battle of Culloden.
2. Leave no trace. While many visitors plan to spend time in the great outdoors, make sure you are strictly adhering to Leave No Trace rules, which include taking home anything and everything you brought into the wilderness.
3. Ride the rail. Scotland has the most romantic railways that you could ever find, and the trips are short and affordable. Help cut down on both carbon emissions and overtourism by opting for a railway tour instead of a cruise or roadtrip (make no mistake a roadtrip is way better than a cruise).
VAGABLOG
An Outlander roadtrip
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VAGABLOG
The Tartan Encyclopedia
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VAGABLOG
Enchanting Orkney
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