Must See Scotland - 15 Things Not to Miss
Table of Contents
Scotland’s sublime landscape looks like it just rolled off a Hollywood backlot. When planning a visit, the list of things to see can be overwhelming. The effort to distill down all that Scotland has to offer would be herculean and be published in “many leather-bound books”. As a photographer, it would take a lifetime to properly capture Scotland in all her glory. Most of us won’t have but a few days there. Here is a list to maximize your time with the things not to miss.
15 historical, beautiful, and Instagram-worthy things not to miss on your next trip to Scotland.
Princess Street from Calton Hill
What are the Must-See Things in Edinburgh?
1. Edinburgh Castle
Dominating the Edinburgh skyline the fortress of Edinburgh Castle is hard to miss atop Castle Rock. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. With commanding views of the city making it is easy to see why it made for an ideal defensive location to build the castle. The castle provides guided tours every 30 minutes but I found the audio guide to be my preferred way to see the castle at my own pace. If a view or history is not your thing, don’t miss the oldest Crown jewels in Britain on display in the Crown Room.
Every day at 1 pm, a 105mm field gun is fired to denote the time. This one o’clock gun sounding was once used by mariners in the Firth of Forth to set their clocks. While it is unlikely that it is still used for this purpose, it comes with quite the pomp and ceremony which is fun to see.
Pro Tip: Edinburgh Castle is part of Historic Scotland that includes over 70 sites across Scotland. If you are planning on visiting more than one of their locations, consider picking up the Explorer Pass.
2. The Royal Mile
If stories in the castle are to be believed, the streets leading up to the castle, known as the Royal Mile, were originally designed to allow the castle’s occupants to see anyone coming from a long way off. This gave them the ability to mount a defense if necessary. Today the cobbled streets are a must-visit destination lined with shops and sights like St. Giles’ Cathedral and Parliament Hall.
When exploring the Royal Mile, be sure to take detours through the small side alleyways known as a close. These alleyways and courtyards offer countless opportunities to explore and find unique photographs. While the names of some of these were named after famous residents (Brodie’s Close), some were named after the occupation of the residents or peddlers who set up shop there (Old Fishmarket Close).
Photography Tip: While most churches and cathedrals don’t allow the use of tripods, St. Giles’ does for a small donation fee and it is worth the expense to capture the beautiful ceiling and stained glass.
3. Calton Hill
If viewpoints are more your style, Calton Hill offers fantastic views with a bit of strange history. Atop the hill sits an unfinished Athenian acropolis, an observatory, and other interesting monuments worth exploring. The hike up Calton Hill is a short stroll that offers respite from the bustle of the city below. More information about the monuments, observatory, and surrounding grounds can be found on the Collective’s website. I recommend climbing the hill to explore in the early afternoon and staying to watch the sunset over Old Town.
4. Holyrood Abbey
I had a friend from England laugh at me once because I referenced the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub in Nottingham England as “old”. It claims to have been established in 1189. He found humor in the fact that Americans think things from 1189 are old. Holyrood Abbey is no different. Founded in 1128 by David I, the abbey church now stands in ruins but is quite an interesting photography subject, especially in the early morning light. The ruins stand next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen’s Gallery, so make sure you have time to explore all three. The Palace contains beautiful artwork, state apartments, and even jewelry.
Edinburgh Bonus Tips
Where to Stay in Edinburgh?
While not a full-time travel reviewer, I do travel spend about 100 nights a year on the road. I feel that gives me enough clout to talk recommend a hotel. During our time in Edinburgh, we stayed in The Glasshouse hotel. Situated between Old Town and Calton Hill, it provided a fantastic base for us to explore. The hotel is a 170-year-old converted church with a modern expansion providing a beautiful juxtaposition of old and new. Our room had a huge patio that overlooked the city. Be sure to give it consideration if you are visiting Edinburgh.
What to Eat in Edinburgh?
My favorite restaurant in Edinburgh is Dishoom. Growing up in New Orleans, food is a part of my soul. If you read my post about three nights in London, you will note I recommended their Kings Cross London location as well. I have purchased their cookbook and reference it often. If you are in search of a great meal, look no further.
What are the Must Do Day Trips from Edinburgh?
The Devil’s Pulpit
While the city is fun, there is so much in Scotland to explore. Below are a few things that are within easy reach from Edinburgh as a day trip or the first stop on an epic road trip.
5. The Devil’s Pulpit
Through Finnich Glen, blood-red water flows down through Finnish Gorge. In the gorge stands a mushroom-shaped rock that is referred to as “the Devil’s Pulpit”. Legend has it that is where the Devil stood when he spoke to his followers.
No matter the rumors, the red walls of the gorge are covered with green moss, makes for a stunning scene and an even better photograph.
Pro Tip: The trail down to the bottom of the gorge is steep, slippery and can be very dangerous. If you do make the trek down, bring muck boots or waders to venture into the water for the best vantage points and access to parts of the gorge that require walking in the water.
6. Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is not far from the Devil’s Pulpit and is worth the trip. Short hikes from the shores of the Loch provide incredible viewpoints, and if there is snow on the hills they make for a stunning image. Loch Lomond isn’t just about the epic views; like much of Scotland, the shores of Loch Lomond have interesting historical sights to explore.
The Kinnell Stone Circle nearby dates back to the 2nd or 3rd Millennium BC. But if you are tired of history, lunch and a pint at the Oak Tree Inn is a great place to unwind.
7. St. Andrews
If you play golf and find yourself in Edinburgh, it is required to make the pilgrimage to the “home of golf” at St. Andrews. Just 30 miles, northeast of Edinburgh, St. Andrews Links are not the only game in town, pun intended. St. Andrews is home to the University of St Andrews and the St Andrews Cathedral. Both locations are worthy of exploration and quite photogenic. It makes a great compromise if your partner or travel companion wants to hit the links while you explore.
What Are the Must-See Things in The Highlands?
Simply the name evokes visions of Braveheart, James Bond, or maybe even Harry Potter, depending on your age I guess. When I think of Scotland this is naturally what I picture in my mind’s eye. Here are the places not to miss in the Highlands.
8. Oban
While the temptation for me to add Oban to this list is strong because of the proclivity I have for the Whiskey distilled there, this quaint coastal village serves as a staging point for adventures that should not be missed. While traditionally thought of as the Gateway to the Isles, it could probably also be thought of as a gateway to castles. Anyone looking to get their fill of castles need not look further. Dunollie Castle, Castle Stalker, Kilchurn Castle, and Dunstaffnage Castle are all just a short drive from the city center.
9. Isles Mull/Iona/Staffa
I have grouped the Isles of Mull Iona and Staffa together but there is enough to do on each that weeks could be spent on each.
Isle of Mull
The photographic gem on the Isle of Mull is the Tobermory waterfront with its colorful buildings. Hours could easily be spent photographing the waterfront but since it is Scotland there are castles to see. Duart Castle, the ancient home of Clan Maclean provides panoramic views of the Sound of Mull. Those with a long lens might find a nice composition to include the Ferry and the Eilean Musdile Lighthouse from the Castle.
Isle of Iona
Visitors to the Isle of Iona can take in the Abbey and Nunnery founded here by St. Columba in 563 and survived attacks by the Vikings around 1200. If you happen to be visiting in June or July you might just be rewarded with views of Atlantic Puffins.
Isle of Staffa
The last on this list but certainly not least might hold the most photogenic gem of the lot. Due to its geological foundations of basaltic columns, the isle has many caves but none as famous as Fingal’s Cave. The cave’s name comes from a James Macpherson epic but it may be the haunting sounds the sea makes when waves crash in the cave that visitors remember about it the most.
10. Glencoe
The valley of Glencoe has quite a bloody history. Following the Jacobite rebellion many members of the Clan MacDonald were massacred here. While that is long in the past, today the sublime beauty. The road through the valley is stunning, but there is nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment of climbing to get a fresh perspective. Might I suggest The Devil’s Staircase? This 9 km (6 mile) hike is part of the West Highland Way and a great way to spend an afternoon.
If you are a movie buff, Glencoe and the surrounding areas might have appeared in one of your favorite movies. Films like Braveheart, Skyfall, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and more were filmed here. Visit Scotland has even produced a map separated by genre to help you find where your favorite movie was filmed.
11. Glenfinnan Viaduct
The West Highland Railway links Fort William and Mallaig and traverses the viaduct in Glenfinnan. While an interesting fact, what most people will recognize the viaduct for is its use in quite a few motion pictures, including Harry Potter. The viaduct and the area surrounding it is quite photogenic, the real treat is to get an image that includes The Jacobite steam train on the bridge. Make sure to consult the timetable to ensure that you are in position at the right time.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
12. Loch Ness
What would a trip to the Highlands be without a trip to Loch Ness to search for its monster? The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition will arm you with all the information you need for your search. While I don’t know that you will catch an image of Nessy, The Locks at Fort Augustus and the Urquhart castle are both worthy of space on your memory card.
The Highlands Bonus Tips
Where to stay in Glencoe?
Our recommendation on where to stay in Glencoe is the Glencoe House. The house offers not only a fantastic location from which to explore the area. The hotel itself is a historic landmark built in 1896 by a Governor for the Hudson Bay Company in Canada. I mean, who doesn’t want to stay in a mansion with views of the loch?
What Not to Miss Adventures Afield
For those looking for adventures and locations that might be more challenging to access the list below is for you.
13. Ben Nevis
There a few places that could whet a landscape photographers’ appetite like the King of the Munros, Ben Nevis. Towering 1,345 meters (4,412 feet) above Fort William, it is the tallest mountain in the British Isles. There are a host of different ways to experience Ben Nevis. Hike up and conquer the mountain, spend your day rock climbing it’s numerous jagged cliff faces, or take a gondola ride for views that can reach out to the Inner Hebrides.
14. Steall Waterfall
If you prefer to work for your waterfalls, Steall Waterfall is for you. The 5.6 km (3.4 mile) hike opens into Nevis Gorge and the falls with Ben Nevis as a backdrop it is a beautiful place to photograph. I’m not the only one who thinks so. The Nevis Gorge is where Harry battles the dragon in the Goblet of Fire. When you look at the linked clip you will see the falls in the background.
15. Isle of Skye
There can and will be entire posts like this talking about all of the photography locations and things not to miss on the Isle of Skye. In fact, it is likely that my next trip to Scotland will be spent entirely on Skye. With legendary locations like the Old Man of Storr, the Neist Point Lighthouse, and Talisker Bay. The last of those locations being home to another of my favorite Whiskey distilleries.
If you make the trip out to Skye, reach out to the Skye Photo Academy. Whether you are looking to improve the photography you take with your phone or are a pro looking to maximize your time on the Isle, they are a great resource to help. The team behind the Skye Photo Academy is also behind the Photography Online YouTube channel I also recommend.
Additional Resources for Photographers
Photographing Scotland - Dougie Cunningham ( Twitter | Instagram )
When planning our first trip to Scotland, I tapped the number of resources and began building the list of places I wanted to see. When I came across Dougie’s book, I figured I would check it out and see if it could add a few things to my list. I was blown away by how through the book is and served as the primary guide to drive our trip across Scotland. It was so good that when I began location scouting for my next trip, the fotoVUE website was where I started.
Conclusion
With so much to see and do in Scotland, this list will guide you to the must-see and photograph locations. Get out there and get some memories and images that will last forever. If you have been to Scotland, what was your favorite experience? If you want images from our Scotland Trip or want to purchase any prints, please check out the links below.
