If you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, adventure seeker, arts and culture aficionado or whisky fanatic Scotland has it all. Add to that is the warmth and hospitality of the locals guaranteed to leave a long and lasting impression.
These are a few of the favourite day tours departing Edinburgh. They’re not exhaustive and can be altered to suit your needs.
The mythical 15th century Rosslyn Chapel attracts historians, treasure hunters and even Hollywood, all fascinated by its mysterious symbolism and legends. Each intricate stone carving carries a hidden meaning, sparking countless theories. Immortalised in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ novel, the chapel features in the finale, in the quest of the Holy Grail. The Scottish Borders are a haven of tranquillity home to historic sleepy towns, rolling green hills and serene valleys. Explore mediaeval abbeys and castles, and visit Abbotsford House, home of the great novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott. History, intrigue and nature beautifully align in the Borders.
Famed for being the Home of Golf, St Andrews is a pilgrimage site for golfers worldwide. The Old Course dates back to the 15th century, and has quite an illustrious history. St. Andrews University is the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world, and gained much attention for its Royal connections. The town’s cathedral and castle feature often in the hit TV series Outlander where many pivotal scenes were filmed. The East Neuk of Fife is a series of perfectly picturesque quaint fishing villages. Abundant in cobbled streets, colourful houses, maritime heritage and delicious fresh seafood. Idyllic.
Famed for being the Home of Golf, St Andrews is a pilgrimage site for golfers worldwide. The Old Course dates back to the 15th century, and has quite an illustrious history. St. Andrews University is the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world, and gained much attention for its Royal connections. The town’s cathedral and castle feature often in the hit TV series Outlander where many pivotal scenes were filmed. The East Neuk of Fife is a series of perfectly picturesque quaint fishing villages. Abundant in cobbled streets, colourful houses, maritime heritage and delicious fresh seafood. Idyllic.
Visiting Stirling Castle is a glimpse into Scotland’s tumultuous history of monarchs and battles, including the Wars of Independence. The iconic fortress is perched atop a volcanic hill, commanding its own importance with sensational aerial views. Loch Lomond has been romanticised for generations in songs and poetry. It’s the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain and utterly captivating, regardless of the season. The Trossachs National Park is a feast of lush forests, cascading waterfalls and serene lochs steeped in rich history and heritage. A delight to visit, make sure to bring your camera.
With so many distilleries each unique in the art of production and taste, there’s no shortage of great whisky. At Glenkinchie distillery the whisky is commonly referred to as the “Edinburgh Malt”, for its proximity to the city. Glengoyne Distillery in the Trossachs has a very distinct ‘slow whisky-making’ process, an unhurried production from copper pot stills to oak cask ageing. Speyside in the north is famed for being ‘whisky territory’, home to over half of Scotland's distilleries including the iconic Glenfiddich, Glenlilvet and Macallan. A connoisseur’s paradise, don’t forget your hip flask. You might only ever come to Scotland once, or you may be on a pilgrimage.
With so many distilleries each unique in the art of production and taste, there’s no shortage of great whisky. At Glenkinchie distillery the whisky is commonly referred to as the “Edinburgh Malt”, for its proximity to the city. Glengoyne Distillery in the Trossachs has a very distinct ‘slow whisky-making’ process, an unhurried production from copper pot stills to oak cask ageing. Speyside in the north is famed for being ‘whisky territory’, home to over half of Scotland's distilleries including the iconic Glenfiddich, Glenlilvet and Macallan. A connoisseur’s paradise, don’t forget your hip flask. You might only ever come to Scotland once, or you may be on a pilgrimage.
You might only ever come to Scotland once, or you may be on a pilgrimage. Tell me what you’re planning and leave the rest to me.
