12 Reasons to add Scotland to Your Bucket List

WATERFALLS, WHISKY & WILDLIFE

There are countless reasons why you should fall in love with the stunning country of Scotland.

We love this country because you can drive for hours without seeing a single car and never get bored of the scenery.

While Scotland shares similarities to other parts of the UK it also feels very different. The people are friendly, the whisky is outstanding and the landscapes are stunning.

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We could be here for hours telling you why we love it here but we’ve narrowed it down to the top 12 reasons to add Scotland to your bucket list.

DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES

With every turn you make in Scotland there are incredible views of mountains, lochs and lighthouses just waiting to take your breath away. A simple, short drive can take hours longer than expected because of the number of times you’re compelled to get out to take a photo. Whether it’s a photogenic tree, a remote house in the countryside or the perfect reflection on the loch, there are photo opportunities everywhere.

2. WONDERFUL WATERFALLS

With the notorious rainfall, it’s no wonder that Scotland is full of waterfalls that are hiding around every corner.

Our favourite waterfall to visit is the Wailing Widow Falls, located northwest of the highlands and is on our “must-see” spots in the whole of Scotland.

Read our article “8 SPECTACULAR WATERFALLS TO VISIT IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS” for our favourites to visit.

3. WHISKY

Need I say more?

Really?

Whisky is that perfect drink that warms you on a cold winters evening, and you definitely get many of them here in Scotland. If I was offered one last drink it would be whisky. The drink that never disappoints, no matter what distillery you go to.

Scotland is home to over 100 malt and grain distilleries, making the country the greatest concentration of whisky production on earth! You can’t visit Scotland and not drink scotch or take a tour of a distillery.

Oban being the Gaelic word for “little bay”, is home to one of the smallest distilleries in the country and also to one of my favourite whiskys.

Become a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society club, and visit one of their venues in Glasgow or Edinburgh. Have a dram (or two) and indulge in local Scottish food to compliment the experience.

4. BREATHTAKING COASTLINES

Mainland Scotland has 6,160 miles (9,910 km) of coastline. Not including the numerous islands, which then increases to some 11,602 miles (18,672 km).

One of our favourite coastal landscapes is the Duncansby Stacks. These sea stacks dramatically stick out at Duncansby Head, not far from John o' Groats.

Not far from here are the ruins of Keiss Castle, perched on the edge of the cliff overlooking Sinclair's Bay.

5. CARIBBEAN LIKE BEACHES

This one was a surprise for us. We couldn’t believe just how beautiful the beaches were. With white sand and clear turquoise waters, you feel like you’re transported to somewhere exotic… definitely not Scotland.

This beautiful beach is at Achmelvich Bay, at the very northwest of the highlands.

6. THE ISLE OF SKYE

The Island of Skye is situated off the West Coast of mainland Scotland and is the largest of the Inner Hebrides.

With rugged landscapes, natural beauty and incredible hikes, Skye has so much to offer.

I’ve never seen so much beauty in one place, being constantly awe-struck by the incredible landscapes on Skye, like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. As you walk between the mountains you feel like you’re being transported somewhere unreal, somewhere different to any place you’ve ever been before.

Read our article “ISLE OF SKYE- OUR TOP 7 PLACES TO VISIT | HIGHLAND HIGHLIGHTS” for our top things to see and do.

7. MEET THE LOCAL 'HEILAN COO’ AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Aren’t highland cows just the most photogenic animal ever? You can spot these iconic animals with their shaggy coats all over the highlands.

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Scotland’s land, seas and skies are home to more than 90,000 species of wildlife.

Depending on the season you can see various types of whales, seals and dolphins. And if you’re a keen bird watcher you can see puffins and even golden eagles.

Check out these live wildlife cameras on some of Scotlands best reserves to take a sneak peek into their natural habitats.

8. HOME TO ONE OF THE WORLDS MOST SCENIC ROAD TRIPS

Driving is usually a chore, a way to get from A to B, but not in Scotland.

You’ve probably heard of the NorthCoast500 which is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland. This route is known as one of the most beautiful road trips in the world or as “Scotland’s Route 66”. The route starts and ends in the city of Inverness and covers many must-see spots around the Highlands.

9. CASTLES AND HISTORY

Scotland is packed full of castles. Estimates of castle numbers have varied wildly from 2,000 to over 4,000. Either way, that’s a lot of castles.

From being the Queen’s residency, sitting in the middle of a loch or painted Disney-like pink, these castles are filled with so much history, waiting to be discovered.

10. HIKING

I think the best way to witness Scotland’s natural beauty is by foot. We’ve experienced some of our favourite hikes while in Scotland, especially on the Isle of Skye.

Take a hike to the iconic Old Man of Storr, to experience beautiful sunrise views of the island from high above.

Check out this National Trust article for their recommended walks, big and small.

11. CITY LOVE

Scotland isn’t just gorgeous landscapes and rolling hills. It’s also home to 7 cities.

The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is our favourite. Edinburgh is classed as a UNESCO world heritage site in recognition of the city’s unique architectural heritage and it is clear to see why when you visit.

12. LOVELY LOCHS

Loch is the Gaelic word for lake and there are over 30,000 of these all over Scotland.

Loch Ness, situated near the city of Inverness, is the largest body of water in the whole of the UK. The drive around the loch is a beautiful one, especially in the snow when it’s transformed into a winter wonderland.

Below is a picture of our favourite loch, Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin. Sit on the rocks, enjoy a picnic and take in the stunning view of the reflections on the calm waters. Perfection.