7 Most Memorable Cities in Scotland

Navigation:

• Skye
• Edinburgh
• Fort William and Glencoe
• The Outer Hebrides 
• The Inner Hebrides
• Glasgow 
• Cairngorms National Park

Skye

At the top of the seven most memorable cities in Scotland is the Isle of Sky, also simply known as Skye. Known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, as well as medieval castles, the island of Skye is indeed a good place for visitors to start their journey in Scotland. 

On the shores of Loch Scavaig, a beautiful village can be found with a range of rocky mountains, known as the Cuillin mountain range. With the mountain range dubbed as the finest in Britain, visitors can enjoy a scenic view from the meticulously crafted footpaths of Cuilllin, which leads to dramatic peaks and cirques. If the arduous climb on the mountain range was not enough, visitors can also enjoy a hike on The Quiraing between Staffin and Uig--photographers would enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Scotland as they pass through this hill. In addition to this, visitors are also welcome to take a dip in the clear, seemingly vibrant blue and green, waters of the Glen Brittle Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillins. 

Edinburgh

The well-known capital of Scotland is another one of the top seven memorable cities to visit in Scotland. With this ancient city having a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings, visiting this hilly capital is a must. It has a collection of beautiful villages that are picture-worthy, as well as an incredible selection of world-class attractions, hotels, shops, eating, drinking, and nightlife--perfect for tourists coming from different parts of the world. Visitors who are interested in learning about history can visit the National Museum of Scotland with no cost and can visit the Edinburgh Castle for no cost. To those who are into spooky things, going on a tour in the Edinburgh Darkside Walk. It’s a place where you can learn about murders, mysteries, and legends, as well as Underground Ghost tours, are also available. 

Fort William and Glencoe

Visitors who are planning a tour of the West Highlands of Scotland, Fort William and Glencoe are perfect villages to visit. Fort William is a substantial community that is full of salt water; a wide range of accommodation and activities to do in and around the town with cycleway, railways, and bus routes can be found in this village. Glencoe, a steep-sided high-valley village is famously known for its waterfalls and trails that climb peaks. Glencoe is dubbed as “one of the most dramatic, haunting places in Scotland.” Loved by hikers and climbers, Fort William and Glencoe has “mountains and a history of clan warfare. It is a broad highland meadow in the heart of Glen Coe, scene of the infamous massacre of MacDonalds by Campbell soldiers in 1692. Most visitors are happy to drive through the glen, stopping to marvel at three massive, brooding buttresses on one side and a towering, knife-edge ridge on the other. Many would venture to take a more challenging footpath up to the lost valley to seek out the historic hiding place of stolen cattle. This path is not for the light-hearted as its wilderness has been stained with the plotted murder of clansmen. 

With the extra time, Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig is also worth boarding on. The route is said to be one of the most picturesque rail routes in the world; it includes a crossing of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was featured in the famous Harry Potter films. 

The Outer Hebrides 

Situated on Europe’s Atlantic edge, the Isles of the Outer Hebrides has 15 inhabited islands with their own unique way of life, and can easily be one of Scotland’s most fascinating destinations. In this isolated environment, visitors can enjoy peace and tranquility as well as the warm hospitality of its communities. Visitors are also able to enjoy a selection of museums and monuments as well as the Gaelic culture where crofting, community events, and ceilidhs bring people together. In addition to all of this, The Outer Hebrides also offer a range of wildlife animals that flourish in their unique environment; a nature-filled environment also comes with many opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. 

On the west coast of Harris, Luskentyre can be found situated within its parish. Luskentyre has been dubbed one of UK’s best beaches according to the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards, and its title is understandable due to its ethereal blur of swirling sands and shimmering blue streaks. Scarista is another beach that often attracts surfers due to its big Atlantic swells. 

Visitors can visit North Uist try Traigh Lingeigh and Traigh Hornais for great sea views, as well as Hosta Beach for surfing.

Lastly on the Outer Hebrides in Barra, Traigh Eais an exhilarating one-mile stretch of sand can be found, the only beach in the world that doubles as an airport are found in Traigh Mhor, and a great spot for sunsets, with fine sand and deep blue seas can be found in Tangasdale Beach. 

The Inner Hebrides

To the south-east of the Outer Hebrides, the Inner Hebrides is found with 79 islands, in which 35 is inhabited, has many of Scotland’s fascinating destinations. Iona, a small island in the Inner Hebrides--surrounded by the remains of 60 Scottish, Irish, and Norwegian kings--, has its Abbey which is a perfect quiet place for peace and reflection. The island of Islay is known for its whiskey and numerous distilleries. Its tranquil beauty, sweeping vistas, and more than 20 beaches are also what makes up this wonderful island. 

The neighboring island of Islay, Jura, is amongst the wildest and most rugged places in Britain. With barely 200 people residing along its only road, Jura has stags on the hills, otters by the shore, and golden eagles in the crags. 

Last but not the least of The Outer Hebrides islands is Mull. Mull offers imposing mountain scenery and is known for its brightly painted waterfront houses and a beach of golden sand and clear waters in the towns of Tobermory and Calgary. 

Glasgow 

Glasgow, a port city on the River Slide in Scotland’s western lowlands and Scotland’s biggest city, is known for its Victorian and nouveau architecture. Glasgow has plenty of world-class museums and galleries, breathtaking architecture, parks, unique attractions, high-street, designer retailers, and a range of bars, restaurants, and pubs. The place is making a comeback with its shipping, industry and commerce activities that reach far and wide around the world. Today it reinvented itself as a cultural hotspot in Europe filled with music, creative arts, design, theatre and much anticipated innovative cuisine.

Cairngorms National Park

Scotland’s national park, the Cairngorms National Park, includes castles, distilleries, family attractions, as well as outdoor fun. The Cairngorms National Park was voted one of the top 20 places to visit in the world by the National Geographic Traveller Magazine. Many would recommend taking a long leisure walk around Loch Muick or cycling the Speyside Way. Visitors may find themselves in awe of the view 1,309 meters on top of Ben Macdui. For skiers, it is good to hear that skiing is possible in winter in the Cairngorms National Park.

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