LOVE FROM SCOTLAND

SCOTL AND IS NOT JUST THE L AND OF BRAVEHEART, IT’S A COUNTRY FULL OF RICH L ANDSCAPES, WELCOMING LOCALS AND IT’S CALLING ALL TRAVEL BUFFS.


Travel is coming back in 2021, but with caution of course, and we’re scouring the globe for safe and stunning destinations as we plan our travel itinerary for the new year. And Scotland makes the cut with how their Scottish tourism businesses are embracing life as we know it for their guests and the communities they belong to, whilst continuing to offer the warm welcome Scotland is renowned for.

Hotels and travel agencies across the country are expanding their personal touches, to give travellers a luxurious and seamless experience as you board onto the countries splendorous accommodations. As travel trends arise that enable visitors to feel relaxed, safe, and comfortable, VisitScotland identified that convenience, reassurance, value, inspiration, and connection will be key to travel recovery, with responsible and sustainable tourism at its core. Here are many ways these trends can be enjoyed across Scotland.

Back to Nature

Clean air, stunning vistas, and magical moments in nature – travellers are appreciating the health benefits of spending time in the Great Outdoors more than ever before. For some extra assurance take a peek at the trends for 2021 we’ve laid out. In Scotland, it could not be easier to follow the call of the wild…

  •  Wild swimming – Why not take the plunge in Scotland? For a small country, Scotland boasts some of the wildest places to swim, from deep lochs to roaring waterfalls and vast sandy beaches. For beginners, guided wild swimming adventures can be a great option to get started (offered by a number of providers across the country, for example, Soak Up Skye on the Isle of Skye, SwimWild in the Highlands, and Immerse Hebrides in the Outer Hebrides).
  •  Foraging – Scotland’s natural larder is truly bountiful and delicious. From berries to wild mushrooms and coastal delights – visitors can find for themselves the ingredients that inspire the menus at some of Scotland’s top restaurants by joining foraging experts for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Workshops can be booked with several providers, for example, Galloway Wild Foods in Dumfries & Galloway and Wildwood Bushcraft in the Highlands.
  • Stargazing – While Scotland waits for its famous nightlife to return when the time is right, it’s time to look to the skies as they put on a spectacular nightly show (weather permitting). Scotland boasts some of the darkest places in Europe, which makes it perfect for stargazing – wrap up warm, look up and enjoy!

Live Like a Local

2020 brought about massive changes that can be defined as people embracing a new way of living. Perhaps 2021 is the year to embrace a new style of holiday and live like a local – either in Scotland’s cities or the more rural parts of the country. Agritourism has gone from strength to strength with holidaymakers looking to get their hands dirty down on the farm. Guests at Arnprior Farm near Stirling or Newton Farm Holidays in Angus can enjoy the freshest produce, from field to fork, experience farming life first-hand and, during lambing season, and even help welcome the new arrivals – all while staying in luxurious, modern accommodation.

Equally, in cities, 2021 is the year to discover the local favourites from quirky neighbourhoods like Stockbridge in Edinburgh and Finnieston in Glasgow, to stand-alone eateries and independently-owned boutiques in Dundee and Inverness. Now is the time to see the city from a local’s perspective, be it the gardens perfect for a picnic in Aberdeen, the family-run record store in Perth, or the go-to coffee shop for a morning flat white in Stirling. 2021 is also the year to discover new stories; from the BLM Mural Trail to the Invisible Cities Walking tours, Scotland’s cities are showcasing voices that for too long have gone unheard. With art, history, culture, green spaces, and mouth-watering food and drink, Scotland’s seven cities offer the perfect city break package.

Responsible Tourism

2021 is the year of renewed tourism, as travellers embrace a new world view. Both visitors and locals love Scotland’s stunning natural environments and want to preserve its beauty for generations to come. Everyone can enjoy Scotland responsibly, by spending more time in one destination, using public transport where possible, choosing to stay in environmentally friendly accommodation, visiting off-season, and committing to one simple rule: “Leave no trace.” All those who actively seek to make a positive contribution to the environment while on holiday should consider a range of volunteering opportunities in Scotland.

Trees for Life offer Conservation Weeks which allow participants to play their part in restoring the ancient Caledonian Forest. And working holidays with The National Trust for Scotland offer the chance to live and work in some of the most remote places of Scotland while making a real difference to the country’s natural heritage. Even if you’re not planning on any travel as you enter the new year, Scotland should definitely be on your travel bucket list. The rolling landscapes, lively cities, icy mountain peaks, and enchanting villages all combine to provide an exceptional holiday destination, whether you’re looking for an action-packed break, a cultural escapade, or a relaxing refuge. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.VISITSCOTLAND.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.