Essential Travel Information

Our Essential Travel Guide to Scotland

Introduction to our Essential Guide to Scotland

Scotland is a small country but there's a lot to see and trying to cram everything into a first visit can be very frustrating. There are many, many places of great natural beauty and the country's long,  turbulent history has left a rich heritage of medieval castles, cathedrals, palaces, abbeys and historic towns and cities. So, where do you begin?

Those arriving by air are most likely to start in Edinburgh, the capital, or Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. (There are also airports in Inverness and Aberdeen). Flights to the Islands, Orkneys and Shetlands are most easily caught from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Edinburgh is one of the world's truly great cities and deserves at least a few days to explore its castle, palace, medieval streets, fine Georgian architecture, art galleries and museums, and enjoy its liberal licensing laws. Glasgow is less than an hour from Edinburgh and though it lacks the capital's tourist credentials, it is worth a visit for its elegant Victorian architecture, the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh - Scotland's very own Gaudí - and its friendly and quick-witted citizens. (They also do a fine and comprehensive range of swear words).

Train Travel

If you are arriving by train, we have useful information on your choices on our train page - click here for train information

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