Scotland

Scotland at a glance

Scotland should be on everyone’s bucket list. An ancient country of stunning landscapes with a unique culture, rich heritage and a fascinating history.

The recent renaissance in Scottish tourism has meant Scotland now boasts some of the best attractions, visitor experiences and hotels in the world. From its cosmopolitan capital Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the wilds of the Highlands, Scotland never fails to surprise and delight. Follow Whisky trails, visit historic country houses, castles and monuments and eat incredible seafood and locally sourced produce.

Looking for a short break in Edinburgh, just click here.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

• Spectacular landscapes
• Rich history and fascinating traditions
• Ancient castles, historic sites and stunning architecture
• World-renowned local produce and, of course, Whisky
• Edinburgh – one of the world’s great cities

Getting around Scotland

Scotland is a relatively small country with remarkably good transport links. A city break in either Edinburgh or Glasgow is a great choice and both are easily accessible by air, rail or by car. Getting around Edinburgh is easy on foot (if a little hilly) or there’s an efficient bus and tram service or local taxis.

Exploring Scotland beyond the city is highly recommended and Osprey can arrange train travel or car hire for multi-centre itineraries anywhere in Scotland. A tried and tested guided tour including travel by road is also a great option and these can be bespoke to suit your requirements.

The Royal Scotsman train is a great luxury option from Edinburgh and includes on board overnight accommodation, fine dining and the chance to visit many of Scotland’s best historic sites and attractions. 

Shopping in Scotland

As you’d expect, Scotland’s main cities offer everything from international designer brands to artisan shops and boutiques selling unique products using the best locally sourced materials. There’s nowhere better than Scotland to buy a kilt, Harris Tweed, fine malt whisky and small batch gins – believe it or not, Scotland now has the world’s highest concentration of gin distilleries! 

Dining in Scotland

With outstanding local produce on their doorstep, Scotland boasts some of the best restaurants in the world. Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles holds two Michelin stars and a further eleven restaurants hold one star. And beyond fine dining you’ll find an almost endless choice of fantastic options all over the country from city to seafront.

The huge choice of local produce on offer in Scotland’s larder includes the very best beef, lamb, salmon, venison, game, seafood and the land in Scotland is perfect for growing outstanding fruit and vegetables. 

Must-try local dishes:

• Haggis, neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes)
• Cullen Skink – a hearty soup made from smoked haddock and potatoes
• Cranachan – whipped cream, whisky, honey, fresh raspberries and oatmeal 

Whisky

Whisky is perhaps Scotland’s most famous export and no visit to Scotland would be complete without sampling ‘the water of life’. You’ll find distilleries all over Scotland, each promising their own unique approach and flavours and many now boasting impressive visitor centres and distillery experiences. Osprey can create bespoke itineraries to include distillery tours and many of the hotels we feature in Scotland are ideally located with distilleries close at hand. Slainte!  

Get your tailor-made itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Scotland designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

• All travel and transfers on days of your choice
• Accommodation from our handpicked range of hotels, to suit your exact requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.