Six of Scotland’s most scenic streets

HERE in Scotland, we’re lucky to have a seemingly boundless number of breathtaking views and beautiful landmarks – but some of the country’s most beautiful scenery can be found right in the heart of our towns and cities.

Tobermory's Main Street. Picture: Wikimedia

Scotland’s most attractive thoroughfares, whether in bustling city centres or by peaceful harbours, adorn postcards and thousands of tourists’ photo albums for good reason. Here, we pick six of our favourites.

Main Street, Tobermory, Mull

Tobermory is the main town in Mull and the home of children’s television show Balamory. Its colourful houses and peaceful harbour can brighten up even the dullest of Scottish days. The main street plays host to a mix of shops, eateries and hotels with a selection of locally produced arts and crafts. With a population of around 700 people, Tobermory is the ideal location for a relaxing Scottish daytrip and is easily reachable by ferry.

Glasgow's Ashton Lane. Picture: Contributed

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is at the heart of the capital. Leading from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is the defining feature of the city’s Old Town. The street is lined with cobblestones and towering tenements, with narrow staircases connecting the busy city streets and the secret underground world. Royal Mile combines the city’s unique history with the cutting-edge modernity of one of Scotland’s most vibrant cities.

Shore Street, Porthaven, Islay

Located on the shorefront of beautiful the Isle of Islay, Shore Street is lined with whitewashed terraced house overlooking the sea. The island’s rustic and tranquil beach makes for a truly breathtaking view, far removed from the busy city streets but no less enjoyable.

Ashton Lane, Glasgow

Though it’s one of Glasgow’s smaller streets, Ashton Lane is one of its most popular. Hidden in Glasgow’s West End, it attracts a whole horde of students and tourists to its intricate and unique bars and restaurants, where live local music can often be found. The lane is lit up with fairy lights in the evenings, making it one of the most scenic and romantic destinations in Glasgow.

Princes Street, Edinburgh

Another of Edinburgh’s scenic streets, Princes Street is the hub of the city’s shopping with some of the city’s most popular stores sprawled down the length of it. Opposite the procession of retail therapy you’ll find the picturesque Edinburgh Castle, and Princes Gardens below it. Some of Edinburgh’s finest luxury hotels can be found on the street, which are popular with the city’s many tourists.

Viewfield Road, Portree, Isle of Skye

Portree, on the Isle of Skye, is a bustling port and the cultural epicentre for the island. Viewfield Road is brought to life by colourful seafront houses, set in front of a peaceful harbour and sprawling cliffs. Theatre, concerts and film screenings are a common feature in the nearby award-winning Aros Centre, making it one of the country’s best holiday destinations.