Staycation Scotland

Scotland's many islands offer fascinating history, plenty of activities and incredible views.

Amazing Scottish Islands: 10 incredible islands to visit in 2025

On the west coast of South Harris, in the Outer Hebrides, you will find the white sands of Luskentyre Beach

Scottish beach with ‘miles of white sand’ is crowned best in UK

Nairn was awarded five stars for peace and quiet.

Scotland’s best and worst seaside towns named in new survey

On the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, the white sands of Luskentyre Beach ripple down to deep aquamarine waters - imparting a feeling of being in a completely different country.

13 of Scotland's best beaches to help you feel like you're on holiday

The almost-hexagonal hen house is on the Belladrum Estate

Highland coop: a remarkable hen house conversion at Belladrum

Eastside Cartshed is a secluded staycation destination just a short drive from Edinburgh.

Tour a quirky Pentlands getaway complete with wood-fired Finnish

Ruins of Cammo House. Image: Adobe Stock

Here are 13 gorgeous forest walks near Edinburgh including Roslin Glen

Ben Lomond. Image: Adobe Stock

21 Epic Munros to bag near Edinburgh starting with Ben Chonzie

Airhouses offers a range of quirky accomodation.

Tour Airhouses - a range of holiday lets tucked away on a Borders farm

Creag na h-Iolaire looks over shimmering Loch Shieldaig.

Tour an award-winning staycation spot with views over Loch Shieldaig

Skuyö combines Scandinavian design and sensory delights.

Tour a secluded and romantic Scandi-styled Skye haven with hot tub

Here are Scotland's 12 most underrated locations - according to our readers. Cr. Getty Images/Canva Pro

Here are the 12 most underrated Scottish cities and towns in 2024

The Bothan occupies a stunning location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Tour a quirky cozy Highland 'tiny house' with views of the Atlantic

Which Scottish seaside town will you visit next? Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

These are the 20 best seaside towns to visit in Scotland in 2024

Only seven miles away from Stirling is the magnificent Dunmore Pineapple which amazes visitors with its unique architecture and curious heritage.

Explainer Dunmore Pineapple Guide: The “Most Bizarre Building In Scotland”

15 Incredible castles along the rugged Scottish coast

There are many incredible examples of stonework at the Rosslyn Chapel which is situated near the Scottish capital; Edinburgh.

Explainer The Scots chapel near Edinburgh where statues of angels play bagpipes

Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s historic capital city, the Balmoral Hotel is easily one of Edinburgh’s most recognised landmarks.

Explainer Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel named ‘Best in Scotland’ in top competition

The National Wallace Monument is considered one of Scotland’s most revered landmarks. It commemorates the life of Sir William Wallace.

Explainer History of the Wallace Monument as Scots landmark celebrates 154 years

10 Scottish winter long weekend staycations the weather can't ruin

11 lochside Scottish Highland retreats

What to do in Edinburgh for FREE: 13 Incredible attraction that cost 0

If the ‘best things in life are free’ then it could be said that many of the best things are in Glasgow as you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time here.

25 Incredible attractions in Glasgow that are free to visit

Arthur's Seat is part of an ancient volcano which forms the main peak of the group of hills in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. From the top of Arthur's Seat you can enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh and watch as the autumnal colour palette envelops the city.

Scottish Autumn: 16 Places to admire cool autumnal scenery in Scotland

Here are 9 beautiful lighthouses you can rent in Scotland

The Quiraing is a landslip situated to the north of the Isle of Skye in the 'Trotternish' area. After only a moderate two-mile hike you can reach the peak of this breathtaking location which offers stunning views of local mountains, lochs and even the seashore.

10 Recommended locations on the Isle of Skye that no one should miss

The longhouse is positioned low on a hillside, just above a sandy beach on the coast of the stunning island of Lewis.

Tour the Lewis Longhouse that sits on a hill overlooking a sandy beach

Dunnottar Castle can be found on a rocky outcrop in Aberdeenshire, just one and a half miles south of Stonehaven. The 160ft rock is surrounded by the North Sea which made it a well-defended fortress.

25 Most-loved Scottish castles as voted by you starting with Dunnottar

This coastal cabin looks out over one of Scotland’s finest beaches

Surprisingly, many tourists visiting Scotland aren’t aware of the border separating Scotland from England. Or, believe that Britain is “just England.” You’ll find most Scots are proud of their identity and heritage, and while we are indeed a part of the United Kingdom, we are definitely not England.

13 things you should NEVER say to someone from Scotland (and why)

Found in Stornoway, the sign reads: "a broken Gaelic is better than a Gaelic in the chest (coffin)". Encouraging people to use what they've got regardless of any imperfections.

Stornoway Gaelic Cafe ignites new hope for Gaelic’s future in Scotland

The Laurie family next to one of the Mull pods.

Glamping firm behind luxury 'sustainable pods' in £1.5m Scottish expansion

Many of Scotland's most beautiful and interesting locations can be easily reached by train from Edinburgh.

11 of the best day trips by train within two hours of Scotland's Capital

The North East 250 route connecting many top distilleries has been singled out as being 'largely undiscovered'.

Sunny outlook for staycations as cash-strapped Scots look to holiday at home

Staycations will be popular again with travellers in 2023. Pods at The Bracken Hide Hotel near Portree, Isle of Skye. Pic: Contributed

Scotland tops the travel trends for the year ahead

You can have a great day out in the Scottish Borders without spending any money.

Here are 10 school holiday treats you can enjoy in the Borders

There's plenty of things do in Glasgow without having to dip into your wallet or purse.

Here are 10 free school holiday treats you can enjoy in Glasgow

There are plenty of amazing things you can do in Edinburgh without having to spend a penny.

Here are 10 free school holiday treats you can enjoy in Edinburgh

Image sitting back in your luxurious designer living room and enjoying these views at the Sound of Harris.

Rent this island getaway and enjoy awe-inspiring panoramic coastal views

The incredible tower-top roof terrace is perfect for enjoying the sunset with a glass of fizz.

Stay in a romantic castle apartment with its own panoramic tower terrace

Wilderkin has stunning views over the Borders countryside to the Pentland Hills.

Stay in a romantic off-grid hideaway for two just 30 minutes from Edinburgh

You won't find many better views in Scotland than the one you get from Beach Bay Cottage, on the Isle of Lewis.

This quirky stone cottage has one of the best views in Scotland
Foreign travel may be opening up again, but many of us are choosing to holiday at home this year – and this could be Scotland’s ultimate beach getaway.

Some of the places you can still escape to for a tranquil Hogmanay in Scotland this year.

10 cosy Hogmanay escapes for two if you want to avoid the crowds this New Year

Rhoda meek is the founder of community interest company Isle Develop, which is behind the new isleHoliday.com accommodation site - described as a community-focused version of the popular AirBnB platform

Staycation Scotland: Website to plough profits into ailing island communities

Mike Roche is returning to land on Mull that his parents bought 30 years ago.

Staycation Scotland: Glamping plan for 'Balamory' island

Western Isles residents are being asked to consider a plan to tax tourists visiting the isles in campervans and motorhomes (Photo: Richard Heath).

Western Isles plan to impose tax on motorhome visitors

Heading south: Glampitect's Calum MacLeod

Glampitect to open its first office in England

If you're looking for a road trip that's a real pet paradise, this route has everything you, and your dog, needs.

Scottish route is named Britain's top dog-friendly road trip

Executive Chef Alan Dickson and Sous Chef Paulius Blazys. (Pic:Ian Georgeson

Edinburgh Old Town's Cafe 1505 offers a top range of tasty treats

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: Edinburgh leads booming hotel market as visitors flock to the city

A VisitScotland survey has revealed the five top awe-inspiring city sights across Scotland.

Top five most awe-inspiring city sights in Scotland

Kid-free zone: Morag Sallabanks and her husband Jonny at their glamping site

Luxury glamping just for adults opens at Borders coastal beauty spot

This beautiful Scottish beach was the cause of an international incident in 2009 which left another country red-faced. why? Read on to find out more.

11 Scottish beaches to visit this summer

One of the two bothies in the grounds of the Inverlonan (which comprises three farms within the Glen Lonan valley) near Oban.

Staycation Scotland: An off-grid holiday in a luxury bothy

The block in the Suez Canal has had an impact on stock shortages

Suez Canal cargo crisis sees shortage of camping equipment in Scotland

Sango Bay beach at Durness = one of Scotland's stunning North Atlantic beaches

Warning holidaymakers could be left with nowhere to stay in Scotland

The Scotsman Top Stories

Scotland has failed to meet its latest target for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the latest official figures show. Picture: John Giles/PA Wire

Fail: Scotland misses climate target

Pro-independence protesters with Scottish Saltire flags (top) march for Scottish independence. Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images

Yousaf: Growing popular support for Yes the only way to Scottish independence

Nadine Dorries. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

SNP MP cleared of bullying Nadine Dorries