Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited islands in Scotland’s spectacular Outer Hebrides. The island is very often called “Barra-bados” or “Barra-dise” because of the tropical-looking white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited islands in Scotland’s spectacular Outer Hebrides. The island is very often called “Barra-bados” or “Barra-dise” because of the tropical-looking white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited islands in Scotland’s spectacular Outer Hebrides. The island is very often called “Barra-bados” or “Barra-dise” because of the tropical-looking white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

25 Stunning Places to Visit in Scotland in 2024: The “Best sights for tourists” according to Scotsman readers

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 10th Apr 2023, 11:08 GMT
Updated 11th Jan 2024, 09:19 GMT

Scotland is on a lot of people’s bucket lists and if that includes you then these are the incredible Scottish locations you have to check out - as recommended by our Scotsman readers.

For the most popular Scottish tourist attractions you can easily find suggestions like Edinburgh or the Scottish Highlands with a quick online search, but of course there is much more on offer in this bonnie wee country of ours.

Majestic castles, UNESCO heritage sites, and tropical-style beaches are only some of the sights that make Scotland such an unforgettable place to visit. This list includes attractions that are free to visit, some famous and others considered to be ‘hidden gems’.

So, here are twenty-five of the most spectacular places to visit in Scotland according to our Scotsman readers.

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most well-known castles for its intriguing history and architecture. New tapestries at the castle were crafted as part of a £2 million project which took 13 years to complete. They recapture the atmosphere of the royal court.

. Unicorn Tapestries at Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most well-known castles for its intriguing history and architecture. New tapestries at the castle were crafted as part of a £2 million project which took 13 years to complete. They recapture the atmosphere of the royal court. Photo: via WikiCommons

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The Cathedral was built to serve as the final resting place for the relics of Saint Magnus. Built from local yellow and red sandstone, construction commenced in 1137 making it one of Scotland’s oldest cathedrals and the most northerly one in the United Kingdom.

. St Magnus Cathedral

The Cathedral was built to serve as the final resting place for the relics of Saint Magnus. Built from local yellow and red sandstone, construction commenced in 1137 making it one of Scotland’s oldest cathedrals and the most northerly one in the United Kingdom. Photo: stuartherbert on Flickr

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St Giles’ Cathedral started as a Romanesque Church in 1124 but now stands as a modern Presbyterian Church. Its 900-year-old heritage packs many fascinating stories but it recently hit headlines for acting as the site where Queen Elizabeth II’s body rested while in Scotland.

. St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral started as a Romanesque Church in 1124 but now stands as a modern Presbyterian Church. Its 900-year-old heritage packs many fascinating stories but it recently hit headlines for acting as the site where Queen Elizabeth II’s body rested while in Scotland. Photo: vgm8383 on Flickr

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Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited islands in Scotland’s spectacular Outer Hebrides. The island is very often called “Barra-bados” or “Barra-dise” because of the tropical-looking white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

. Barra

Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited islands in Scotland’s spectacular Outer Hebrides. The island is very often called “Barra-bados” or “Barra-dise” because of the tropical-looking white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Photo: via WikiCommons

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This is the highest mountain in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom standing 4,411 feet above sea level. It used to be a huge active volcano which erupted and collapsed in on itself millions of years ago.

. Ben Nevis

This is the highest mountain in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom standing 4,411 feet above sea level. It used to be a huge active volcano which erupted and collapsed in on itself millions of years ago. Photo: via WikiCommons

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As the National Trust for Scotland puts it, “It's known equally for its awe-inspiring views and sorrowful past – it is a place of history, wildlife, adventure and myth.” It is considered Scotland’s most famous glen and is named after the River Coe which runs through it.

. Glencoe

As the National Trust for Scotland puts it, “It's known equally for its awe-inspiring views and sorrowful past – it is a place of history, wildlife, adventure and myth.” It is considered Scotland’s most famous glen and is named after the River Coe which runs through it. Photo: tonyarmstrong on Flickr

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Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands, located at the mouth of the River Ness found on the east coast of Northern Scotland. The settlement was once the capital of the Picts (ancient Celts) who were ruled by King Brude.

. Inverness

Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands, located at the mouth of the River Ness found on the east coast of Northern Scotland. The settlement was once the capital of the Picts (ancient Celts) who were ruled by King Brude. Photo: via WikiCommons

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The Isle of Arran is described as one of the ‘most accessible’ islands in Scotland. It is situated off the breathtaking west coast of the country. The island is the largest in the Firth of Clyde and the seventh largest of all the Scottish islands.

. Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is described as one of the ‘most accessible’ islands in Scotland. It is situated off the breathtaking west coast of the country. The island is the largest in the Firth of Clyde and the seventh largest of all the Scottish islands. Photo: gails_pictures on Flickr