1. Coast with the Most – Scotland’s coastline (even without its islands) is three times larger than England’s and twice that of France and Spain, so there is a lot of it to explore!
2. Whisky – Some countries that try to make great whisky cannot even spell it. Here is the real deal with hundreds of distilleries, many open to the public and many too which are postcard perfect and set in stunning locales. Check out Scotland’s whisky isle.
3. Wildlife – Be awestruck by huge eagles and stately stags on land and basking sharks, dolphins and even killer whales at sea. Discover the ‘Big Five’ – red deer, red squirrels, harbour seals golden eagles and otters.
4. Eight Cities – Scotland’s eight cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Stirling, Perth and newcomer Dunfermline – all have their own charms and each is worth a trip on its own.
5. Golf – The ‘Home of Golf’ is where the game was invented and some of the world’s most famous courses await, as well as hundreds of less heralded, but equally remarkable, courses that are open to all.
6. Adventure Sports – Whether you want to bash downhill on a mountain bike, hurl yourself off a bungee or take on the Atlantic surf in a kayak Scotland is one of the world’s top adventure playgrounds.
7. Prehistory – Forget touristy Stonehenge and head to the standing stones at the end of the world at Calanais or on Orkney or the ones that lie half forgotten in farmers’ fields around the country.
8. Fantastic Food – Forget what you have heard about stodge and deep fried Mars Bars, instead tuck into some of the world’s best seafood and beef. See our restaurant reviews.
9. V&A Dundee – This world class cultural attraction is the star of Dundee’s impressively evolved and evolving waterfront. We’re huge fans of this stellar arts hub. Go!
10. Great Railway Journeys – The West Highland Line is quite possibly the world’s most beautiful railway journey. Plenty of other routes are scenic too!
11. Brilliant Festivals – Not only are the Edinburgh Festivals the biggest Arts’ festival in Scotland, but the biggest on the planet! A host of other great events will keep you busy throughout the year.
12. World Class Engineering – Scottish engineering is famous around the world, highlights in Scotland range from the epic Forth Bridge to the jaw dropping Falkirk Wheel to the majestic Queensferry Crossing.
13. Mountains – Masses of them. Scotland boasts 282 Munros (peaks over 3,000ft/914m) and myriad other mountains and hills.
14. Kilts – Ladies are said to love them and guys love wearing them so what is not to like? Try one on or just admire them in all their swishy glory.
15. Monsters – Good old Nessie is world famous, but she also has a sister, Morag, in Loch Morar so you can bag two monsters in one trip.
16. Music – Everyone from Big Country and Simple Minds through to Franz Ferdinand and Chvrches hail from Scotland. Rod Stewart would like to, but mercifully doesn’t.
17. Literary talents – From Robert Burns, Scotland’s Shakespeare and author of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, and to literary giant Sir Walter Scott through to avant garde modern geniuses Irvine Welsh and Alistair Gray Scotland overflows with talent. 2020’s Booker Prize winning Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart is a gritty take on the urban Glaswegian experience.
18. World Heritage – Scotland is home to an impressive six UNESCO World Heritage sites – Edinburgh’s Old and New Town, Orkney’s Prehistoric Sites, The Antonine Wall, St. Kilda, New Lanark and the Forth Bridge.
19. Castles – Scotland has more castles per capita than anywhere else in Europe. Which will be your favourite?
20. Birthplace of Peter Pan! – Author J.M. Barrie was inspired by the garden at Moat Brae in Dumfries to create his mystical Neverland. It’s now been opened up to the public and is taking on a fitting role as the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
21. – A Land of Stories – Scotland is a country famous for its tall Gaelic bard-spun stories and its deep mythic culture. Look out for a whole host of special one-off events up and down the country. Also starring will be annual festivities that are being given a Year of Stories boost, like the Edinburgh Festivals and the Wigtown Book Festival.
22. A New City – Dunfermline the historic “Ancient Capital of Scotland” is a mini Edinburgh with two great Indian restaurants and the unique imprint of Andrew Carnegie (once the world’s richest man). Then there is the legacy of Queen Margaret. Big things are happening in this new city – watch this space!
23. Trams to Newhaven – The new tram extension line has eight new stops sweeping right down the length of Leith Walk, Edinburgh’s longest street. Hip cafes, bars, restaurants and shops await both on Leith Walk and in the rest of Leith. Meanwhile great fish and chips tempt by the water in Newhaven.
24. Perth Museum – It is a huge year for Perth, as the Stone of Destiny’s return to the city will really put the Perthshire capital on the map. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this ancient coronation stone, which was used to crown King Charles III, when the museum opens its doors in Spring 2024.