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.
17. New Lanark
You can find this 18th century cotton spinning mill village by the banks of the Falls of Clyde which is roughly one hour from Edinburgh or Glasgow. The location achieved recognition in 2001 as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo: via WikiCommons
18. Fife Coast Harbours
The Fife Council controls eleven harbours along the 180 kilometre Fife Coastline. Crail, a historic fishing village located in the stunning East Neuk of Fife, has a harbour that is surrounded by beautiful red stone cottages and charming cobblestone paths. Photo: David Farrer on Flickr
19. Mull of Galloway
The Mull of Galloway is the most southerly point of Scotland. Its lighthouse, standing 260 feet tall and perched on the edge, was built by the famous Glasgow-born architect Robert Stevenson in 1830. Photo: zambog on Flickr
20. Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey is famous for being the final resting place of the heart of Scottish hero Robert the Bruce. The Abbey was the first Cistercian Monastery to be erected in Scotland, it was founded in 1136 by King David I. Photo: via WikiCommons