Scotland Fly & Drive

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most beautiful city in Northern Europe. Still the centre of Scotland’s autonomous administrative establishments, Edinburg has become neither too modernized to be cold nor too large to be unattractive. Medieval alleyways cluster around an imposing castle, elegant 18th century townhouses sweep around lush parks, and culture thrives. Unquestioned centrepiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle looms into view around street corners for miles around. 11th century Queen Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburg, is contained within the castle walls. Walking towards the palace, you’ll pass the medieval dwelling called Gladstone’s Land, and Lady Stair’s House, a 17th century town house containing memorabilia of Scotland’s literary trinity of Burns, Scott and Stevenson. The final lap of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth that houses the People's Story Museum and is one of its most recognizable landmarks. For a sweeping view of the city, climb Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill offers, as well, beautiful views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than sightseeing. For some urban flair check in to Stockbridge, a quaint community full of students, coffeeshops and good pubs. Every August the city celebrates the Edinburgh International Festival, three weeks of the finest music, theatre, opera and dance. Thousands of culture-minded visitors congregate here and the city does its best to keep them happy.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Aberdeen, often called the “Granite City,” sits on Scotland’s northeast coast where the Rivers Dee and Don meet the North Sea. Its historic center is built from locally quarried grey stone that glitters with a silvery sheen in the sun, giving the city a striking, almost regal appearance. Stroll along Union Street, Aberdeen’s main thoroughfare, to get a feel for the city’s mix of Victorian architecture, modern shops, cozy cafés, and traditional pubs. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, with a strong student presence thanks to the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University. Culture and history lovers will find plenty to explore. Start at Aberdeen Maritime Museum to understand the city’s long relationship with the sea and the North Sea oil industry. Then visit the 15th‑century King’s College in Old Aberdeen, with its cobbled streets, ancient kirks, and tranquil campus. Art enthusiasts should head to the Aberdeen Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Scottish and international works in a beautifully renovated building. Nature is never far away here. Take a walk along the long, sandy Aberdeen Beach promenade, dotted with cafés and amusement arcades, or head to the picturesque fishing village of Footdee (locally known as “Fittie”), with its colorful cottages and quirky decorations. Within a short drive, you can reach dramatic coastal cliffs, the windswept dunes of Balmedie Beach, and the Royal Deeside area, home to castles like Balmoral and enchanting woodland walks. Food and drink in Aberdeen reflect both land and sea. Sample fresh seafood—especially locally landed haddock, langoustines, and mussels—in one of the city’s many restaurants, or try classic Scottish dishes such as Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) and haggis. In the evening, dip into Aberdeen’s pub and live‑music scene, or join a whisky tour to explore Speyside’s famous distilleries, which are close enough for an easy day trip and offer a perfect taste of northeast Scotland’s rich heritage.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Inverness is the nerve centre and tourist capital of the Highlands. A bustling port city located on the picturesque banks of the Ness River is a fantastic base to explore this Scottish region that contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. But this city is worth a visit in its own right. Inverness is an interesting and attractive city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do; from ancient castles to restaurants to a cruise on Loch Ness or a stroll along the river. The city itself is small, compact and easy to get around. The castle in town, perched picturesquely above the river, dominates the horizon. The castle’s present day structure is a 19th century imposing Neo-Norman red stone fortress still surrounded by part of its original bastion wall. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery gives a good general overview of the development of the Highlands while medieval Church Street is home to the town’s oldest-surviving buildings. Contrary to the lore, Inverness castle is not where Macbeth murdered King Duncan; the actual site is a moat-and-drawbridge dream, Cawdor Castle, located just east of Inverness. The beautiful gothic construction is well worth a visit if only for its dazzling gardens. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, a local and national icon and one of the most photographed sites of the region, are on the north side of the Loch. This is where most sightings of the famous monster have occurred. Nowadays, Inverness is a modern city, with all the modern accommodations and amenities one could expect from a major city. There are many lovely riverside restaurants and bustling pavement cafes as well as a wide range of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market. Whether it’s roaming the streets of the city itself or heading out into the Highlands of Scotland for a day trip, Inverness definitely stands as one of those ultimately must-see destinations in the United Kingdom.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: The most northerly town in mainland Scotland, Thurso is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. There’s plenty to see and do in and around the delightful town of Thurso. The town is a hive of lovely traditional shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Other great ‘must-sees’ are the circular wellhouse of Meadow Well, a fine public library and the impressive Janet Street overlooking the River Thurso close to Thurso Bridge. Check out the Swanson Gallery which hosts year round exhibitions of fine artwork, or discover the magical world of Glass Creations by artist Ian Pearson. Caithness Horizons is also well worth a visit with fascinating museum exhibits and a changing annual gallery programme. Thurso is also a major surfing area and a premier heavy cold surf destination which hosts surfing championships, including two World Championships for Kayak surfing. The plentiful reefs, points, river mouths and beaches, on top of the consistent year-round surfing opportunities, make the location a paradise for watersports lovers. West of Thurso is the Dounreay nuclear power station and its story is explained in an exhibition within the Caithness Horizons visitor centre. The dramatic north coast stretches away to the west, while inland is the vast area of blanket bog known as the ‘Flow Country’.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: The picturesque fishing town of Ullapool, nestled on the shores of Lochbroom, is a great holiday destination and a gateway to the Northern Highlands. Situated in one of the least spoilt natural environments in the UK, the town boasts a wealth of things to see and do. There is a great choice of varied walks in the area including mountains, rocky coasts and long inland footpaths with a good portion of the finest summits in the north west Highlands too. The town makes a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside and touring Wester Ross and the Highlands with Inverness being only an hour’s drive south and Stornoway and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides are just a short ferry ride away. Described as an outdoor paradise with a ‘Scandinavian twinkle in winter and Canadian-style adrenaline in summer’ and voted one of the UK’s top 10 outdoor destinations by Outdoor Fitness magazine, the town guarantees a truly unforgettable experience. To the west of Ullapool is the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, home to pine martens, wildcats, buzzards and golden eagles as well as the unique shape of Stac Pollaidh (sometimes written Stack Polly), one of the most photographed hills in the area. South from Ullapool are attractions such as Leckmelm Shrubbery and Arboretum, Lael Forest Garden, and the dizzying depths of Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. Along the Road to Poolewe are great views out to sea over golden beaches and green, rocky islands, and famous Inverewe Garden overlooking Loch Ewe.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Fort William, often called the “Outdoor Capital of the UK,” sits on the shores of Loch Linnhe, framed by some of Scotland’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Dominated by Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, this compact Highland town is the perfect base for hikers, climbers, and anyone keen to soak up wild landscapes. Its bustling High Street offers a mix of outdoor gear shops, cosy pubs, and cafés where you can refuel after a day on the hills. Many visitors come to tackle Ben Nevis, either via the well‑trodden Mountain Track or more challenging scrambling and climbing routes on the North Face. If you prefer gentler adventures, explore nearby Glen Nevis, where short riverside and gorge walks lead to waterfalls and ancient woodland. The Nevis Range Mountain Resort, a short drive from town, offers gondola rides with sweeping views, downhill mountain biking, and in winter, skiing and snowboarding. Beyond the mountains, Fort William is a gateway to some of Scotland’s most iconic journeys. The West Highland Line railway connects the town with Glasgow and Mallaig, passing through spectacular scenery; look out for the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. From Fort William, you can also join segments of the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way, or take boat trips on local lochs to spot seals, seabirds, and, with luck, dolphins. Fort William’s setting also lends itself to slower exploration. Spend an afternoon learning about local history at the West Highland Museum, then unwind with fresh seafood and a dram of whisky while watching the light change over the loch. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or quiet Highland atmosphere, Fort William combines easy access with a feeling of remoteness that makes it a standout stop on any Scottish itinerary.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Situated in Lanarkshire on the west coast of Scotland, Glasgow is a vibrant, fashionable city, with a freshness and style that few other U.K cities can match, Glasgow is famous for it's art & culture. Glasgow has internationally recognized art galleries and museums, the best shopping in the UK outside London and the best nightlife Scotland has to offer. With over 800 bars and pubs to choose from and a massive selection of nightclubs, Friday and Saturday nights see the streets swell with people moving from one entertainment to another. Music fans will love the Glasgow's atmosphere due to the number of festivals and live gigs throughout the city. With a wealth of cultural and entertainment options available, visitors will find Glasgow a city to remember. The city is easily accessible with many train and bus stations dotted around the city centre offering very reliable public transport.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most beautiful city in Northern Europe. Still the centre of Scotland’s autonomous administrative establishments, Edinburg has become neither too modernized to be cold nor too large to be unattractive. Medieval alleyways cluster around an imposing castle, elegant 18th century townhouses sweep around lush parks, and culture thrives. Unquestioned centrepiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle looms into view around street corners for miles around. 11th century Queen Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburg, is contained within the castle walls. Walking towards the palace, you’ll pass the medieval dwelling called Gladstone’s Land, and Lady Stair’s House, a 17th century town house containing memorabilia of Scotland’s literary trinity of Burns, Scott and Stevenson. The final lap of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth that houses the People's Story Museum and is one of its most recognizable landmarks. For a sweeping view of the city, climb Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill offers, as well, beautiful views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than sightseeing. For some urban flair check in to Stockbridge, a quaint community full of students, coffeeshops and good pubs. Every August the city celebrates the Edinburgh International Festival, three weeks of the finest music, theatre, opera and dance. Thousands of culture-minded visitors congregate here and the city does its best to keep them happy.