Explore Welcome to Northern Scotland
Explore a striking landscape of world-famous lochs and jagged mountains – welcome to Northern Scotland.
Whether to conquer the outdoors or savour the rural Scottish hospitality, our selection of holiday brochures and visitor guides will get you started on a Scottish holiday to remember.
Holidays in North Scotland & the Highlands
Walking, cycling and boating holidays are some of the best ways to experience Northern Scotland and the Highlands. Cut through the lochs on an epic journey through the Caledonian Canal or wander the slopes of Ben Nevis.
Ruins, castles, monster-hunts and festivals – Northern Scotland and the Highlands have them all. Below are some of the most highly recommended locations for one-of-a-kind events.
Oban International Sea Shanty Festival 2026
A maritime music festival featuring shanty singing groups from Scotland, England, the Netherlands and beyond, with workshops and family activities across venues in Oban.
Friday Night Ceilidhs at Cultarlann Inbhir Nis
New for 2026, live Highland music, song and traditional ceilidh dancing every Friday night at the Gaelic Cultural Centre on Academy Street in Inverness.
Inverness Highland Games 2026
The 189th edition of the traditional Highland Games returns to Bught Park in central Inverness with athletics, piping, dancing and family entertainment.
Scottish National Whisky Festival, Inverness 2026
A whisky tasting festival at Eden Court featuring distillery exhibitors, mixologists and seminars.
Festival of the Sea: Clipper Race Oban 2026
A series of harbourside events celebrating the arrival of the Clipper Round the World Race fleet into Oban.
Skerryvore Live
A live performance by the acclaimed Scottish folk-rock band Skerryvore in Oban.
See all Welcome to Northern Scotland events →
Beach and coast locations
Oban
Oban stands on the west coast of Scotland, a picturesque gateway to the Hebrides, offering a unique blend of captivating scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for a staycation. This charming town, often referred to as the "Seafood Capital of Scotland," boasts an array of attractions that appeal to nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and culinary adventurers alike.
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Cities and towns
Inverness
Inverness, often celebrated as the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, merges history, natural beauty, and vibrant urban life into a compelling destination for staycations. Poised at the northern terminus of the Great Glen and near the storied Loch Ness, Inverness serves as a bridge between modernity and the ancient traditions and landscapes of Scotland. With its picturesque setting and an array of attractions, Inverness ensures a mix of serene and adventurous experiences for every visitor.
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