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Southern Scotland

Welcome to the South of Scotland

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Explore Welcome to the South of Scotland

Rolling hills, historic Border towns and a coastline waiting to be explored – welcome to the South of Scotland.

Browse our selection of brochures and official visitor guides to discover the timeless rural hospitality of Southern Scotland.

Holidays in Southern Scotland

Whether a holiday park, a country cottage or an indulgent city break, find the exact holiday you need with our official visitor guide selection.

Southern Scotland area map
Seasonal events and must-see locations - South Scotland

Festivals, fairs, food and history await across Southern Scotland. Below are highly recommended locations for one-of-a-kind events.

13 AUG

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026

Thu 13 Aug 2026 – Wed 19 Aug 2026 πŸ“ Edinburgh Ticketed (varies)

Showcase of the best in international cinema, from short films to feature-length productions.

14 AUG

Edinburgh Art Festival 2026

Fri 14 Aug 2026 – Sun 30 Aug 2026 πŸ“ Edinburgh Many exhibitions free

Scotland's largest annual celebration of visual art with exhibitions across galleries and venues citywide.

15 AUG

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026

Sat 15 Aug 2026 – Sun 30 Aug 2026 πŸ“ Edinburgh Ticketed (varies)

Author readings, Q&As and talks covering all types of literature.

24 AUG

Edinburgh Summer Sessions 2026

Mon 24 Aug 2026 – Sat 29 Aug 2026 πŸ“ Edinburgh Ticketed (varies)

Open-air concert series in Princes Street Gardens featuring major headline acts against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

21 OCT

Edinburgh International Storytelling Festival 2026

Wed 21 Oct 2026 – Sat 31 Oct 2026 πŸ“ Edinburgh Ticketed (varies)

A celebration of live oral storytelling with performances and events across Edinburgh.

14 NOV

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026

Sat 14 Nov 2026 – Mon 4 Jan 2027 πŸ“ Edinburgh Free

Edinburgh's famous Christmas market returns to East Princes Street Gardens and George Street with traditional wooden chalets, festive food and drink, fairground rides, and an ice rink beneath the castle.

See all Welcome to the South of Scotland events β†’

Beach and coast locations

Cities and towns

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of unparalleled beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect destination for a staycation. Tucked between the rolling hills and the sea, Edinburgh offers a stunning blend of natural landscapes and architectural wonders. From the historic Royal Mile to the tranquil Princes Street Gardens, the city is a treasure trove of attractions, suitable for all ages and interests.

See destination
Edinburgh