The Isle of Islay is one of the largest West Coast islands in the Southern Hebrides.
Islay is a popular tourist destination thanks to its diverse wildlife, attractive country villages and stunning coastline, but it’s most famous for the distinctive whisky that’s flavoured with locally-sourced peat.
Discover this mesmerizing isle with this complete guide, which includes an overview and lots of useful visiting advice.
Pressmennan Wood is a woodland in East Lothian that features a large lake (one of only four designated lakes in Scotland) and peaceful walks along several trails.
The 212-acre site is managed by the Woodland Trust which has saved the native broadleaf trees from invasive Rhododendrons planted by the Victorians.
The trust also maintains the paths that thread their way through Pressmennan Wood, allowing visitors to have good access no matter the time of year.
This red sandstone palace is located in the village of Scone just outside of Perth. As the original crowning site for the ancient kings of Scotland, it is one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
Visitors can explore both the palace and the extensive grounds on self-guided tours as well as enjoy a variety of organized events throughout the year.
The National Museum of Flight in East Lothian offers an amazing family day out for anyone with a love of air travel and aircraft.
This popular tourist attraction features outdoor displays as well as aircraft hangers full of planes, helicopters and more.
There’s also an on-site café and a gift shop that’s stacked to the rafters with aircraft-themed toys and models.
The privately-run St. Conan’s Kirk near Loch Awe offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The stunning architecture both inside and out of the church is the perfect backdrop to the intricate carvings that are reminiscent of Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian.
St. Conan’s Kirk is currently free to visit but donations are accepted.
A visit to Ben Cruachan (which isn’t actually a mountain – it’s a Munro) rewards walkers with some of the finest views in the Southern Highlands, especially if they make it to the very top of its summit and gaze down at the multitude of rocky satellites below it.
Set in 55 acres of lovely Fife countryside, The Scottish Deer Centre is an animal conservation park that looks after 14 species of deer from around the world as well as wolves, otters, wildcats, and birds of prey.
Sitting in around 260 acres of beautifully managed parkland in the Cairngorms, the Highland Wildlife Park showcases some of the wildlife that can be found in the mountains and wilderness areas of Scotland, as well as several species that are currently endangered in mountainous regions all over the world.
