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Home / Travel Blog

What is Scotland Known for?

Travel Blog Last Updated · Sep 25th, 2022

Let’s take a look below at famous things Scotland is known for.

Welcome to Scotland!
Welcome to Scotland!

Scotland has so much to offer and it’s known for having the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire United Kingdom.

This is a diverse country with a lot to discover, from rolling hills and mountains to white sandy beaches and so much more!

Table of Contents

  • What is Scotland Known For?
    • Edinburgh
    • Whisky
    • The Scottish Highlands
    • Glasgow
    • Castles
    • The Loch Ness Monster
    • Hogmanay
    • Scottish Kilts
    • Scottish Islands
    • Sottish Oats
    • Bagpipes
    • Scottish Accents
  • What is Scotland Known For?

What is Scotland Known For?

It can be an incredible tourist destination and it’s the perfect place to connect with nature and recharge, not to mention you’ll have a lot of fun exploring the things that make the country iconic.

There are many things Scotland is known for that are worth experiencing, which is why today we will show you some of the most popular ones!

Inside the National Museum of Scotland
Inside the National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh

This is the capital of Scotland and it’s known for its lovely streets, cafes, shops, and its great variety of eateries where you can try local dishes such as haggis, tatties, and neeps.

Edinburgh is not only one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland that is full of history, but you can visit the Museum of Scotland here and learn more about it in a fun interactive and interesting way.

A glass of Scotch whisky served at a Glasgow pub
A glass of Scotch whisky served at a pub in Glasgow

Whisky

We can’t talk about this country without talking about one of the most famous things in Scotland: whisky. There’s a great variety of whisky available in Scotland with over 109 distilleries all over the country.

It’s the national drink and the Scotts have been producing whisky since the 11th century. Authentic Scotch whisky is something you simply can’t miss and the best place on earth you could ever try it.

The lush greens at Scotland Highlands
The lush greens at Scotland Highlands

The Scottish Highlands

When you want to get off the beaten track in Scotland you’ll find the Scottish Highlands to be one the best examples of the breathtaking scenery the country has to offer.

Located in the northernmost part of the country, the Scottish Highlands offer access to the highest mountains in the UK and the most incredible freshwater lakes.

There are many pit stops you can make here, such as whisky distilleries and Fraserburgh, where you’ll find the biggest shellfish port in Europe.

Tourist-filled Buchanan Street at Glasgow, Scotland
Tourist-filled Buchanan Street at Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow

Glasgow is another of the most popular must sees in Scotland and it’s the second-largest city in the country. That means there’s a lot to discover here, so it’s well worth a visit.

Glasgow is known for its delicious cuisine, whisky variety, and it’s home to the only Women’s Only Library in the United Kingdom. Additionally, it’s quite the cultural hub and it has a great underground subway system that will help you get around easily.

Castles

The Dunrobin Castle at Golspie, Scotland
The Dunrobin Castle at Golspie, Scotland

Scotland is bursting with historic castles and they are one of the main things Scotland is known for. There are many beautiful castle hotels in Scotland to discover if you wish to stay in one.

Many of Scotland’s castles are well-preserved and some of them in ruins, but all of them are equally exciting and magical. There are over 3,000 castles in Scotland so you won’t have any trouble finding a few to explore.

The view of Loch Ness during early morning
The view of Loch Ness during early morning

The Loch Ness Monster

The Loch Ness Monster is one of the most legendary myths and it originates in Scotland.

It is one of the most famous things in Scotland and many people travel to the country to visit Loch Ness, talk about the sightings, and hope to experience one of their own.

You can explore Loch Ness by boat and also visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition where you’ll learn all about the monster sightings and research.

Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle during New Year's eve
Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle during New Year’s eve

Hogmanay

Hogmanay refers to New Year’s Eve, which takes place on the 31st of December. It’s an exciting night for the Scots and it’s a big celebration.

Its origins go back to the Viking winter solstice celebration, which consisted of wild parties. Hogmanay celebrations are known to be a lot of fun and you will receive a warm welcome if you decide to join in.

Scottish Kilts

Kilts are one of the most famous things in Scotland and there’s so much history attached to them. The pattern of these kilts is known as tartan and all the different colors, designs, and lines have different meanings.

Each Scottish family has a tartan specific to their name, so though they may look the same to you, there are over 25,000 registered tartans in the country.

The lighthouse at the Isle of Skye
The lighthouse at the Isle of Skye

Scottish Islands

There are almost 800 islands in Scotland and the largest ones are some of the most popular must-sees in Scotland, such as Arran, Lewis, Skye, and Mull.

There are also small islands that are not as well-known but are also worth a visit, such as Iona, Jura, Eigg, and the Isle of May, to mention a few. If you want to have a nice adventure, you can focus your trip on exploring different Scottish islands.

Sottish Oats

Scottish oats are the most common oatmeal in the UK, so they are one of the top things Scotland is known for. Scottish oats are ground whole oat groats with a fine texture.

It’s coarser than flour and what makes Scottish oats different is the fact that they are ground between two millstones to achieve its smooth texture, very similar to traditional porridge.

A native plays the bagpipe at Edinburgh
A native plays the bagpipe at Edinburgh

Bagpipes

Bagpipes are among the most famous things in Scotland and they are one of the first things that come to mind when we think of this beautiful country.

The origin of bagpipes is quite a mystery, but there’s no doubt that they are the musical personification of Scotland. The unique sound is even a part of the national anthem, cementing the deep cultural meaning of this instrument.

Locals with Scottish accents talking outside a pub of Edinburgh
Locals with Scottish accents talking outside a pub of Edinburgh

Scottish Accents

The variety of Scottish accents are very well known and they are one of the most famous things in Scotland. There are 4 official languages in the country, English, Scots, Gaelic, and British Sign Language.

Though English is the most common language, Scots is a close second and it’s phonetically interesting. The Scottish accent is quite unique and it’s music to people’s ears, especially those who are fascinated by languages and phonetics.

What is Scotland Known For?

These are only a few of the things Scotland is known for and you should make time to experience them during your visit.

Tourist destinations in Scotland are abundant, making it an exciting tourist destination, but there is so much more to discover.

While you are still here, why not take a look at these traditional gifts from Scotland to get even more insight into what Scotland is known for?


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