Scotland's Rural Getaways

Travel Scotland and discover that it's the perfect pairing: Scotland's fair cities and fantastic countryside. Choose a city - hip, historic Edinburgh; warm, welcoming Inverness or super-stylish Glasgow. With your home base in a Scottish city you'll experience it all: Scotland's traditional music scene, its mix of ancient and modern architecture, and the modern cultural Renaissance that has brought us fine dining, museums and theatrical productions. When you stay in Scottish cities you're in the perfect position to tour.

After you've walked Edinburgh's Royal Mile take a drive out to the birthplace of golf at St. Andrews. Or visit the birthplace of Scotland's poet, Robert Burns: set out from Glasgow following the River Clyde and visit castles along the way. There's history and mystery - from Stirling you can visit William Wallace Monument, and from Inverness - the country's Highland capital - you can look for the legendary Loch Ness Monster, marveling at the dramatic scenery as you go.

Travel Scotland and while touring the Scottish countryside offers a taste of Scotland's warmth and hospitality. Country villages are full of delights: beautiful hand knit sweaters and exotic local dishes. The landscape is wild and romantic - and you're never too far from home base. You can enhance your trip with a visit to London and get the best of both worlds.

Inverness is the prosperous hub of the Highlands, with an enviable location on the banks of the River Ness at the head of the Great Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring.
The thriving city of Inverness is crowned by a pink crenellated castle, and lavishly decorated with flowers. There are plenty of shops, places to eat and drink, peaceful areas close to the centre for relaxing, and a good variety of places to stay. Chill out by the river at lovely Ness Islands; shop for something tartan to take home; and by night, go out on the town. The city itself is small, compact and easy to get around.

Travel Scotland and find there are also many attractions around the city: re-live one of Scotland's most famous battles at Culloden battlefield; marvel at the spectacle of a Highland Games - Inverness hosts one of the world's biggest; and even see a school of dolphins frolic in the nearby Moray Firth.