See a band in the Barrowland
A visit to Glasgow's Barrowland is a must for any music lover. This iconic venue is renowned for hosting the best bands in the world, and its sweaty, dark, and cavernous interior creates an incredible atmosphere for live performances.
Visit the Standing Stones at Callanish
Leave Stonehenge to the hippies and head to Callanish on the Isle of Lewis. These ancient standing stones, dating back 5000 years, are steeped in mystery and rumored to have astrological significance. Explore the impressive stone formations and immerse yourself in the rich history of the area.
Take the West Highland line to Mallaig
Embark on a scenic train journey along the West Highland line, which offers breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, Loch Morar, and the Caledonian Canal. The highlight of the journey is crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning Scottish landscapes that unfold before your eyes.
Go to an Old Firm game
Experience the intense rivalry between Glasgow's two football teams, Rangers and Celtic, by attending an Old Firm game. The atmosphere at these matches is electric, with fans passionately cheering on their teams and creating an unrivaled sporting spectacle.
Drive over the Bealach na Ba to Applecross
Tackle one of Scotland's most challenging and scenic drives by crossing the Bealach na Ba, a mountain pass with hairpin bends and stunning views. Rent an Aston Martin and enjoy the exhilarating and adrenaline-fueled drive through the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
Visit the Turner Watercolours at the National Gallery of Scotland
Escape the January blues by visiting the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh and viewing Turner's stunning watercolours. These masterpieces, displayed only in January, bring light and color to the winter months and provide a joyful start to the new year.
Eat a real Arbroath Smokie
Indulge in a culinary delight by savoring a traditional Arbroath Smokie, a haddock fillet smoked over a barrel. These delicious delicacies, protected by EU status alongside Champagne and Parma Ham, can only be found in Arbroath and are a must-try for seafood lovers.
Enjoy a Dorothy's-eye view of Edinburgh Castle
Visit the junction of Bread Street and Spittal Street in Edinburgh at dusk and stand by the blue door next to the shop on the corner. From this vantage point, you'll have a breathtaking view of Edinburgh Castle, with its ramparts reaching their most soaring heights. Take a moment to appreciate the connection between this view and the work of George Gibson, an Edinburgh-born artist who painted the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz.
Eat a Fisher and Donaldson custard slice
Indulge in a sweet treat by enjoying a custard slice from Fisher and Donaldson in St Andrews. This family-run bakery offers a range of delicious pastries and treats and is known for its custard slice. With its flaky pastry and creamy filling, this dessert is a must-try for anyone visiting St Andrews.
Play the world's oldest golf course
Immerse yourself in the history of golf by playing a round at Musselburgh Old Links, the oldest continuously played golf course in the world. Walking in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots, who played here in 1567, and experiencing the traditional links-style course is a must for any golf enthusiast.
Spit on the Heart of Midlothian
Take part in a unique tradition by spitting on the Heart of Midlothian, a heart-shaped mosaic embedded in the pavement on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Historically, this spot marked the site of public executions, and locals would spit on it as a sign of disrespect for the criminals who were executed there. While tourists may be unaware of this tradition, it adds an interesting cultural element to the area.
Go to a Highland Games
Experience Scottish culture and tradition by attending a Highland Games event. These festivals take place throughout Scotland during the summer and feature events such as caber tossing, hammer throwing, and Highland dancing. Whether you want to participate or simply watch the games, the Highland Games offer a unique and entertaining experience.
See dolphins
Head to the Moray Firth, home to a family of bottlenose dolphins, and embark on a boat trip to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The Moray Firth Wildlife Centre offers tours that allow you to get up close and personal with dolphins, providing a memorable experience for nature lovers.
Surf in Thurso
Experience the thrill of riding the waves at Thurso, home to one of the best right-hand breaking waves in the world. This challenging surf spot attracts seasoned surfers from around the globe and offers an exhilarating experience for those brave enough to take on the powerful waves.
Go to a traditional music festival on an island
Escape to one of Scotland's beautiful islands and immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Scottish music at a traditional music festival. These festivals showcase the best of Scottish talent and offer a unique opportunity to experience the culture and music of Scotland's island communities.
Go to the races
Experience the excitement of horse racing by attending a race day at one of Scotland's five racecourses. From the prestigious Ayr Racecourse to the picturesque rural settings of Perth and Kelso, each racecourse offers a unique experience for racing enthusiasts and those looking for a fun day out.
Follow in the footsteps of St Columba
Visit the historic Abbey on the Isle of Iona, the earliest Christian site in Scotland. Founded by St Columba in AD563, this iconic abbey is steeped in history and provides a serene and peaceful space for reflection and contemplation.
Walk the West Highland Way
Embark on a stunning walk along the West Highland Way, a 95-mile trail that takes you through some of Scotland's most beautiful and dramatic scenery. From the shores of Loch Lomond to the rugged beauty of Glencoe, this journey offers an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Go curling on a frozen pond
Embrace the Scottish love of winter sports by trying your hand at curling on a frozen pond. While finding a frozen pond may be increasingly rare, the sport of curling is uniquely Scottish and offers a fun and challenging activity for those looking to embrace the cold weather.
Ride the Falkirk Wheel
Experience the engineering marvel that is the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift that connects the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. This impressive feat of engineering lifts boats from one canal to the other, providing a unique and memorable experience for those looking to explore Scotland's canals.
Go to a ceilidh at the Riverside Club
Experience the lively and energetic atmosphere of a traditional ceilidh by attending an event at the Riverside Club in Glasgow. Ceilidhs are a celebration of Scottish music and dancing, and offer a unique opportunity to learn traditional Scottish dances and enjoy live music in a friendly and welcoming environment.