Follow the Trail

Scotland’s Greatest Stories, One UNESCO Site at a Time

“Did you know? Scotland is the first country in the world to link all its UNESCO designations in one national trail. It’s more than a route—it’s a celebration of what makes Scotland globally significant, locally loved, and endlessly fascinating.”

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Mad about Scotland? Spread the cheer! Today’s newsletter celebrates the beauty, culture and spirit of Scotland, from its rugged landscapes and ancient castles to its rich traditions and flavours. Know someone who dreams of Scotland too? Spread the magic by forwarding this to a friend - they’ll love discovering a wee bit of Scotland in their inbox!

The Forth Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its iconic red cantilever design and pioneering 19th-century engineering - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:-

• Follow the UNESCO Trail

• Road Trips Through Mountains, Castles, and Coasts

• Around the Web: The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh; Why go to St Kilda; From Edinburgh to the Highlands and more…

• Everything you need to know about visiting the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Scotland for First-timers

• Scottish Food You Will Love: Easy Scottish Scotch Pie Recipe

• Coo Wee: Scotland's World Heritage Sites

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Follow the UNESCO Trail

Discover the best of Scotland’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and scientific importance by following the Scotland UNESCO Trail—the world’s first national digital trail linking all of a country’s UNESCO designations. Launched in 2021, this unique route connects 13 remarkable sites, including World Heritage Sites, Creative Cities, Biospheres, and Global Geoparks, each recognised by UNESCO for their outstanding global value.

This trail invites you to explore everything from the rugged isolation of St Kilda, a World Heritage Site teeming with seabirds and history, to the cultural vibrancy of Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music. Walk through the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, marvel at the ancient geological wonders of the North West Highlands Geopark, or immerse yourself in the sustainable living principles of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.

Why follow the trail? It’s a chance to experience Scotland’s rich heritage in a sustainable and meaningful way. The trail is designed to encourage slow travel, local engagement, and environmental awareness, making it ideal for conscious travellers.

Ancient wall structures and shelters (i.e. cleits) on the remote archipelago of St Kilda, Outer Hebrides - Shutterstock

Road Trips Through Mountains, Castles, and Coasts

Whether you seek the rugged grandeur of mountainous terrains, the mystical allure of ancient castles or the coastal charm along the shores, Scotland's road trips offer a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. From the iconic North Coast 500 to the hidden gems of the Highlands, each road trip provides a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of this captivating country.

Isle of Skye Old Man of Storr - Love to Visit Scotland

Around The Web

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh

A walk through Edinburgh is like stepping through time. The medieval Old Town with its narrow closes and the elegant Georgian New Town together tell the story of urban planning and Enlightenment thought. Highlight are the Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and views from Calton Hill.

Why go to St Kilda

Remote and hauntingly beautiful, this island group is both a natural and cultural World Heritage Site. Once home to a hardy island community, it's now a haven for seabirds and marine life. See Puffins, cliffs and hear stories of survival in extreme isolation.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney

A treasure trove of prehistory, Orkney’s Neolithic sites—including Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Ring of Brodgar—are older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge. Take the time to explore one of Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric villages.

The Antonine Wall

Scotland’s own Roman frontier. This turf wall stretched across central Scotland and marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire. Walk the remains and imagine Roman soldiers defending the edge of the known world.

The Incredible North West Highlands Geopark

This geological wonderland that tells the story of Earth's ancient past—some rocks here are over 3 billion years old. It’s raw, remote, and utterly awe-inspiring. Drive through Knockan Crag and hike into wild, dramatic landscapes.

From Edinburgh to the Highlands

Scotland is a land of stories, legends, and landscapes that take your breath away. And if you're looking for the best way to experience it all, there's no better trip than the one from Edinburgh to the Highlands. This journey is like stepping into a living postcard—filled with ancient castles, misty mountains, shimmering lochs, and cosy villages where everyone has a tale to tell.

Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe in the Scottish highlands near Glencoe and Oban - Shutterstock

Top Experiences In Scotland Likely To Sell Out

2024 is going to be a busy year - Here is a list of the top experiences that will most likely sell out and you should book in advance. Don’t delay!

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

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From Social Media

Travel suggestions from our community at Love Scotland on Facebook - Find out what they say…

Scottish Food You Will Love

Easy Scottish Scotch Pie Recipe

Coo Wee

Scotland's World Heritage Sites

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