How to Trace Your Ancestry While Visiting Scotland

Follow the Footsteps of your Forebears across the land of Clans

“To trace your Scottish roots is not just to find names on a page—it’s to hear the echoes of your kin in the hills, and feel their footsteps beneath your own.”

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Today’s email presented by

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St Clements Church near Roghadal south of Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:-

• How to Trace Your Ancestry While Visiting Scotland

• Scotland’s Best Road Trips

• Around the Web: Afternoon Tea at the Castle; Walk Through Scotland’s Most Powerful Battlefield; Highland Summers and Island Dreams and more…

• Where are Scotland’s Best Beaches?

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• 🌟 Travel Quizzer is Here! What are Scotland’s “Big Five” wildlife species?

• From Love Scotland Community: Born Elsewhere, Scottish Forever

• Scottish Food You Will Love: Scottish Recipe of the Week - Stovies!

• Coo Wee: Your daily dose of #coowisdom

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How to Trace Your Ancestry While Visiting Scotland

Follow the footsteps of your forebears across the land of clans

👉 Read the full story:

For many travellers, visiting Scotland isn’t just a holiday—it’s a homecoming. From Highland crofts to Lowland kirkyards, this is a country where the past feels close. With local archives, clan centres, and ancestral tours, you can walk where your ancestors walked—and maybe even meet distant relatives who never left. Whether you’re driven by a surname or a story, Scotland welcomes your search with open arms.

👉 Read the full story:

Do you know which part of Scotland your family came from—or are you hoping to find out? Read this first to help you on your way…

Cemetery of the Holy Rude Church in Stirling, Scotland - Shutterstock

👉 “Want deep dives into Scotland every Sunday? Our premium readers already have their next edition waiting.”

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Scotland’s Best Road Trips

Scenic roads, historic landmarks, Highland coos and unforgettable adventures across Scotland

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There’s no better way to explore Scotland than behind the wheel. From the dramatic bends of the North Coast 500 to the coastal charm of the Argyll route, every mile brings new sights—ancient castles, shimmering lochs, wild deer, and the odd Highland coo. These road trips are more than just journeys—they’re stories told in scenery.

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Which Scottish road trip have you taken—or which one is still on your bucket list? Here are some good suggestions for you to consider.

Kylesku Bridge spanning Loch a' Chà irn Bhà in in the Scottish Highlands and a landmark on the North Coast 500 tourist driving route - Love to Visit Scotland

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Around the Web

Afternoon Tea at the Castle

Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea experience in the heart of Edinburgh Castle’s Crown Square. Surrounded by vintage mirrors, deep Dutch blue walls, and warm brass accents, the Tea Room blends Highland charm with modern elegance. It’s the perfect way to relax after exploring Scotland’s most iconic fortress.

Walk Through Scotland’s Most Powerful Battlefield

Culloden is where the final Jacobite uprising ended in 1746—an event that changed the course of Scottish history. The award-winning visitor centre brings the battle to life with dramatic storytelling and real artefacts. Outside, you can walk the battlefield itself and feel the weight of history beneath your feet.

Glasgow’s Grandest Treasure Trove

One of Scotland’s most beloved free attractions, Kelvingrove offers everything from Old Masters to dinosaurs. The museum’s grand architecture and surrounding park make it ideal for culture lovers and families alike.

Scotland’s Most Dramatic Ruin

Right on top of a rugged cliff just south of Aberdeen, Dunnottar Castle's has breathtaking views of the North Sea. This medieval fortress once sheltered the Scottish Crown Jewels and played a pivotal role in both the Wars of Independence and the Jacobite risings.

Scotland’s favourite furry locals are closer than you think

With their sweeping horns, shaggy fringes, and laid-back charm, Highland coos are one of the most iconic sights in Scotland. But if you’re hoping to see one in the wild—or even snap a perfect photo—where should you go?

Highland Summers and Island Dreams

From wild swimming to island-hopping and ceilidhs under the stars—this is your guide to summer magic in Scotland.

👉 Read the full story

There’s something about Scottish summer that feels like it was written in folklore. The light lingers, the sea sparkles, and the land seems to breathe a little easier. From the Highlands to the Hebrides, traditions come alive, music carries through glens, and the call of adventure is never far off. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on white-sand beaches or dancing into the night at a local ceilidh, these are the places that define a Highland summer.

👉 Read the full story

What’s your dream summer day in Scotland—coastal, mountain, or music-filled? Here are some ideas for you!

Harbour Stornoway Scotland Isle of Lewis Outer Hebrides - Shutterstock

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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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🌟 Do You Know The Answer? - 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:

Travel Quiz Question - What are Scotland’s “Big Five” wildlife species? Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked.

Play Travel Quizzer now!

Find the answer in the your next weekly newsletter!

Click here if you need to know the question to this answer in yesterday’s newsletter:- Golf

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From the Love Scotland Community

“Since as far back as I can remember, I have loved the pipes. I found out my great-grandmother Gentle’s family came from Scotland and many are buried at Dunblane Cathedral. Our family of 8 went there and saw their graves ten years ago. We also went to Edinburgh, Inverness and Stirling where my daughter-in-law’s family is from. Her grandfather was a Stewart (Stuart).

We often comment on how our son and daughter-in-law’s ancestors were from the same area in Scotland. Amazing. The Gentles left Scotland in 1767, came to America, then moved to Canada in the 1770s where they built a house and barn with stone walls 3’ thick. (We visited it years ago and we were amazed it looked so perfect. What stone masons they were). They moved back to America in the 1850s. Scotland is in my bones and blood and I’m SO proud.” - Connie Adams

Scottish Recipe of the Week - Stovies!

How to Make Traditional Scottish Stovies - Scotland’s ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and made with potatoes, onions, and leftover meat. Traditionally served on Mondays after the Sunday roast. Learn how to make it at home and share with loved ones!

Coo Wee

Wisdom straight from a coo... #coowisdom

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