DK Travel : Scotland

Scotland has an overwhelming abundance of natural beauty, hundreds of castles stand proud from its long and turbulent past, and an innate flair for enterprise and travel has endowed the nation with artistic treasures from around the world. The culture remains vibrant today, and there’s much to celebrate. Here’s a distillation of Scotland’s best.

Brodie Castle

Majestic Z-Plan tower house, which has survived many attacks and contains a treasury of furniture and paintings. In spring 400 species of daffodils are in bloom.
Brodies 1 Backpackers Hostel

One of the smaller hostels, and all the more cosy and relaxed for that. Room for 56 guests in spacious dorms with white stone walls and wooden floors. Good showers, laundry and cooking facilities, and – as with all the hostels, in fact – superbly located, in this case right in the thick of it on the Royal Mile.
Buchaille Etive Mor

The “Great Shepherd of Etive” (954 m/3,129 ft) stands as guardian to the eastern entrance to Glencoe. As an introduction to a place of legendary beauty, this wild mountain could not be improved. Approached from the southwest it can be climbed easily, but its magnificent crags demand constant respect.
Burns National Heritage Park

Comprising a museum and the writer’s cottage, this place of pilgrimage celebrates the life and genius of Scotland’s national poet.
Burrell Collection and Pollok Park

One of the world’s great private collections, this is a dazzling and eclectic array of art and artifacts. The presentation is superb in a purpose-designed building surrounded by a wooded parkland. This is the best of the bunch in Glasgow (see Burrell Collection and Pollok Park) .
Burrell Collection and Pollok Park

An immensely pleasurable museum, blending into the surrounding park and bringing together such curious bedfellows as a medieval dining hall and Ming Dynasty Buddha (see Burrell Collection and Pollok Park) .
Busta House Hotel, Shetland

Britain’s most northerly country house hotel is a 16th-century laird’s home with a history that reads like a thriller. The whitewashed house combines character with elegance; winter visits are warmed by peat fires (see Busta House Hotel, Shetland) .
Busta House Hotel, Shetland

Remote and peaceful, this is one of the great getaway-from-it-all retreats. First-class in every respect and detail (see Busta House Hotel, Shetland) .
Busta House, Shetland

Historic house with a revered restaurant at reasonable prices. The tastiest lamb you’ll find and particularly good scallops and halibut. (see Busta House Hotel, Shetland) .
Caerlaverock Castle

This massive triangle of crafted stone, still standing within a filled moat, is exceptional. Its towers and walls are remarkably complete, despite having lain in ruin for 400 years (see Caerlaverock Castle) .

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under £15
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under £50
- £50–100
- £100–150
- £150–200
- over £200