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.

East Neuk

“Neuk” is a Scots word for corner, and the East Neuk refers to a small bend in the coastline along which are found a remarkable chain of picturesque fishing villages. They run from Earlsferry to Crail, and every one is a gem. Elie and Crail are probably the most quaint and are favoured haunts of artists. Pittenweem’s beautiful harbour is a still working port, and Anstruther, a haven for yachts, has a bustling seafront, where it’s impossible not to buy ice cream. Its Scottish Fisheries Museum is excellent.

East Neuk, Pittenweem harbour
Easter Dunfallandy Country House, Pitlochry

In a tranquil location overlooking the Tummel valley, this small country house has just three bedrooms. Voted into the top 20 B&Bs for the whole of Britain, Easter Dunfallandy is inexpensive rural living, where the day begins with a hearty Highland breakfast. No children under 12 are allowed, no dogs and no risk of disturbance to the tranquillity.
ebinburgh caslte

the place is great to show tourists a bit of scottish culture
Eddrachilles Hotel, Scourie

Among trees on a ragged coastline, this fine old hotel has a stone-walled dining room where local smokehouse food is served. A long conservatory too for catching the sun.
Eden Court

A simple dining area offering light meals at Inverness’s vibrant theatre. Bright and breezy for lunch or pre-theatre meals.
Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World

A walk-through tropical forest with a myriad of free-flying butterflies and friendly crawlies.
Edinburgh Castle

Presiding over the nation’s capital, the castle is Scotland’s pre-eminent sight, a truly inspirational historical and cultural landmark (see Edinburgh Castle) .
Edinburgh Castle

The greatest castle in a land that’s full of them, not only prized for its crowning position in the capital’s heart, but also for its important history and the national treasures it holds (see Edinburgh Castle) .
Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile

This world famous castle wears the nation’s history. Here you’ll find the Scottish Crown, Sword and Sceptre, and the legendary Stone of Destiny. The Royal Mile treads a straightish but diverting path from the Castle to Holyrood-house (see Edinburgh Castle) .
Edinburgh Dungeon

Just when you thought you liked Edinburgh! The worst of the city’s past: murder, torture, punishment, disease and grave robbing.

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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