Regions Of Scotland To Visit

This is a guide for the regions of Scotland from the Highlands to the Scottish Borders. This in-depth guide explores the bustling cities and rolling hills in the Lowlands and Highlands.

There are twelve main regions in Scotland. Each of the regions has its own unique and distinct character, all are perfect to explore on a road trip.

The Highlands of Scotland and Edinburgh are not the only things on offer. This article will help you decide what regions of Scotland to add to your itinerary.

Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire is located in the northeast of Scotland. There are over 165 miles of coastline to explore.

The city of Aberdeen, the ‘Granite City’, is located along the Aberdeenshire coast, at 6,000 square kilometres Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland.

There is an ancient maritime heritage in Aberdeenshire as well as ruined castles and pristine beaches. Aberdeen is well known as the ‘Oil Capital of Europe” and the heritage of oil and gas.

In an area called the Royal Deeside, there are over 263 castles to explore. Some of the most well-known castles near Aberdeen are Dunnottar Castle and Craigievar Castle.

Dunnotar Castle is located near Stonehaven on the cliffs of the North Sea. Craigievar Castle is a pink castle which is known to inspire Walt Disney’s design of Cinderellas Castle.

The Royal Deeside was made a popular tourist area after visits from Queen Victoria in the 19 century. You can visit some of Queen Victoria’s favourite places as well as the Ballater Railway Station, Balmoral Castle, Prince Albert’s Cairn and the Falls of Glas Allt.

Not far from the Royal Deeside is the Cairngorms National Park. The National Park has many walking routes as well as Munros to bag.

Follow the North East 250, Aberdeen Coastal Trail or the Scottish Castle Trail to get the best bits of this part of the country.

Guides for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Beaches in Argyll Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig

Argyll and Bute

Argyll and Bute are one of the largest areas on the west coast of Scotland. Argyll stretches from the shores of Loch Lomond, past a number of lochs to the town of Oban.

One of the most popular places in the Mull of Kintyre is where you can drive the Kintyre Way. Also, Inveraray near Loch Fyne is another population destination.

The region of Argyll is known for great beaches, seafood, world-renowned whisky distilleries and rugged landscapes. There is a wide variety of things to see and do, this special area has a lot of ruined castles and lochs.

One of the most popular settlements in Helensburgh. Also, Oban is the main town in Argyll. The Argyll Coastal Route showcases the best views along the west coast of Argyll.

There are a lot of nice things to do in Oban and you can go to one of the lovely places to eat along the Victorian promenade. Moreover, from Oban, you can catch a ferry to one of the nearby Western Isles.

The islands that are accessible from Oban are the Isle of Kerrera, Isle of Iona, Isle of Mull as well as Coll and Tiree. These Western Isles are a paradise for island baggers, wildlife watchers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Guides for Argyll and Bute

Ayrshire and Arran

Ayrshire is a region south of Glasgow, north of Dumfries and Galloway on the west coast of Scotland. The county of Ayrshire is well known for its granite islands, Viking history, epic castles, historic buildings and sweeping coves.

Learn about the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, and how the gorgeous scenery of Scotland influenced his work. Also, one of the favourite castles in this area is Culzean Castle and Gardens.

The Coig are five long-distance tourist routes which have been established for tourists to see the best parts of the area. Make sure to head to the Isle of Arran and have a quick day trip to the Isle of Cumbrae.

The Isle of Arran is located on the west coast of Ayrshire. The Isle of Arran is known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ with ruined castles, enchanting glens, distilleries and mountainous landscapes there is so much to explore.

Castles In Dumfries and Galloway. Culzean Castle and Gardens

Guide to the Isle of Arran

Dundee and Angus

Dundee is the main city located in Angus, the fourth largest city in Scotland is located on the banks of River Tay. The UNESCO City of Design is home to the new V&A Museum and is known as the ‘City of Discovery’.

Dundee was well-established as a city due to the roots of jute, jam and journalism. Nowadays, it is the gaming and life science sectors that are the main industries of Dundee.

Make sure to spend time visiting Verdant Works, the Dundee Museum of Transport and the statues of Desperate Dan and Oor Wullie.

There is a selection of lovely golden beaches on the coast, rolling hills, world-class golf courses and ancient forests in Angus. Also, Dundee is not far from the unspoilt nature of the Angus Glens and mountainous Cairngorms National Park.

Further north, along the coast is Arbroath, a small touristy town. Visitors can sample the famous Arbroath Smokies, or see history come to life at the Arbroath Abbey, where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320.

Magdalen Green Dundee Things To Do in Dundee

Guides to Dundee and Angus

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway is a county located in the south-west of Scotland. There is so much on offer in the southwest of Scotland.

The Irish Sea runs along the coast of Dumfries and Galloway and ferries leave for Northern Ireland. Also, the area in the south looks over the Solway Firth, there are gorgeous ruined castles and abbeys to visit.

In addition, there are the Southern Uplands which contain lovely nature reserves and forest parks. The South West Coastal 300 is a road trip route which showcases the best attractions in the region.

The stunning natural scenery has inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries. A couple of quickie villages are located here, including Scotland’s highest village, Wigtown – Scotland’s National Book Town or Kirkcudbright – the artist’s town.

Guides to Dumfries and Galloway

Edinburgh and the Lothians

Edinburgh is located on the east coast and is the capital city of Scotland. The capital city is one of the most magical and exciting settlements in the country.

There are world-class institutions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to award-winning restaurants. Edinburgh has cobbled streets in the medieval Old Town and lovely Georgian architecture in the New Town.

In the Lothians, there are stunning landscapes, charming towns and the majestic peaks of the Pentland Hills. The Lothian are home to the Kelpies, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, the Isle of May and the many more attractions.

Guides to Edinburgh and the Lothians

Fife

The Kingdom of Fife is a large peninsula located north of Edinburgh and south of Dundee. With over 117 miles to explore on this peninsula, there are so many cool things to see.

Head to the historic town of St Andrews which is known for where the Prince and Princess of Wales met at the University of St Andrews. Also, St Andrews is known for its world-renowned link golf courses.

There are beautiful beaches and nature reserves and great places to eat out in St Andrews. One of the small village wonders in Fife is Falkland, where you can find Falkland Palace and Maspie Den.

Also, I would recommend exploring sections of the long-distance walking route, Fife Coastal Path. The Fife Coastal Path explores the Eask Netuk of Fife, the unique ancient village of Culross and there are excellent views of the Forth Bridges.

Guides to Fife

Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Glasgow is the second largest city in Scotland, it is located on the west coast of Scotland on the central belt. Glasgow has a natural vibrancy with great dynamics and a great range of museums, restaurants, live music venues and street art.

Situated on the River Clyde, there is so much to explore, from the region’s most important heritage to its stunning landscapes. Explore the Clyde Valley Tourist Route to discover old industries, Scottish heritage and amazing waterfalls.

In New Lanark, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and walk to the Falls of Clyde. Glasgow is not far from the Kilpatrick Hills and Campsie Fells, a great place for hiking.

Guide to Glasgow

Highlands

The Highlands of Scotland is a massive region with unique landscapes including massive lochs and mountains. Inverness is the main city in Scotland.

The best things to do in Inverness is to visit the Culloden Battlefield and head to Loch Ness where you can join the Nessie hunter and view the ruins of Urquhart Castle.

The highlands are the biggest area of Scotland. There are many towering mountain ranges, scenic villages and narrow glens among the hills.

The most famous route in the Highlands is the North Coast 500. Make sure to stop at the most north easterly point in Britain – John O’Groats.

Guide to Highlands

Islands

The Orkney and Shetlands Islands are located north of Scotland and are enriched in history. Shetland has a population of 22,800 people and lies 110 miles off mainland Scotland.

Shetland has a different culture from the rest of the country and is home to Orcas and a unique Viking heritage. Shetland is the perfect place for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts to visit.

The enchanting Orkney Islands include more than 70 islands in the archipelago scattered just off the north coast of Scotland. There are traditional cottages, clear blue waters as well as immense culture, wildlife and natural beauty.

Orkney has a population of 22,400 people. Interestingly, the archipelago is located closer to the Artic Circle compared to London.

The Western Isles are split into two sections – the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides. The Inner Hebrides contains islands such as Skye, Iona, Mull, Coll, Tiree and the Small Isles archaepeligo.

The Isle of Skye is one of my favourite islands, there are magical mountains known as the Cuillins, as well as stunning waterfalls and scenic villages.

The Outer Hebrides contains a 130 mile chain of islands of Uist, Eriskay, Berbeucula, Lewis and Harris.

A visit to the Outer Hebrides will immerse you in island culture which is famous for the Gaelic language, Callanish Standing Stones, Norseman tales and world-famous beaches.

Beaches in the Outer Hebrides Scarista (Traigh Sgarastaigh) Beach, Isle of Harris

Guides to the Highlands and Islands

Moray Speyside

The Moray Speyside region is the section of the coast from Inverness to Peterhead. This is one of the less visited areas in Scotland but there are many great reasons to visit.

There is a selection of old seaside villages, as well as the famous Bow Fiddle Rock.

The Speyside Valley is a great place for a long-distance walk through the region.

Perth and Kinross

Perth and Kinross are one of the most underrated regions in Scotland. It is easy to access from the main cities of Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The county of Perth and Kinross is close to the county of Angus and the Kingdom of Fife. This area is often referred to as Scotland’s Big Tree Country, a central region covered by expansive woodlands.

The area is even more magical in the autumn when the colours of the leaves of the trees are changing to golden colours. There are many great villages to villages in the gorgeous countryside.

Aberfeldy, Kenmore and Pitlochry are my favourites. There is a selection of mountains in the area and adventure sports to complete.

Guides to Perth and Kinross

Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is located on the east coast of Scotland, south of Edinburgh and the Lothians and along the English Border. On offer is 1,800 square miles of stunning countryside and woodlands.

The Scottish Borders are steeped in history. Also, this stunning area has been the site of many battles and has inspired national poets and writers.

In addition, there is a beautiful landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. Golfers with love the 21 courses while anglers will find some good fishing spots along the River Tweed.

Guides to the Scottish Borders

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is one of the two national parks in Scotland. The park shares its border with the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Angus and Perth and Kinross.

The national park is dotted with forests, lochs and some impressive mountains. It is one of the best places in Scotland to spot wildlife.

Aviemore is one of the main settlements in the Highlands and is a great place to base yourself for exploring Cairngorms National Park.

Guides to the Cairngorms National Park

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is 720 square miles with two forest parks, 22 large lochs, 40 hills over 2000ft and one of the United Kingdom’s largest nature reserves.

There are vibrant towns and villages in the national park as well as important landmarks, snow-covered mountains and plenty of modern charms.

Guide to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

How many regions are there in Scotland?

There are 32 council areas in Scotland. For the purpose of this article, I have split them into the 12 well-known main sections – Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perth & Kinross, Fife, Lothians, Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Glasgow, the Highlands, Islands and Moray & Speyside.

What are the names of the regions in Scotland?

The name of the regions in Scotland is Aberdeenshire, Angus, Fife, Perth & Kinross, Lothians, Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, the Highlands & Islands and Moray & Speyside.

What are the three main regions in Scotland?

The three main regions of Scotland are the Highlands, Central Belt and Lowlands.

What are the names of the 7 Scottish cities?

The names of the 7 Scottish cities are Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling, Inverness, and Perth. In 2022, at the Queens Platinum Jubilee, the 8th city of Scotland was announced – Dunfermline.

Final Note

For many visitors to Scotland, it is often difficult to pick a specific area for your next holiday. This post lists the region of Scotland and highlights the best things to do to help you decide where to go for your next trip.

There are 12 regions listed in this post along with the two Scottish national parks.

The Highlands of Scotland are the biggest region to visit. Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders are the most southern regions in Scotland.

Aberdeenshire is located in the north east of Scotland. There are many regions in between and the islands are scattered around the west and north coasts of Scotland.