Must See Scotland

Must See Scotland is the uniquely honest and independent guide to Scotland, packed with recommendations, comment and really useful tour planning advice.

In fact, this info-laden website is so honest that there are even a few pages that will make you wonder if you really should visit. (But we kinda think you ought to.)

And, remember, midges won’t kill you.

(Pictured here) the iconic Eilean Donan Castle on the road to Skye.

The iconic Eilean Donan Castle on the road to Skye
Rannoch Moor, looking towards the peaks of the Blackmount

14 unmissable places to see in Scotland

Include as many of these must see places in your Scottish trip planning. They have the ‘wow’ factor and there’s a great selection.

Some, like Stirling Castle or Loch Lomond, are easy to plan round; others, such as Skara Brae or the Isle of Eriskay, take a bit more itinerary juggling but are worth the effort.

(Pictured here) Autumn on Rannoch Moor, looking towards the peaks of the Blackmount.

“What a great resource for visitors to Scotland.”

Well, some people seem to like Must See Scotland!

Seriously though

Tourism in Scotland and far beyond changed forever in 2020 because of the pandemic. 2021 remained difficult – and while 2022 was getting back to normal, it didn’t strike me as the old normal.

Here’s hoping that as many restaurants, hotels and attractions as possible will survive in 2023. (In spite of the staffing shortages caused by the act of self-harm known as Brexit. Scotland did not vote for this, so it’s kinda annoying…)

Och, don’t start me off…


Anyway, let’s keep this simple if you’re looking for flights. This company has a great reputation for nailing good prices…

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

7 Day Tour – Ideas For Your Scotland Trip

Options for your own seven day tour of Scotland. Use this Must See Scotland outline itinerary with great ideas and handy checklist on what to see and do. Discover where to eat and stay and how far you could travel with this starting point for your Scottish travel plans.

(Pictured here) Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness. It’s very popular!

Below are a great variety of tours I would definitely recommend doing in Scotland (and all easy to book – just click through).

Edinburgh Must Sees – the culture-fest of Scotland’s capital

What to see in Edinburgh

A first-time visitor with a couple of days for Edinburgh? Here are some must sees. What else you do depends how much history you can take! And check out ‘Must See Scotland’ views about whether or not you should visit both Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. (Hint: we wouldn’t make the Palace compulsory!)

Things to see from Edinburgh

Here’s an outline of how far Edinburgh is from other Scottish destinations (and also London, in England). Plus a mileage table for trip planning.

The Trossachs, Fife and St Andrews, East Lothian and also Glasgow are all easy day trips from Scotland’s capital city.

“You’ve got it all HERE!”

More kind words from fans of Must See Scotland
Must See Scotland says: don’t rush this Edinburgh to Skye route by road. Lots of scenic places to stop. The route from Glasgow up the side of Loch Lomond joins at Crianlarich.

Driving Route To Skye -make a day of it

A driving route to Skye from Edinburgh (or Glasgow) should include Glencoe and Glen Shiel on the way. Make a day of it – lots to see en route including Eilean Donan Castle.

(And yes, we prefer heading for the Great Glen via Rannoch Moor, not via the A9 and Dalwhinnie etc.)

Where To See Highland Cows

Highland cows are icons of Scotland. Often called hairy coos, their heritage stretches back to the days of the clans.

Highland cattle can be spotted in many parts of the Scottish countryside, both Lowland and Highland. Here are a few Must See Scotland suggestions about where you can see them, as well as some background information you’ll enjoy.

Red Highland Cow

Go off the beaten track – it’s still possible (just)

What’s off the beaten track in Scotland depends on your point of view. Could be all of it, could be the opposite…but, sure, there are still some quiet and peaceful spots that we mention here (though with some hesitation!)

The Isle of Skye probably isn’t one of them though.

West of Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire

Must See Scotland – the start of your journey

Right, you must have found something to follow up by now on Must See Scotland!

Remember, this is where you can find the information about possible choices for your visit.

Should you take in Loch Lomond or Loch Ness, for example?

And, as tourism began in the area called The Trossachs, is that worth your time?

Come to think of it…how much time do you need for Scotland anyway?

Enjoy Scotland! / All the best from Gilbert Summers.

Buy the best bits of must-see-scotland.com advert-free!

Like the tell-it-like-it-is-approach? The most helpful and entertaining pages on this website are now available as ebooks covering many aspects of travel in Scotland. 

Get them right here in my ebookstore for £1.99 each and look out for future titles!

Download and enjoy each ebook for the price of a (cheap) coffee from CostBucks. 

Read them off-line. (Well, you know what the signal can be like in the Highlands…)

Scotland – Know Before You Go

Midges, weather, tipping, driving, best time to visit and more…essential background for your trip to Scotland. Fully illustrated in colour but easy to read on your smartphone or e-reader.

Buy Now – £1.99

Scotland – Where to see…

All the favourites in Scotland: Highland cows, puffins, dolphins and more  – plus top ten lists – best beaches, views, walks – positively a treasury of information to make your trip a success…

Buy Now – £1.99