7 Reasons to Visit Scotland in 2019

Leading travel publisher Lonely Planet recently released its list of places to go in 2019, and the Scottish Highlands and Islands were on the list. Of course, we already know that any time is the perfect time to visit Scotland. However, in the event that this is your first time, or if you are looking for somewhere new to visit north of the border, we have put together our own list of 7 reasons to visit Scotland in 2019.

Mary Queen of Scots Filming Locations

Given the recent success of Mary Queen of Scots, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, it’s no surprise that people will want to see the various spots where filming took place. The movie was shot on location, making the most of the splendid Scottish landscapes. VisitScotland has a full map of sites seen in the film. A long list of castles features: Inverness, Blackness, Dumbarton, Stirling, Wemyss, Huntingtower, Dunbar, Edinburgh, Hermitage, Craigmillar, and Loch Leven. Other historic buildings throughout Scotland are included, but also make time for some of the rural scenic spots. East Lothian, Glen Coe, and Strathdon should all be on your must-see list.

Golf

Scotland is the home of golf and the country’s many courses host beginners to pros. In 2019, Gleneagles will host the prestigious Solheim Cup, a biennial women’s golfing contest between Europe and the US. Tickets are now on sale. If you prefer to play rather than watch, you have lots of options. And you can organise a complete holiday around golf, either staying at one location or travelling from course to course.

The Snow Roads Scenic Route

The newest of Scotland’s many trails to be explored, the Snow Roads Scenic Route covers 90 miles of snow-capped mountains and rugged glens in the Cairngorms National Park. Cycle it, drive it, hike it. Just be sure to take your time and enjoy the spectacular vistas. Stop and play golf along the way or enjoy a spot of trout fishing. Go kayaking on the River Spey or tour the Glenlivet Distillery. See some of Scotland’s rarest wildlife or enjoy the star-filled skies. With plenty of food and accommodation options along the way, the Snow Roads Scenic Route is one that begs you to slow down and relax.

Outlander

If you are one of the few remaining people who has not read the Diana Gabaldon books or watched the television series, you may want to run to the nearest library or bookshop. Then plan your trip. Outlander has called thousands of tourists to Scotland, all keen to see where it was filmed. And of course the people at VisitScotland have compiled a map to help you find your way around. There are plenty of museums, castles, railways, and lochs to see. The Highland Folk Museum provides plenty of insight into life in the Highlands in the 17th century. It makes a good starting point before you set off to find all the other places that inspired Gabaldon.

Food Festivals

Far be it from us to speak ill of haggis, but there is much more to Scottish cuisine. The year’s calendar is absolutely packed with food festivals around Scotland, celebrating both the finest produce and the most innovative chefs. The following are just a few highlights. In April, the Scottish Vegan Festival comes to Edinburgh, with a day of cooking demonstrations, food samples, and more. The event is repeated in October. Head to St. Andrews in May for the Fife Food Fest where you can try dishes from far and wide, plus perhaps win something in the luxury raffle. Fynefest takes place the first weekend of June in Cairndow Argyll. You can’t go wrong with four days of Scottish beer, food, and music. You’ll find food-related events all around the country during the first two weeks of September when Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight rolls around again. As the fortnight draws to a close, pay a visit to Stanraer Oyster Festival for some freshly caught shellfish. October’s A Taste of Shetland celebrates the best of the islands, and make your way back to Edinburgh in November for the Foodies Festival Christmas.

Find a more detailed list of food events at Scotland Food Festivals 2019.

Hebridean Whisky Trail

Explore the islands of the Hebrides and their whisky distilling heritage on the Hebridean Whisky Trail. On the Isle of Skye, Torabhaig underwent a massive restoration before opening in early 2017. It is the second ever distillery on the island. What was the first? That would be our second stop on the trail: Talisker. In 1830, MacAskill brothers Hugh and Kenneth ignored opposition from the local clergy to build a distillery. Since then, it’s been through a few changes in ownership but the taste is as good as ever. Tours take place daily, and you can choose from depending on your love of single malt. The two-hour tour includes an in-depth tutored tasting session. Over on the Isle of Harris, the distillery that bears the island’s name produces award-winning gin in addition to excellent single malt. The final stop is on the Isle of Raasay where the island’s first legal distillery opened in 2017. Their first barrels are due for release in 2020.

The Storybook Trail

Readers young and old will enjoy Scotland’s Storybook Trail, which leads you through the many places that have featured in children’s literature. It’s no secret that Edinburgh inspired J.K. Rowling when writing her Harry Potter series but why not also visit the Scottish Owl Centre and ride the Jacobite Steam Train? Fidra Island, now an RSPB Reserve, was a pirate’s island in the mind of Robert Louis Stevenson. Kenneth Grahame spent much of his childhood in Argyll before writing The Wind in the Willows. Meanwhile, Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie grew up in Dumfries. Nineteen spots around Scotland will feed your imagination and lead you to relive your childhood favourites.