Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Scotland

10. Melrose Abbey

cc by Daniel

Melrose Abbey is a Cistercian abbey in the Borders region of Scotland, founded in 1136. It was destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385. Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry. It is said to enshrine the heart of Robert the Bruce, another king of Scotland.

9. Broch of Mousa

cc by Willie Angus

Broch of Mousa is the finest preserved example of an Iron Age broch or round tower in Shetland, Scotland. It is the tallest still standing in the world and amongst the best-preserved prehistoric buildings in Europe. The tower was built around 100 BC.

8. Cuillin Hills

cc by Oliver Clarke

The Cuillin is a range of rocky mountains located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, the beauty of the rolling peaks of the Cuiillin Hills is undeniable. There are two Cuillin ranges: The Red Cuiillins are formed of red granite, and rounded and gentle in appearance. The Black Cuillins, by contrast, are jagged, dark peaks, composed of Tertiary volcanic rock.

7. Skara Brae

cc by Phil Thirkell

Skara Brae is a stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland.  Skara Brae is one of the best preserved Stone Age villages in Europe. Long covered by sand, they were uncovered by a storm. Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites making up "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney."

6. Stirling Castle

cc by Stirling Council

Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs. Stirling became the strategic military key to the kingdom during the 13th and 14th century Wars of Independence and was the favourite royal residence of many of the Stuart Monarchs. Today, Stirling Castle is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the country.

5. Luskentyre Beach

cc by Chris Combe

Harris is offer some of the very best beaches you will find anywhere. And perhaps the best of them all, is Luskentyre Beach. It is situated on the spectacular west coast of South Harris, its blue-green seas shimmer against creamy sands and the vibrant green hillside. Luskentyre Beach has been voted Britain’s best beach.

4. Ben Nevis

cc by lizsmith

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. Standing at 1,344 metres above sea level, it is located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands, close to the town of Fort William. Offering stunningly spectacular views and historical malice, Ben Nevis attracts viewers, hikers and climbers alike to celebrate the tranquility of the surrounding nature.

3. Loch Ness

cc by Giuseppe Milo

Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 23 miles southwest of Inverness. Its surface is 52 ft above sea level. Loch Ness is the second largest loch in Scotland after Loch Lomond, but due to its great depth, it is the largest by volume. It holds the legend of an infamous sea monster. The most notorious mythical creature of modern time, Nessie, is said to dwell in the lake. The central location of Loch Ness makes it the perfect destination for holidays in the Scottish Highlands.

2. Eilean Donan

cc by David Sanz

Eilean Donan is a small island in Loch Duich in the western Highlands of Scotland. Since the castle's restoration in the early 20th Century, a footbridge has connected the island to the mainland. Eilean Donan Castle is a Scottish icon. Today, the castle is one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Highlands.

1. Edinburgh Castle

cc by Robbie McConnell

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland from its position on the Castle Rock. As one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historical conflicts from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Today, Edinburgh Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Scotland. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction.