16 Jul 2018
Tags: Scotland, travel, first time visit
As former First Lady, Michelle Obama, makes her first visit to Scotland this week, deciding what to do and where to go on a first time visit to the most beautiful country in the world* can be a tough choice. To help her, and other potential new visitors, VisitScotland has turned to its network of fans for suggestions**.
Research shows that nearly 60% (58%) of first-time visitors are attracted to Scotland for its scenery and landscapes, while almost half (48%) come for history and culture and 42% named Scotland as a place they've always wanted to visit***.
A variety of responses came through following a post on the tourist board's Twitter account, with one user saying: “The list is endless! Edinburgh, for sure, including castle and Holyrood Palace… Road trip through the Highlands… Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness” @casocprof
So, if like Michelle Obama a first time visit to Scotland is almost here, or if planning has only just started, read on to see what VisitScotland fans think should be on a must-visit list…
The Helix, Home of the Kelpies
“I can't think of anything else other than the #Kelpies to see first…” @sidesoyal
Twitter user @sidesoyal recommended a trip to The Helix, Home of the Kelpies in Falkirk to see the magnificent statues which were designed by sculptor Andy Scott. Since their completion in November 2013 visitors have been able to enjoy tours of the Kelpies, which are the world's largest equine structures, weighing 300 tonnes and standing at 30m tall. In myths and legends Kelpies are shape-shifting water spirits believed to possess the strength and endurance of 10 horses. While representing equine and industrial history in Scotland, they also represent a symbol of modern Scotland as they are a culmination of cutting-edge technology and hand-crafted design.
www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-helix-home-of-the-kelpies-p889261
Oban and the West Coast
“There's just so much to see but visit Oban for great seafood …”@ImagesbyTDashfi
Often referred to as the Gateway to the Isles, Oban was recommended by Twitter users as a great place for seafood and coastal views - it is Scotland's Seafood Capital after all. Its name derives from Gaelic meaning 'little bay' and the compact town is easy to get around on foot. With independent stores, a centrally-located distillery, small galleries and a seafront walk to the ruined Dunollie Castle, Oban the perfect place for a coastal break in the west of Scotland. With a longstanding fishing heritage, there are an abundance of establishments serving local fish or shellfish on their menus, including Oban Bay Fish Bar & Restaurant on Scotland's famous Seafood Trail, so check out the catch of the day and tuck into freshly caught and prepared seafood.
“Stunning West Coast, Arisaig, Mallaig! White sands, blue clear sea and sunsets to chase all evening!!” @Val97362008
For those looking to chase the sunset on a first time visit to Scotland, Arisaig is a great spot according to @Val97362008. The views over the islands of Rum and Eigg are breathtaking, especially as the sun goes down. Located on the west coast of Scotland, Arisaig is a pretty village in Lochaber and boasts stunning scenery. The landscape is characterised by a rocky coast, blue seas and particularly white sand which make the village a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
www.visitscotland.com/see-do/island-hopping/west-coast-scotland-itinerary/
Glencoe
“THIS—Glencoe, and be sure to hike its many trails....the Great Glen by Loch Ness-- there's a magnificent area just West of Drumnadrochit filled with snow-capped mountains, loads of waterfalls, lochs, even a derelict castle of a Frazer of Lovat” @VirginiaSlimLA
A visit to Glencoe is a very popular recommendation for those looking to escape to the great outdoors and take in unforgettable scenery on a first time visit to Scotland. The peaks of Glencoe stand as a monument to one of the most tragic events in Scotland's history - the infamous massacre that took place here on a snow-driven February night in 1692. More recently Glencoe featured as a location in the James Bond film Skyfall and nearby Glen Etive could be seen in the first teaser trailer. Glencoe village is located between the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the famous glen, making it the perfect base for exploring the area of Lochaber, known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, and the Highlands.
www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/glencoe
Edinburgh
“Edinburgh in August for sure” @jokka1977
Michelle, why not stay for the summer season and take in Edinburgh's world-famous festivals? From books to circus, modern art to Shakespeare, film to jazz, opera to improv, Edinburgh's world-famous festivals have something for everyone. Edinburgh is the world's leading festival city, home to 11 year-round festivals including the largest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In 2018 Scotland's impressive capital plays host to an even bigger year of summer festivals, with six unique international festivals taking place during July and August. Once again, Edinburgh is set to come alive with culture, art and music events all set against the backdrop of one of the most historic, iconic, and innovative cities in the world.
Speyside
“Malt Whisky country, the #Speyside has some of the best scenery, culture and traditions in Scotland”. @MaryJeanUK
No trip to Scotland, first time or otherwise, would be complete without delving into the heritage of whisky and perhaps savouring a dram or two. It seems Twitter users agree! Renowned for its wonderful whisky, Speyside is often called 'Malt Whisky Country' and is home to many of the world's most famous brands of single malt Scotch whisky. The Malt Whisky Trail takes in seven world-famous working distilleries, one historic distillery and the fascinating Speyside cooperage. Visit well-loved brands, meet the craftspeople behind the scenes and the experience the beautiful Moray Speyside. There are over 100 active distilleries in Scotland spread across five regions, with many offering tours, so there are plenty of ways to discover whisky. Why not combine with a supper of haggis, neeps and tatties, too?
While these are just a selection of itinerary highlights put forward from the Twitter-sphere, other suggestions include a city break in Glasgow, visiting historic St Andrews, hiring a car and exploring the scenic driving routes across the country and heading to the Outer Hebrides to see white sand beaches that could rival the Caribbean. Scotland's larder is as diverse as its landscape so it's no surprise that a few food and drink recommendations were put forward, including dinner at Culloden House near Inverness. Used by Bonnie Prince Charlie as battle headquarters prior to the fateful battle on Culloden Moor, Culloden House is now a luxury hotel offering fine dining with a menu featuring local and near-local produce such as Loch Fyne salmon, sweet Orkney crab and Scotch beef fillet from the Highlands.
There are many others things to do and places to visit in Scotland so perhaps the best piece of advice for first time visitors came from @_TartanSky:
“Easy. Start planning visit number two, cause once just isnae enough!”
For more information on holidays in Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com
VisitScotland has also created the ultimate Scotland itinerary here: www.visitscotland.com/holidays-breaks/ultimate-scotland
Ends.
Notes to Editors
*Taken from Rough Guides, updated 4 September 2017, https://www.roughguides.com/gallery/most-beautiful-country-in-the-world/#/19
**A tweet was sent out to VisitScotland's online following @VisitScotland on Saturday, 7 July:
https://twitter.com/VisitScotland/status/1015611156348719104
***Taken from VisitScotland, Scotland Visitor Survey 2015 & 2016, Motivations to Visit – Extract, p. 6: https://www.visitscotland.org/binaries/content/assets/dot-org/pdf/research-papers/motivations-to-visit-2015-16.pdf
