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Our tour sizes are never more than 8 people, meaning you can get off the beaten track and see Scotland from the best perspective. Our escorted vacation packages include all your accommodation and evening meals meaning you can relax and enjoy what Scotland has to offer.

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scotland tours december 2023

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Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Keplies Tour

Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Keplies Tour

  • Tour ID: 1002
  • Tour theme: Luxury Coach Tours ,
  • Duration: 1 Day: 9 Hours 30min approx
  • Starts from: Edinburgh

A day tour to one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland: the Trossachs. Enjoy Loch Lomond, and Stirling Castle, one of Scotlands most important castles...

The Scottish Highlands Essential Experience Tour

The Scottish Highlands Essential Experience Tour

  • Tour ID: 1094
  • Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Starts from: Edinburgh, Glasgow

The Essential Scottish Experience, tour highlands of Scotland and the western islands, Skye, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Oban, Simply the Best Tour of the Highlands...

Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye Tour Experience from Inverness

Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye Tour Experience from Inverness

  • Tour ID: 1208
  • Tour theme: Day Tours from the Highlands ,
  • Duration: 1 Day - 11 hours 45min approx.
  • Starts from: Inverness

This one day tour takes you thorough some of Scotland most iconic scenery, past Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle to reach the Isle of Skye. Magical Journey ..

The Isle of Skye Experience Tour

The Isle of Skye Experience Tour

  • Tour ID: 1095
  • Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
  • Starts from: Glasgow, Edinburgh

Skye The Misty Isle is our best kept secret and is one of Scotlands most breathtaking retreats, a 3 day Isle of Skye Tour, Loch Ness, Pitlochry and Highlands..

Loch Ness and Highlands Short Break Experience Tour

Loch Ness and Highlands Short Break Experience Tour

  • Tour ID: 1098
  • Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

two day tour of the best that Northern Scotland has to offer, world-famous Loch Ness and imposing Scottish Highland mountains, also Inverness, Loch Ness Tour...

Glenfinnan Viaduct and Mallaig Tour from Inverness

Glenfinnan Viaduct and Mallaig Tour from Inverness

  • Tour ID: 1591
  • Duration: 1 Day - 12 hour approx.

Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, aka Hogwarts Express, take a photo as it crosses the bridge. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Loch Ness and the scenic port of Mallaig. A must tour for any Harry Potter fan.

Loch Ness, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Day Tour Experience from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Day Tour Experience from Edinburgh

  • Tour ID: 1100
  • Tour theme: Edinburgh Day Tours (Group Tours) ,
  • Duration: 1 Day - 11 hours 30min approx.

Experience the best 1 day tour of Scotland, we go to the famous Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands, see the rich mountain scenery as you tour on the Nessie Bus...

Day Tour to John OGroats and Dunrobin Castle from Inverness

Day Tour to John OGroats and Dunrobin Castle from Inverness

  • Tour ID: 1585
  • Duration: 1 Day - 11 hours approx.

Day Tour from Inverness to most notherly point, John OGroats, Loch Fleet, explore Dunrobin Castle and enjoy stunning scenery on this tour from Inverness.

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Scotland Tours in December

From Edinburgh’s festive Christmas Market to the beautiful wintry landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, there’s a lot to see and do on Scotland tours in December. Take your pick from our Scottish winter tours, all planned by the local experts at Nordic Visitor.

VISITING SCOTLAND IN DECEMBER

Interested in Scotland tours in December? We’ve got you covered.

At this time of year, you could visit Scotland by taking a scenic road trip or touring with a private guide . Travel to Scotland in December to enjoy the winter beauty of the Scottish countryside, with fewer crowds at major attractions and less traffic for scenic drives in the Scottish Highlands.

What’s more, visiting Scotland in December is a great way to experience Scottish holiday traditions and festivities. This includes Edinburgh’s popular Christmas Market and Hogmanay, Scotland’s unique New Year celebration.

When you book a trip to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, you get hand-picked accommodation, transportation reservations, daily breakfast and access to our 24/7 helpline.

Get in touch via our live chat or toll-free numbers and we'll happily plan your December adventure.

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Why book with nordic visitor.

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
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  • Value for your money
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Celebrate Christmas or New Year's in Edinburgh

Discover the magic of Edinburgh on a festive city break where your hotel and handpicked excursions are arranged for you. You’ll experience local traditions, explore the historic capital, and visit the Highlands on a guided day trip.

A Scottish Christmas to Remember

Christmas in scotland, explore scotland on a road trip.

Explore the Highlands and beyond on a self-drive tour. You do the driving, we handle your accommodations, route planning and any itinerary customisations. Tours come with a hand-marked map, attractions guide and more.

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Winter

Express scotland - winter, travel in scotland on a private tour.

Enjoy more Scottish cultural insights on a privately guided tour with a local driving you around in style. Tours are fully customisable and ideal for those interested in Scotch whisky, Scottish cuisine, Outlander film locations and more.

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye Winter - Private

Express scotland winter - private, experience scotland your way.

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

Guided Small Groups

Privately guided, best sellers, culinary experience, scottish heritage tours, the scottish highlands, all travel styles, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Highlights of Scotland, October 2020

A very good tour with a great information pack..

A very good tour with good information and map with highlighted attractions and a very good information pack.

Express Scotland, October 2019

Absolutely love working with nordic visitor.

I have already traveled twice with Nordic Visitor, and am already in the process of booking a third trip! Absolutely love working with you! Every bed and breakfast we stayed at was amazing. The hosts were so welcoming with great suggestions of things to do and places to eat. The rooms were very comfortable, and the amenities were awesome! 

Nancy, United States

Complete scotland, october 2019, would definitely use again.

Our 2nd tour with Nordic Visitor. Would definitely use again.

Moreen, Singapore

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - winter, january 2020, our second time with nordic visitor.

This is our second time using Nordic Visitor.

Lisa, United States

Classic scotland, october 2019, the trip of a lifetime.

Every accommodation was stunning! We were met with enthusiasm and kindness and courtesy. I cannot say enough about our trip and the way it was set up and the accommodations. Everything was spot on and it was the trip of a lifetime for my sister and I. We already have friends who have booked a trip through Nordic as well. I am seriously considering another trip to Scotland next year and using Nordic for sure.

Audrey, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, october 2019, great trip.

All of the hotels had great food and people. Response time was excellent -  Agnes was very attentive. The packets were wonderful, we referred to them constantly. The big map was very helpful as well.

Raymond, Canada

Very satisfied.

Our second trip with Nordic Visitor. Recommended friends who went to the Scandinavian countries with Nordic Visitor and they were very satisfied.

Wally, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - private, october 2019.

Our experience was excellent. We had no worries the entire trip.  

Matt K, United States

Wonderful trip.

Once in the tour, we realized everything was simple and working out as planned. No issues. It was wonderful!

Scotland Travel Guide

Start preparing for your trip by doing some research before your Scottish adventure.

The starting point of most Scottish adventures is Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where the...

This is one spot where you’ll definitely want to pull the car over for a photo. The Quiraing is...

Sitting at the heart of Scotland, Stirling is where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. Owing to...

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From single malt whisky to traditional delicacies,..

Flights to Scotland

The two biggest international airports in Scotland are in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and in Edinburgh, the capital city and usual starting point for Nordic Visitor tours. Flight times to Scotland are, for example, 6.5 hours from New York City and 1.5 hours from London. Major international airlines with flights to Scotland include (but are not limited to) British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta and KLM.

Scotland and the rest of the UK is on GMT time. If your journey to Scotland involves one or more connecting flights, or if you're crossing several time zones to get here, your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant can add extra nights in Edinburgh to your package so you can rest up after arrival.

Please note that flights to Scotland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SCOTLAND IN DECEMBER

Whatever you’re wondering about visiting Scotland in December, we’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions.

December is a good time to visit as there is less traffic on the roads and less visitors at popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle. It’s good to be aware that some sites will operate on reduced hours, but you’ll find you have them more to yourself.

It is one of the best months to experience Scotland’s winter wonderland, with Christmas markets aplenty and snow-capped hills.

Read below to find out all the details from our local travel experts.

What are the best things to do in Scotland in December?

A huge benefit is that many of Scotland’s amazing attractions are accessible all year long. What’s more, even with short daylight hours and cooler weather, if you’re travelling to Scotland during the winter months, you’ll find plenty of things to do.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Scotland in December:

  • Drive around the beautiful Scottish Highlands
  • Taste the local whisky flavours at distilleries
  • Admire the stunning, natural scenery
  • Visit the buzzing cities, charming towns and fishing villages
  • Walk along the lochs and glens
  • Explore picturesque, ancient ruins and castles
  • Head off the beaten path in the islands
  • Meet the local wildlife
  • Attend the Christmas markets in Edinburgh and Glasgow
  • Stay up until midnight with Hogmanay, Scotland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations
  • Explore Scotland winter tours to find your perfect match
  • Read on about what to visit and where to go in Scotland during winter

What are the best places to visit in Scotland in December?

December is a great month to travel to Scotland. It’s still easy to drive around and visit the top attractions, including its lovely towns, historic sites and natural highlights.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Scotland in December:

  • Visit, shop and eat your way around the historic capital, Edinburgh
  • Have a wintry walk in Highland Perthshire
  • Admire the dramatic scenery of Glen Coe
  • Meet some of the local wildlife in the Cairngorm National Park
  • See the beautiful rock formations of the Isle of Skye
  • Explore popular historic sites such as Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle
  • Try spotting the famous monster at Loch Ness
  • Pop by St Andrews to visit Scotland’s oldest university and the home of golf
  • Roam around the standing stones of Clava Cairns
  • Sail or enjoy a simple walk along the quiet Loch Lomond
  • Visit the picturesque towns of Pitlochry and Dunkeld
  • Check out these classic Scotland holiday packages  to see the iconic castles, cities and mountains
  • Read about the best times to visit Scotland depending on what you want to see or do

What is the weather like in Scotland in December?

As December is the start of winter in Scotland, you can expect mild and wet weather. On average, there are highs of 11°C (55°F) and lows of 0°C (32°F).

Does it snow in Scotland in December?

It is possible you will encounter snow in Scotland in December. In the lowlands it is more likely to rain. However, if you drive into the Highlands you may find more snowfall, especially in Cairngorms National Park.

Is it difficult to drive in Scotland in December?

Winter in Scotland can bring icy and snowy conditions. However, in December, you’re more likely to encounter rain, making it an easy location to do a winter road trip. Just make sure you come ready to drive on the left!

During your trip check weather and road conditions regularly. For your peace of mind, our team is on hand 24/7 should you need to contact us at any point. And if there is an unexpected event or severe weather, we’ll get in touch and modify your itinerary while keeping you safe and informed.

When you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor , your car rental comes with collision damage waiver and a hand-marked map of your route. You also get two named drivers on the insurance policy so you can share the driving with a travel companion.

What are the daylight hours in December in Scotland?

In December, the days are the shortest of the year as we approach the winter solstice.

Early in the month in Scotland, the sun rises around 8:20 AM and by the end of December rises at 9 AM. Throughout the month, you can expect the sun to set around 3:40 PM.

  • Would you rather visit during the summer? Check out these summer tours of Scotland
  • Read about the best places to visit in Scotland for more expert advice

What are December temperatures in Scotland?

The daily average for December is 5°C (41°F). But you can expect average temperatures to be anywhere between 0°C (32°F) and 11°C (55°F).

What to wear in Scotland in December?

Like in many of the Nordic countries, Scots have the saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.

As the weather is mild throughout the winter in Scotland, we recommend a mix of thin and warm layers.

For a trip to Scotland in December, it is best to be ready for all kinds of weather. From rainy weather to the colder mountain climate, make sure to pack all the necessary clothing. That way, come rain or shine, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your Scotland tour in December:

  • Lightweight layers
  • Warm jumpers or fleeces
  • Waterproof winter jacket
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Scarf, gloves and a warm hat
  • Sturdy boots for forest and hill walks

Can I see the northern lights in Scotland in December?

In December, it is possible to see the northern lights in remote corners of Scotland, but it is a rare occurrence.

For your best chances of spotting the auroras, we recommend heading north into the “Northern Lights Belt”. You could pick a northern lights tour in Iceland , Lapland or Northern Norway .

  • Check out these Scotland best-selling tours
  • Read about the best lochs and castles to visit during your Scotland tour

What are the most popular events in Scotland in December?

December is a month of celebration in Scotland, so you’ll find some fun Scottish events and festivals to attend around the country.

Some of the most popular events in December include:

  • Christmas markets across the country
  • Irn Bru Carnival in Glasgow
  • Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee Santa Dash runs
  • Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony
  • Hogmanay and New Year’s fireworks in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and more

How to tour Scotland in December?

There are various ways to travel on your Scotland tour in December. Depending on your personal tastes and requirements, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.

Road trip around Scotland December is a great time to visit Scotland on a self-drive tour, which would allow you to stop at the sights you want to see at your own pace. At this time of year, there are fewer visitors and less traffic on the roads.

Pick up your rental car from Edinburgh or Glasgow and drive to iconic locations. You could visit Loch Ness, Inverness, the Isle of Skye and Fort William, amongst many more.

Driving in Scotland is an adventure that you won’t regret! Especially if you book with Nordic Visitor, as we offer collision damage waiver and a 24/7 helpline for emergencies.

Good to note: In Scotland, and the wider UK, motorists drive on the left. If you’re not used to that, we recommend you hire an automatic car or book a private tour.

  • Love the sound of a self-drive adventure? Find out more about Scotland self-drive tours
  • Visit between April and October to  combine a road trip of Scotland and Ireland

Tour Scotland with a private guide Do you want to leave the driving to someone else? You might prefer to be accompanied by your very own local expert throughout your Scotland experience.

A privately guided tour is one of the most exclusive ways to see Scotland and learn all about this beautiful country. You’ll have your own personal guide to show you the best locations and teach you about the local history.

  • Book a privately guided tour package of Scotland
  • Our Scottish small group tours run from May to September if you fancy meeting like-minded travellers

Whatever tour you pick, you’ll take advantage of all our signature benefits. These include charming accommodation, daily breakfast, our Nordic Visitor Scotland Travel Guide, and a hand-marked map with your route and highlights. All our winter tours include a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass so you can pick the attractions you want to visit.

Good to know: Our Scotland itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our Edinburgh-based Scotland experts know the country inside out. They’ll help you see the country your way, tailoring your itinerary and adding all the best excursions to suit you.

  • Find out more about visiting Scotland earlier, in September , October , or November
  • Or visit Scotland later, in January , February , or March

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of northern europe.

  • Like combining culture with nature? Discover Scandinavia
  • Want more stunning road trip ideas? Venture to Iceland
  • Want to meet Santa Claus or try dog sledding? Head to Lapland
  • Keen to go off the beaten track? Explore remote Svalbard

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
  • Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to add a night in Edinburgh, want restaurant recommendations or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help so get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries

Our main phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts

Read About Scotland

Best time to visit scotland: your complete guide, summer in scotland guide: what to do and where to go, 7 outlander filming locations to visit in scotland, in focus: skye in the off-season.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

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Fun Things to Do in Scotland in December

Looking for the perfect way to end 2023 on a high? Then it’s time to get planning your festive break in Scotland! Scotland in December is as beautiful a month as any, with its own subtle charms, and year-topping highlights you won’t forget. There’s festive atmosphere galore, perfect cosy retreats and bright winter days. Scotland guarantees you a fabulous festive season!

Christmas Markets and Festivals Across Scotland

scotland tours december 2023

Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh's Christmas Market from the Scott Monument.

Think of twinkling lights all around, with the smell of your favourite winter food & drinks wafting in the air and get into the festive spirit.

Edinburgh’s Christmas  – located in Princes Street Gardens, enjoy the numerous fairground rides, carnival atmosphere and stalls.

Castle of Light – Magic and Mystery  – see Edinburgh Castle light in all its glory for a mesmerising light show experience.

Glasgow WinterFest - browse the festive stalls, relax with your favourite beverage at the festive bars or get ready to party at the silent disco.

Beecraigs Festive Forest  – head to Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow to enjoy an atmospheric light show complete with lasers, illuminated trails, santa’s grotto and plenty of treats.

Aberdeen Winter Festival and Christmas Village  – enjoy an outdoor ice rink, festive fairground and scrumptious food and drink.

Perth Winter Festival  – this year sees street performers and magicians to santa runs and silent discos.

Glamis Castle Christmas Market  – take a trip to this famous attraction for family fun, Santa’s Grotto, festive gifts, and tasty treats.

Find a festive place to stay for Christmas Across Scotland

scotland tours december 2023

A family enjoy a snowball fight at Castle Fraser.

Surely one of the best things to do in Scotland in December must be to stay in a magical castle? Many castles offer Christmas packages, for a special holiday you won’t forget! There are plenty of castles across Scotland to choose from, but here are a few to spark your imagination:

Find your fairytale castle for a Christmas stay

We can’t think of anything better than ‘cooring’ up in front of a burning log fire on a cold winters’ day whilst the snow falls outside. Scotland doesn’t disappoint when it comes to rustic cottages and cosy log cabins, some even have hot tubs, jacuzzis or sauna to enjoy too. They are perfect for a winter retreat for two, or invite family and friends and make a bigger celebration of it, you’ve got plenty of choices.

IRN-BRU Carnival Glasgow

It’s a great thing to do in Glasgow in December and the perfect way to get out of the cold on a winter day without sacrificing fun and action. The carnival has it all – from children’s fairground rides, games, stalls and prizes to an inflatable play area, giant slide and delicious food. This carnival is set to be fantastic fun for both the little and the big kids among us!

Curl up and watch a Christmas Rom-Com Across Scotland

scotland tours december 2023

A view across Loch Lomond with snow capped hills in the background.

Sometimes all you want to do is stay in and watch a movie! There are some fantastic new romantic comedies on Netflix set and filmed in Scotland; the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. Here are just a few:

  • The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star  was filmed at Hopetoun House in West Lothian, and Newbattle Abbey College in Midlothian. You’ll also see Gosford House, Borthwick Castle, Dundas Castle, Dakota Hotel, Barnbougle and Dalmeny Estate, as well as the Royal Highland Centre.
  • Falling for Figaro , which stars Joanna Lumley as a former opera diva-turned singing teacher, was filmed in Glencoe and Luss, on the west bank of Loch Lomond, and Glasgow.
  • A Castle for Christmas , which stars Brooke Shields as a novelist and Cary Elwes as a Scottish duke, was filmed at Dalmeny House near Edinburgh, Tantallon Castle in East Lothian, Dakota Hotel in South Queensferry and Edinburgh Airport.

Christmas at the Botanics Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

Christmas at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Christmas at the Botanics (16 November – 30 December) is a must-see! One of the top things to do in Edinburgh in December, wander round the capital’s 70 acres of majestic gardens in the dark, magically lit up with light features such as the Tunnel of Light, Laser Garden, Festive Flotilla of glowing boats and Scented Fire Garden. There’s music, mulled wine, hot chocolate, festive foods and fire-pits to gather round. You’re guaranteed to get some insta-worthy shots on your way round. We highly recommend it!

Husky Sled Rides Highlands

scotland tours december 2023

Bowland Trails Husky Dog Sled Rides in Blairgowrie, Perthshire

What better and more memorable way to enjoy Scotland’s beautiful outdoors in the winter than a husky sledge ride! Scotland has a number of husky centres where you can meet the dogs and go for a sledge ride, or even have a full-day experience with professional racers where you help to train the dogs. Snow is also not essential for a ride!

Visit Santa and his Reindeer Cairngorms National Park

scotland tours december 2023

Reindeer in the Cairngorms National Park

Head to the Cairngorms National Park to meet Santa and his reindeer! The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is home to around 150 free-ranging reindeer, and is the best spot to meet these friendly characters in their natural habitat. Surrounded by tinsel and decorations, Santa will be there keeping an eye on his reindeer and there are crafting activities you can try, too. You could also head to the nearby Highland Wildlife Park, where you’ll see polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, snow leopards and many more.

Enjoy World Class Snowsports Various locations

scotland tours december 2023

Skiing at the Cairngorm Mountain

Get out to the hills for some snowsports action! Did you know Scotland offers the best outdoor skiing and snowboarding in the UK? Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the country’s ski centres are accessible from all of Scotland’s cities and offer great runs for beginners and seasoned skiers or boarders alike. There are five resorts in Scotland to choose from – all of which offer skiing or snowboarding equipment hire, slopes suitable for beginners and lessons. The season in Scotland runs from December to April, although do check the conditions before you travel.

  • Check travel conditions
  • Sign up for snow alerts
  • Read our snowsport FAQs 

Immerse yourself in unforgettable Hogmanay Celebrations Across Scotland

scotland tours december 2023

Up Helly Aa Vikings during the Torchlight Procession, Edinburgh

Hogmanay street celebrations in Scotland are legendary!

  • Edinburgh’s Hogmanay  – soak in the atmosphere at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party on New Year’s Eve, with live music from well-known stars, outdoor bars and spectacular fireworks at midnight.
  • The Hogmanay Hoolie  – at Edinburgh’s iconic Ghillie Dhu, famous for its ceilidhs in this stunning converted church.
  • Beach Ballroom Hogmanay Ceilidh  – in Aberdeen you can dance the night away at the brilliant Beach Ballroom ceilidh.
  • Oban Hogmanay Party  – an annual celebration where you can enjoy a lively night of ceilidh music.

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THE 10 BEST Scotland Tours & Excursions

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  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

scotland tours december 2023

1. Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

2. Loch Ness & Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

3. Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

scotland tours december 2023

4. Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

5. Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

scotland tours december 2023

6. Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness

scotland tours december 2023

7. The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness

scotland tours december 2023

8. Scottish Highlands and Hogwarts Express Tour from Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

9. Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

scotland tours december 2023

10. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

11. Edinburgh Castle and Old Town Skip the Line Private Tour

scotland tours december 2023

12. Outlander Adventure Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions

scotland tours december 2023

13. The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

scotland tours december 2023

14. Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

15. Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

scotland tours december 2023

16. Scotland In a Day From Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

17. St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

18. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Cruise Day Tour from Glasgow

scotland tours december 2023

19. Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glen Coe Day Trip from Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

20. Isle of Skye, The Highlands and Loch Ness- 3 Day Group Tour from Edinburgh

scotland tours december 2023

21. Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

scotland tours december 2023

22. 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles

scotland tours december 2023

23. Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall

scotland tours december 2023

24. City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

scotland tours december 2023

25. Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

scotland tours december 2023

26. Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

scotland tours december 2023

27. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands from Edinburgh Inc Accommodation

scotland tours december 2023

28. Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

scotland tours december 2023

29. Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

scotland tours december 2023

30. Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - Edinburgh

What travellers are saying.

Elizabeth P

  • Giles E 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant tour. A very cold day but a brilliant tour with a fantastic guide, Richard, who was knowledgeable, engaging and interesting. An excellent tour. Read more Review of: Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket Written 9 March 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Best of Scotland

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Best of Scotland Guided Tour

7 Day Scotland Tour from Edinburgh to Glasgow

7 days, 1 country and 9 cities

Accommodation

6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Experience the Best of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle to the eclectic streets of Glasgow. Revel in the romance and history of the Scottish Highlands and contemplate the mysterious depths of Loch Ness, before toasting bonnie Scotland’s lochs, glens and legendary locals.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

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Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

7 days itinerary trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow visiting 1 country and 9 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Edinburgh with a Local Specialist

Discover Glasgow and Stirling

Visit Edinburgh Castle, Pitlochry, the Isle of Skye, Glasgow Cathedral, Culloden Battlefield, Stirling Castle and a whisky distillery.

View the 18th green at St. Andrews, the Glenfinnan Monument, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Necropolis and George Square in Glasgow

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

See Glencoe

Stop at this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Three local female weavers in colourful traditional local dress including festooned hats, weaving colourful alpaca wool on the ground

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

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Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

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Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Mythical. Legendary. Scenic.

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Destination must-see's.

Scotland ms1

Highlands (scenery):

Gaze upon the undeniable beauty that serves as a backdrop to the ancient and mythical stories of old. The Scottish Highlands are a mountainous region encompassing northwest Scotland. Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands, and is registered as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. It sits on the banks of the River Ness. Even though it is a city, Inverness still retains a market feel to it. Tourism is an important part of the economy in Inverness.

Scotland ms2

Stroll through the intriguing capital city of Scotland, replete with gorgeous vistas and captivating historical sights. The city's various historical and cultural attractions, as well as the appeal to the tourist market, makes Edinburgh the most popular tourist destination in the UK after London, attracting over 1 million overseas visitors each year. Don’t forget the Edinburgh Castle! This is a historic castle and fortress located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It sits atop Castle Rock in the city center and is an integral part of Edinburgh’s skyline. In present day the castle is a major tourist attraction for the city. It is the most visited attraction in Scotland.

Scotland ms3

Orkney Islands:

Off the coast of Northern Scotland, 10 miles from Duncansby Head in Caithness, lies a stunning archipelago comprised of 70 islands that are famously called the Orkney Islands. This breathtaking spot off the beaten path is waiting for your discovery. Voyage by ferry to the islands, keeping an eye out for an abundance of bird life, porpoises and seals. A local guide reveals its Viking heritage and introduces you to the wonders around you. To make the visit even more wonderful, visit Skara Brae and find the remains of a Neolithic village built at the same time as the Great Pyramid in Egypt. It’s a journey through history – a true highlight of your tour to fascinating Scotland.

Scotland ms4

Military Tattoo:

Since 1950 the iconic Edinburgh Military Tattoo has dazzled millions of spectators with performances from musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers. This epic show, unique every year, takes place at the haunting Edinburgh Castle illuminated under the open sky. In the past, the show’s themes have paid tribute to nature, the Queen’s 90th birthday, and Scotland's homecoming, to name a few. This international festival comes alive with performers from a multitude of countries and audience members from around the world. Military pageantry and cultural celebrations, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display, set the stage for an amazing evening.

Destination Must-Do's

Scotland md1

Sip on the finest and most desired whisky in the world, as it has been the national drink of Scotland for centuries (since 1494!). Scotland has perfected the art of whisky distilling for generations. Stored in oak casts in warehouses to mature, it is not until decades after this whisky is perfect. With 5 different whisky regions in Scotland each with its own unique flavor, there is a whisky out there for you.

Scotland md2

The easily identifiable pattern of crisscrossed bands of colors are seen on traditional Scottish clothing. This is seen on almost every Scottish kilt, which was originally made of wool, but now in many other materials. Tartan has become an iconic symbol of Scotland (every clan has their own design) and can still be seen quite often when traveling throughout the country.

Scotland md3

St. Andrews (Golf):

St. Andrews is a former royal borough on the east coast of Scotland. It is home to the University of St. Andrews, the 3rd oldest university in the English speaking world, as well as the oldest university in Scotland. St. Andrews is known as the worldwide home of golf. Many visitors come to St. Andrews for the golf courses, which are ranked some of the finest in the world. The Open Championship, the oldest of golf’s four major championships, is frequently held in St. Andrews. Get a chance to swing your clubs on this marvelous course and maybe even get a souvenir.

Scotland md4

Learn a little Scottish Gaelic with this word meaning “lake”- Loch Ness monster ring a bell? Loch Ness is a large, deep freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending approximately 23 miles southwest of the city of Inverness. Loch Ness is best known for the alleged sightings of the Loch Ness monster. While Loch Ness is not the largest Scottish loch by surface area, it is the largest by volume, with its deepest point at 755 feet.

Expert Advice

diana

Don’t overlook the off-season months when it comes to Scotland. The winter months mean you’ll have less crowds at historic sites and more time to meet the people who call this charming country home.

Scotland e2

Try Haggis! Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck; minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock. Trust me, no matter what you’ve heard, it’s delicious, and hey you only live once!

Scotland e3

Check out the Fairy Pools in Skye. These beautiful crystal clear blue pools make for a great photo spot, and for the daring a ‘wild swimming’ spot.

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Scottish Dream

Starting from $2,445

  • The Experience
  • 8 Days In 2024
  • 9 Days In 2024
  • 8 Days In 2025
  • 9 Days In 2025

Hit Scotland’s highlights – and its Highlands 

Trip details.

Tour start Glasgow

Tour end Edinburgh

Available Promotions for this tour

Solo Traveler

Loch Lomond Cruise

Enjoy the exquisite eye candy on the largest lake in Scotland.

scotland tours december 2023

Inveraray Castle

Live out your Downton Abbey dreams when you visit this turreted fairy-tale castle that was featured in the show.

scotland tours december 2023

Explore the legendary Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course at the birthplace of golf.

scotland tours december 2023

Scottish Sheepdog Demonstration

Watch highly experienced sheepdogs mind their flocks at a charming Scottish farm.

scotland tours december 2023

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Our July 27th to August 18th departures get to enjoy the precision and performance of pipe and drum corps from around the world.

scotland tours december 2023

Isle of Skye

Enjoy the dramatic mountainous landscapes of the largest Inner Hebrides island.

scotland tours december 2023

Blair Athol Distillery

Sip a wee dram or two of Scotch whisky after you discover the secrets to crafting it.

Blair Castle

Blair Castle

This ancient castle has been the home of nineteen generations of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The 30 rooms are rich in period detail, with ornate plasterwork, luxurious tapestries, and beautifully carved furniture.

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield

Explore the battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens, and even the odd pirate or two, in this medieval-era royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, alive with many exciting tales.

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Day 1 Glasgow Tour & Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Day 2 loch lomond cruise & inveraray castle, day 3 isle of skye & loch ness, day 4 culloden battlefield & sheepdog trials, day 5 blair castle, whisky tasting & pitlochry, day 6 glamis castle, st andrews & scottish evening*, day 7 edinburgh panoramic tour & edinburgh castle, day 8 tour ends in edinburgh, where you’ll stay.

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel Glasgow, Scotland

The Sandman Signature Hotel is a stunning hotel with 179 bedrooms in the center of vibrant Glasgow...

Ballachulish Hotel on Loch Linnhe

Ballachulish Hotel Ballachulish, Scotland

Situated in a breathtaking lochside setting at the foot of dramatic Glencoe, this historic hotel...

Muthu Newton Hotel

Muthu Newton Hotel Nairn, Scotland

Muthu Newton Hotel is close to the Nairn golfing links and the Moray Firth offering unrivalled...

Atholl Palace Hotel

Atholl Palace Hotel Pitlochry, Scotland

Originally opened in Victorian times, the Atholl Palace Hotel retains many features of a...

Norton House Hotel

Norton House Hotel & Spa near Edinburgh, Scotland

Set in a Victorian mansion in 55 acres of grounds, Norton House features a luxury spa, award-...

Inclusive package with no hidden extras

scotland tours december 2023

What's included?

  • Full daily breakfast and many meals*
  • An evening of Scottish entertainment
  • Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
  • Welcome drinks with your group
  • Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
  • All entrance fees to attractions
  • Comprehensive travel itinerary

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

  • A travel backpack
  • Travel adapter
  • Rain poncho
  • Luggage strap and tags
  • Documents wallet

From our travelers

scotland tours december 2023

We loved everything about this tour. Our guide Ian was wonderful. The hotels, meals and places we went to in Scotland were fabulous. I enjoyed traveling through the countryside and seeing many of the places I had always wanted to visit. Ian was able to supply a great deal of interesting information about what we were seeing, and the whole trip exceeded my expectations.

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Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow

The Sandman Signature Hotel is a stunning hotel with 179 bedrooms in the center of vibrant Glasgow, known as Scotland's "dear green place".  The city is known for its fabulous art scene, industrial history, and incredible music. The property has a fitness facility, a beautiful restaurant space and bar, with delicious dining options and perfectly executed cocktails. 

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

  • 24-hour Front Desk
  • Business Center
  • Air Conditioned
  • Daily Maid Service
  • Private Bathroom

Lobby of the Glasgow Hotel

Glasgow Hotel Lobby

Glasgow Hotel Guest Accomodations

Glasgow Hotel Accomodations

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Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish

Situated in a breathtaking lochside setting at the foot of dramatic Glencoe, this historic hotel really is a Highland home away from home. All the rooms reflect the region’s Highland heritage, with many offering stunning views of the loch and the breathtaking mountain scenery all around. The hotel serves as a base from which guests can explore the Glencoe and Fort William areas or discover many of the local activities and attractions, from golf to the great outdoors. Enjoy complimentary use of the nearby health club, with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, bio-sauna and exercise room.

Ballachulish Hotel on Loch Linnhe

  • Wifi in Public Areas (Complimentary)
  • 24-hour Room Service
  • In-Room Wifi (Complimentary)
  • Room Service

Ballachulish Hotel room

Muthu Newton Hotel, Nairn

Muthu Newton Hotel is close to the Nairn golfing links and the Moray Firth offering unrivalled peace and tranquility. Just 10 miles from Inverness airport and less than a mile from Nairn train station. Once frequented by Charlie Chaplin it stands overlooking the Moray Firth and beyond to the Black Isle. The Hotel has 63 rooms with a lush view, the Highland Conference Centre and a wedding venue. The sea-side town of Nairn is one of the prime locations and one of the sunniest spots in Scotland. 

Muthu Newton Hotel

Muthu Newton Hotel

  • Cable/Satellite Television
  • Coffee & Tea-making Facilities in Room
  • Iron/Ironing Board

Lounge

Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry

Originally opened in Victorian times, the Atholl Palace Hotel retains many features of a traditional large country house, with relaxing public areas. The historic nature of the hotel means that every bedroom is unique, with quirky original features, outstanding views and furnishings of the highest standards. The Verandah Restaurant is famed for its stunning views and its quality cuisine, using the very best of local produce. The Stag's Head bar offers a wide range of malt whiskies. The hotel is located in spacious gardens and is within a 15-minute walk of the town of Pitlochry.

Atholl Palace Hotel

Atholl Palace Hotel

  • Disabled Facilities
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Fitness Center
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Luggage Racks
  • Work Desk & Lamp

Bedroom

Norton House Hotel & Spa, near Edinburgh

Set in a Victorian mansion in 55 acres of grounds, Norton House features a luxury spa, award-winning restaurant and boutique rooms with free internet. Edinburgh is a 20-minute drive, and Edinburgh Airport is 3 miles away. Guests can relax in the sauna, steam room or hydrotherapy pool in the luxurious spa. The health club also has a swimming pool with feature fountains, a fully equipped gym and treatment rooms.

Norton House Hotel

Norton House Hotel

Gardens

See what people are saying about this trip

Cie tours customer.

I enjoyed the history and feel of each place

The views, hotels and tour guide/driver were all great.

CIE Tours are a great way to visit Scotlan..

Our tour guide really made this a memorable experience. He was very knowledgeable and through his stories, taught us about this beautiful country, the people, and its history. The accommodations were very nice on this tour.

This tour was very educational and we experienced a lot of amazing areas.

First time to Scotland. We had a great time. Looking forward to future trips.

Loved CIEin Scotland

All CIE staff did everything possible to ensure the best experiences along the trip

scotland tours december 2023

How can we help you?

scotland tours december 2023

The Inclusive Advantage

Get more without spending more. CIE Tours includes every experience and most meals so you won't be hit with hidden expenses.

Deals of the Week   Women’s Day   Up to 50% OFF

England and Scotland Tours in December 2024

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34 England and Scotland trips in December 2024

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Sightseeing

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

Great picturesque locations. Tom and Sophie are very knowledgeable. They made the trip a great experience! I would recommend the B&B experience to everyone! Make sure you pack winter/snow boots!
  • €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Aonghus Youth Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Aonghus Youth

Thank you for the tour. Our Tour Guide Bella was fantastic, and our driver excellent. My only complaint would be that communication was poor prior to arrival. I had a number of times where I asked questions that were never responded to, let all be answered. That needs to be improved particularly for international tourists.

England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK Tour

England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK

Skye High Tour

Great experience with Skye High Haggis adventures. Our tour guide Dusty was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about area and it’s history. He was also a great storyteller! We saw the highlights in a short period without the stress of driving and couldn’t be happier with the experience I would highly recommend Haggis tours and the Skye High adventure.

Ultimate Skye Experience Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Ultimate Skye Experience

This was an amazing tour and one of the highlights of our UK exploration. Our guide Fergie was affable and knowledgeable, the accommodation was excellent and the itinerary was well timed. Highly recommended
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Independent Edinburgh & London City Stay Tour

Independent Edinburgh & London City Stay

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days ) Tour

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days )

Britain and Ireland Delight (Winter, 8 Days) Tour

Britain and Ireland Delight (Winter, 8 Days)

Nicky and Adam were wonderful. I would travel again with this dream team anytime!

9 Days United Kingdom Tour Tour

9 Days United Kingdom Tour

Highland Fling Tour

Highland Fling

Great tour really knowledgeable guides Steve and Brodie were fantastic Great content for the tour and would highly recommend Haggis tours

Roaming the United Kingdom ( 7 days ) Tour

Roaming the United Kingdom ( 7 days )

Great Britain Christmas (GBXMAS) Tour

Great Britain Christmas (GBXMAS)

Every aspect of the tour was as I would have hoped. Mike was knowledgeable and able to inspire me to ask questions. Everything, except what was out of his control, ran smoothly. I liked the flexibility of the tour, It was disappointing not to see Cardiff or Liverpool in Daylight, and I would have preferred to visit The Beatles Story to looking at the gates of a football ground. My biggest whinge is that there were way too many insolent little Asian kids on the tour. Many of them would block the aisle or were rude out on tour.

3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Tour

  • Active Adventure

3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

This was a fantastic trip. The tour guide, Martin, was professional, knowledgeable, and fun. He gave great recommendations and made sure everyone was taken care of. The distilleries visited were fantastic, and the Cooperage was fantastic. We learned so much about Speyside Whiskey and Scotland. I highly recommend this tour, even if you are not a whiskey fan. I would even do it again.

Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh Tour

Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh

Kenny our tour guide was great, really knowledgeable, flexible and a good laugh. Would recommend this tour.

Best of Britain (Classic, Winter, 9 Days) Tour

Best of Britain (Classic, Winter, 9 Days)

Reviews of england and scotland tours in december.

The tour was absolutely amazing! Doing it this time of year (October/ November) made it even more magical (with the trees turning orange) and i was blown away by the things that we were able to do.. our tour guide, Dusty, was brilliant! Best guide I’ve had anywhere! His knowledge on the area, with some of his own cheeky stories thrown in the BEST!
Jose is a very knowledgeable, talented, and made our tour exceptionally fun at all times - very entertaining as well !!!
guide was great. really enjoyed the beautiful scenery and oppotunities for photos. hostel was average but good location. when booking didn't realise that could do different accommidatiion although i did get asked if i was okay with hostel. generally good value.
  • Spring 2024 tours (132)
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Destinations

  • Scotland December 2024 (34)
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International Versions

  • Deutsch: England-Schottland Rundreise im Dezember 2024
  • Français: Circuits en Angleterre et Écosse en Décembre 2024
  • Español: Circuitos por Inglaterra y Escocia en Diciembre 2024
  • Nederlands: Engeland en Schotland Rondreizen in December 2024

Tour Scotland with Scottish Tours

Find Your Tour

Official scotland tours from edinburgh, glasgow, inverness and london, top one day scotland tours, loch ness and the highlands.

Loch-Ness-and-the-Highlands

Price from: £ 59.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Jacobite Steam Train Experience

jacobite-steam-train-experience

Price from: £ 180.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands

Loch-Ness-Glencoe-and-the-Highlands-glasgow

Price from: £ 60.00 Departs from: Glasgow

The Ultimate Skye Tour

The-Ultimate-Skye-Tour

Price from: £ 125.00 Departs from: Inverness

Top Tours of Scotland and Scotland Vacations

Jacobite steam train, skye and highlands tour.

Jacobite-Steam-Train-Skye-and-Highlands-Tour

Price from: £ 790.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Skye and the Scottish Highlands

Skye-and-the-Scottish-Highlands

Price from: £ 400.00 Departs from: Edinburgh and Glasgow

Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands

Edinburgh-Loch-Ness-and-the-Highlands

Price from: £ 595.00 Departs from: London

Hebridean Explorer Small Group Tour

Hebridean-Explorer-Small-Group-Tour

Price from: £ 850.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Scottish Tours - The best choice for quality and value for over 100 years.

If you are planning to visit Scotland then you will find our range of one-day trips, short breaks and luxury escorted tours the best way to see the real Scotland - a land of fairytale castles , picturesque lochs and spectacular scenery   including the world famous Jacobite steam train used in the filming of Harry Potter.

Our city and Scotland tours depart from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London. Our tours of Scotland are the perfect way to explore the real Scotland and convenient too with daily departures on the most popular Scottish Highland tours . We select the routes and tour guides.

With Scottish Tours you can choose to visit Loch Ness and Inverness or Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond - both popular one-day trips of Scotland. Or why not travel further afield, on one of our short break tours. The magical Isle of Skye and Eliean Donan Castle , the remote yet picturesque surroundings of the Applecross Peninsula and nature watching in a lonely Highland glen are just some of the delights that await you when you choose a short break tour with Scottish Tours.

Our extended range of sightseeing tours of Scotland is the most comprehensive available. You can select your Scottish Tour confident in the knowledge that the widest possible choice of tours of Scotland has to offer.

For a different Scotland tour experience check out our exciting range of Scottish train Tours . Speed comfortably from London by Express train to visit our great cities of Edinburgh or Glasgow. Then tour Scotland by luxury coach to visit Inverness, the Isle of Skye or even Scotland's Far North Coast! All in one convenient package.

Much of Scotland can be explored on a comfortable tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow. And there is only one way to see Scotland - with Scottish Tours.

Scotland's Must See Destinations

Isle of skye.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. See the Cullins and visit the fairy pools.

Loch Ness

Scotland's largest expanse of water is shroud in the mystery of 'Nessie' - the Loch Ness monster.

Jacobite Steam Train

Jacobite Steam Train

Travel aboard the real Hogwarts Express to see mountains, lochs and, of course, the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Outlander

Follow in Claire and Jamie’s time-travelling footsteps on our Outlander tours.

Scotch Whisky

Scotch Whisky

Whisky (Whiskey) takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘water of life’. Malt or blended Scotch is the world leader. Visit distilleries in Islay and Speyside.

Scotland's Islands

Scotland's Islands

Their natural beauty takes your breath away. Local prehistoric treasures and native wildlife are fascinating and rewarding.

Highlands

Steeped in history and legend, the spectacular Highlands of Scotland, are one of the last unspoilt regions of Europe.

Castles

Scotland’s many historic castles and palaces are just waiting to be explored.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter

Whether you’ve watched the entire series or are travelling with kids in tow, get to know the world’s favourite wizard on an exclusive tour. Go to famous filming locations with a Harry Potter day tour or extended Harry Potter tour from Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and London.

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Quality Sightseeing since 1907

For over 100 years we've been making touring Scotland a quality experience for visitors from all over the World. Over the years our Scottish tours have been chosen by many thousands of travellers who want to tour Scotland in comfort and style.

Scottish Tours has a long and distinguished pedigree and we are proud to include the famed names of Scottish Motor Traction, Scottish Omnibuses and Eastern Scottish as part of our heritage.

Today we continue to offer our clients the highest standards of service and the very best value. You can tour Scotland with Scottish Tours confident in the knowledge that no one has more experience.

Tour Scotland with Scottish Tours. Discover the highlights of Scotland on a tour to Loch Ness, The Scottish Highlands, Skye and Loch Lomond.

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Travel with Confidence ABTA approved travel provider

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Scotland Tours

Find your tour, award-winning tours of scotland.

When you visit Scotland, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome when you come on board award-winning Discover Scotland Tours. A Family owned company, we operate small group tours to the Scottish Highlands and Islands from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Our friendly driver-guides can’t wait to share their passion for Scotland’s spectacular natural beauty, history, and heritage. They’ll share our myths and legends and will tell you tales of Scotland’s heroes and villains. They’ll also take you to some of the most beautiful and inspiring views Scotland has to offer.

Why travel with us?

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Where can we take you?

The Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is renowned for its stunning scenery, picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking landscapes. At the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains lie the magical fairy pools, azure blue crystal-clear pools, and waterfalls.

Romantic Loch Lomond

This beautiful loch is the beating heart of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 720 square miles of stunning scenery from lush rolling countryside and thick forest to vast glens and craggy mountains.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Enjoy one of the world’s greatest train journeys aboard the Jacobite Steam Train and immerse yourself in breath-taking Highland scenery. The railway line curves over the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in Harry Potter.

Outlander Filming Locations

Combine your favourite Outlander filming locations with some beautiful Highland scenery. Take in the historic gems of the Royal Burgh of Culross (Cranesmuir), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) and the foreboding Blackness Castle.

The Isle of Mull

With its quaint villages, miles of coastline and cliffs, majestic mountains and empty beaches, the Isle of Mull is one of the best locations in Scotland to spot rare white-tailed sea eagles, whales, basking sharks, and dolphins.

The Isle of Iona

The tiny sacred Isle of Iona has been a place of Christian worship and pilgrimage ever since St Columba arrived here from Ireland in 563 AD. Iona is also the final resting place for many kings of Scotland, including Macbeth.

Perched on top of a vast volcanic rock, and visible from miles around, Stirling Castle was the key to the kingdom of Scotland. It has witnessed sieges, wars, and battles and looks over the famous battle site of Stirling Bridge.

Stunning Glencoe

Driving deep into Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous glen, you can’t fail to be moved by its haunting atmosphere and the legend surrounding the massacre of the Clan MacDonald by government forces in 1692.

Beautiful Oban

Originally a fishing village, Oban on the rugged west coast has grown into a vibrant town. Known as ‘seafood capital of Scotland’ you can savour some of Scotland’s tastiest oysters and mussels around the picturesque harbour.

Mysterious Loch Ness

Loch Ness harbours many mysteries and is the most famous stretch of water in the world. From its famous monster ‘Nessie’, the loch forms part of the 60-mile Caledonian Canal which cuts through the Highlands.

Historic Glenfinnan

In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at Glenfinnan in an ill-fated attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts to the throne of Great Britain. Harry Potter fans will know the viaduct as the bridge to Hogwarts.

Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands is a place where majestic mountains reach up into massive skies. Where sparkling lochs stretch as far as the eye can see, while rugged glens and moorland hide legends of long ago.

Exciting Adventures

Experience Scotland’s breath-taking scenery with the buzz of some high adrenaline thrills. How about a 40-metre-high Highland bungee jump over a dramatic river gorge or a thrilling RIB ride across Loch Ness.

Majestic Castles

There are around 3000 castles in Scotland, many are picturesque ruins, others being medieval towers and craggy fortresses to gilded palaces. Eilean Donan Castle is probably the most photographed castle in Scotland.

Scotch Whisky

Scotland has over 130 distilleries across five whisky-making regions. We’ve been enjoying Scotch for at least 500 years. The oldest distillery, Glenturret was founded in 1775, followed by Bowmore in 1779.

A Discover Scotland Tours Gift Certificate makes a thoughtful present for someone you know who is longing to explore Scotland. They could enjoy a small group tour between 1 & 6 days of the Highlands.

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Scotland Tours & Holidays

Looking out across Liathach as bad weather approaches. Torridon in the Scottish Highlands in the UK.

Misty highlands, sparkling lochs and rolling hills – there is a reason Scotland is known for its natural beauty. 

But it’s not all just deserted moors and moss-covered forests (although there are plenty of those too!), Scotland’s rich history and culture are also a big drawcard. From exploring the medieval city of Edinburgh , to the lively fun of a traditional pub where many a wee whisky can be enjoyed, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the hospitality of the local Scots beyond the clichés of kilts and bagpipes. Discovering areas like the enchanting Scottish Highlands , the modern hub of Glasgow and the wilderness of the Isle of Skye, all with the inside knowledge of a local leader is an entirely unique experience.

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Highlights of Scotland

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Articles of Scotland

Uncovering Edinburgh’s unseen stories with Invisible Cities  

The world’s first rewilding centre in Scotland is tuning into nature’s healing instincts 

Visit the site of the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland  

England or Scotland? Which country should you visit next?

Scotland or Ireland: which country should you travel to next?

Eat at these 8 Inverness restaurants for a meal you won’t forget

Raise a glass to these top 11 bars in Glasgow

7 must-see castles in the Scottish Highlands

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Learn more about Scotland

Local culture.

Some might know the Scots, as they are fondly referred to, for their tartan kilts, bagpipe playing, whisky or delicious shortbread, but there is a lot more to this British nation than these clichés.  

The people of Scotland are a mixture of Scottish,  British  and several minority immigrant groups. Many of Scotland’s traditions have roots in Celtic heritage. A large portion of the population are Christian, with some Catholics and others who make up the Kirk, the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Scottish are famous for their polite and friendly nature, stoic attitude and good sense of humour.

Soccer or football as it is known locally is a very popular sport, with rugby also being widely watched. For literature fans, the Harry Potter book series is deeply connected with the city of Edinburgh, as it was here that author JK Rowling lived when she wrote most of the books. You can visit the cafes where she wrote as well as see many of the places that inspired parts of her stories, including cemeteries and other buildings.

Geography and environment

Scotland is the most northern part of Great Britain and borders England. The low mountains of the highlands make up 60 per cent of Scotland’s land. Scotland’s flora is similar to most of northern Europe with forests, rugged coasts and moors. There are 62 different species of wild mammals in Scotland, common ones include: grouse, wild cats and off the coast there are many seabirds, seals and dolphins.

The climate of Scotland is classified as temperate, which means it has distinct seasonal changes and wider ranges of temperatures throughout the year. In winter, average temperatures are between five and seven degrees Celsius (41 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit) and in summer between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The western highlands experience a lot of rain throughout the year, but other areas of Scotland receive much less rain.

If you’re looking to buy authentic Scottish wares, there are options aplenty in the capital city of Edinburgh and other large cities like Glasgow.

If you are after something special, some Edinburgh Crystal, which is owned by Waterford Wedgewood makes an excellent luxury souvenir. Deck yourself out with a set of new drinking glasses, bowls or for something really different – a crystal bell.

If you’re after a gift or souvenir that is a little more edible, you can’t go past a bottle of authentic Scottish whisky. Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a popular choice and whether you’re a connoisseur or a total whisky novice, the local proprietors will love talking you through the different tipples – they are a passionate lot.

If you have family heritage in Scotland, it can be a fun exercise to hunt down your clan tartan. But even if you don’t have one, a woollen scarf, hat or if you’re feeling brave, a kilt, is a distinctly Scottish piece of attire to add to your wardrobe.

Festivals and events

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is on during August each year and is a massive global arts and cultural event. It takes places in over 300 venues around Edinburgh and includes a range of performances and experiences across theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.

Hogmanay Street Party

Hogmanay is a traditional Scottish celebration that takes place over New Year’s. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is a three-day festival that runs at various locations across the city. With multiple stages with entertainment set up, a torchlight procession and plenty of opportunities for a ‘wee dram’, tickets for this festival are highly sought after and can sell out months in advance.

Highland Games

The Highland Games are held in spring and summer and are one of Scotland’s most iconic events. There are many traditional athletic events like tug-of-war and caber toss, where competitors dress in traditional kilts and spectators enjoy all the social and cultural festivities that come with it, including traditional food, drinks and music.

The Glasgow Whisky Festival

If you’re heading to Glasgow as well as Edinburgh (and you should!) the Whisky Festival is a great time to go. A showcase of Scottish and specifically Glaswegian distillers is the focus, but there is also a celebration of international whisky too, with attendees from all over the world. It is Scotland’s national drink after all…

Scottish food

The Scottish food scene is garnering international attention thanks to Scotland's elite chefs like Gordon Ramsay (Scottish born, even if he did spend his schoolyears in England), Nick Nairn and Andrew Fairlie. These culinary wizards are taking the country's incredible natural produce – beef, venison and seafood – and bringing us a whole new era of more refined Scottish cuisine. However, if you’re looking for some traditional Scottish fare, here are some dishes you must try.

It might not sound very appealing but if you’re a meat eater, you might surprise yourself by enjoying haggis too. Haggis is made of sheep or calf offal, mixed with oatmeal and seasoning before being boiled in a bag (although traditionally it was boiled in the lining of an animal’s stomach). The overall effect is not dissimilar to a sausage with a grainier texture and is often served alongside a traditional roast dinner.

Scottish porridge

A traditional breakfast food, Scottish porridge differs slightly from the standard oatmeal you might be used to eating at home. It has been a population dish for centuries and traditionally should be eaten out of a wooden bowl, with everyone dipping their oats into a communal bowl of cream (for some reason you should also eat it standing up). The preparation is also quite unique – traditionally it should be stirred with a wooden rod called a spirtle and only ever stirred clockwise with your right hand, unless you want to incur the wrath of the devil. While you might put sugar on your porridge at home, in Scotland it’s served with a generous pinch of salt!

A traditional Scottish shortbread is a simple biscuit cake with only three ingredients. Butter, sugar and flour. Cover it in sugar and cut the cake into wedges while it’s still hot and it will cool into delicious, crumbly triangle-shaped biscuits. It’s all in the texture…

Scotch pies

A scotch pie is a meat pie, traditionally filled with mutton or other mincemeat. It is double crusted, single portion pie that is often enjoyed at soccer (football) games, which has earned it the nickname of ‘football pie’. The lid of the pie is slightly sunken from the crust, to allow space for condiments to be put on top.

Further reading

  • Tam O’Shanter by Robert Burns

Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Stevenson

The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle by Hugh McDiarmid

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Dame Muriel Spark

Not While the Giro by James Kelman

Wire in the Blood by Val McDermid and Ian Rankin

Scotland travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?

Visa regulations are always subject to change, which is especially likely after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), so it's essential to check before leaving home.

Citizens of EU countries, Australia, Canada and the United States have visa-free access to Scotland.

Is tipping customary in Scotland?

Tipping is customary in some situations in Scotland.

Restaurant bills usually include an option to add a gratuity. If this option isn’t present, it’s still common to tip about 10 per cent of the bill.

Tipping about 10 per cent is also standard in taxis. 

What is the internet access like in Scotland?

You will have reliable internet access while in Scotland’s major cities and towns. 

Can I use my mobile phone while in Scotland?

You will have mobile coverage across most of Scotland, except for some rural and remote areas.

R emember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while travelling. 

What are the toilets like in Scotland?

Scotland has Western-style toilets.

What will it cost for a…?

  • Cup of coffee = £2.5
  • Pint of beer = £4
  • Glass of wine = £4 - £5
  • Pub lunch = £12 
  • Dinner at a mid-range restaurant = £30

Can I drink the water in Scotland?

Drinking tap water is safe in Scotland unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, we recommend avoiding buying bottled water and bring a refillable bottle or canteen with you. 

Are credit cards widely accepted in Scotland?

You will be able to use your credit card readily in Scotland, however it never hurts to carry a small amount of cash on you to make things simpler if you are splitting bills or just want a quick cup of coffee.

What is ATM access like in Scotland?

ATMs are referred to as cashpoints in Scotland and are commonly found.

You can use Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Cirrus, Plus and Maestro at most Scottish ATMs but you will also find international bank ATMs in major cities like Edinburgh and Scotland.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Scotland?

Please note, Scotland's public holidays may vary from year to year.

Is Scotland a safe destination for LGBTQI+ travellers?

Scotland is an open country and legalised same-sex marriage in 2014. Edinburgh and Glasgow in particular have small but flourishing gay communities. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex   or  Smartraveller  before you travel.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

scotland tours december 2023

Find Your Tour

Scotland travel blog december 2023, ”cozy pubs in the scottish highlands”.

December is a month when we’re usually far too busy working on updates to the Travel Guides to have time for any road trips. It’s also a month when we don’t want to be out on the road as it’s not a pleasant time to be touring Scotland. But one of the things that we do like about December, is sheltering from the inclement weather in a cozy old pub.

Like curling up safe in a warm bed on a stormy night, there’s something comforting about being in a cosy pub, sitting beside a roaring fire with a dram in your hand whilst it's raining outside.

We’ve even got an old Scots word that expresses this feeling. To “Coorie” in. It basically means the action of snuggling in and making yourself comfortable. Like a dog curling into his bed beside a fire, or the action of pulling a warm blanket around you. It implies finding comfort and safety and sums up that same feeling you get when you step through the door of a welcoming pub.

We feature pubs like this in all of our guides, but for this blog, I’ve picked a list of the good pubs you can find along the route of the “Authentic Scotland” tour plan. This isn’t the complete list of pubs along the way, but these are some that you find in the Highlands that come with a bit of history to add to their atmosphere.

The Glue Pot, Connel

The Glue Pot is the pub adjoining the Oyster Inn hotel which sits at the south end of the Connel Bridge. Before the bridge was built, travelers would stop at the “Glue Pot” ferry house whilst waiting for the small boat that would row them across the narrow entrance to Loch Etive.

The pub became popular with the thirsty locals of Oban in the 1850’s after the passing of a law that forbid pubs from opening on Sundays unless serving travelers on the course of their journey. To get around this piece of legislation, residents of Oban would take a carriage to Connel and stay in the “Glue Pot” drinking until the afternoon carriage returned them home.

Interior of the Glue Pot pub in Connel

The pub has been changed quite a lot over the centuries so it isn’t as authentically old as some on this list, but it still feels the part with bare stone walls, old wooden pews, and a hearty open fireplace. Some pieces of the pub’s history that have been retained are framed copies of old letters of complaint from the 1890’s about a Ferryman who seemingly operated his boat on several occasions after consuming a bit too much drink in the “Glue Pot”.

Amusing copy in the Glue Pot Inn of a complaint from the 1890's about a drunk ferryman

Tigh an Truish Inn, Isle of Seil

The “Tigh an Truish” Inn has one of the best histories of any pub in Scotland and its name harks back to the troubled times following the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. After the uprising, the British Government set about the destruction of Highland culture and the Clan system. One such measure introduced was “The Dress Act” of 1746 which made wearing "the Highland Dress" (i.e. the Kilt) illegal.

Tigh an Truish inn on a lovely summer day

But Tigh an Truish Inn stands on the Isle of Seil which is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel of water that acts like a moat. Consequently, the inhabitants of Seil felt safe to continue wearing their kilts on the island but were prudent enough to adopt tousers (“Truish” in Gaelic) when crossing to the mainland.

Tigh an Truish Inn viewed from the mainland beside the Clachan bridge.

Like the Glue Pot, Tigh an Truish inn originated as a ferry house and it was here that the islanders would change out of their kilts and into trousers before crossing to the mainland. And so the name “Tigh an Truish” (house of trousers) stuck.

Sturdy old bar at the Tigh an Truish Inn

The Inn has had a bit of a makeover in the last few years and now has very nicely appointed bedrooms, but the pub has kept its rustic charm with a sturdy wooden bar, rickety old wooden chairs, and a wood burning stove. There’s even a sword mounted on the wall above the fire, but we don’t know if dates back as far as 1745.

The Clachaig Inn, Glen Coe

There are not many buildings in Glen Coe, but it does have one pub that stands out as the sort of place you’d want to be during a wild winter night. We refer of course to the Clachaig Inn which has welcomed travelers for at least 300 years.

Exterior photo of the oldest part of the Clachaig Inn

The Clachaig has also become a bit of a social hub for the mountaineers and hillwalkers who flock to the appropriately named "Boots Bar" after completing the challenging ascents and ridge walks of Glen Coe. The pub's popularity means that it has had to grow over the years, so it doesn’t have the intimacy of places like the Tigh an Truish. But it makes up for this with the liveliness of its crowd. Fortunately, there are still some quieter and more intimate corners of the pub if you just want to gather for a blether with friends.

One of the cozy quieter corners of the Clachaig's Boots Bar

It’s also a pub where you’ve got a good chance of catching some live music on a weekend. And if you go in February, they’ve started to run a “Feb Fest” with live music practically every day of the month.

A fiddle session in the Boots Bar at the Clachaig Inn

Am Praban, Skye

There are a few pubs on Skye that are worth mentioning, such as the Old Inn at Carbost or the Edinbane Inn, which both have good live music scenes. But the place I like best on Skye is a bit quieter. And that’s why I prefer it.

Entrance to the Am Praban Bar

So my choice for Skye is the Am Praban bar which is attached to the Eilean Iarmain Hotel in the little village of Isleornsay, near Armadale. The bar is paneled all round with dark wood and the seating areas are divided into little booths. It all feels reminiscent of being on board an old sailing ship and reminds me of the officer's quarters on board the RRS Discovery in Dundee.

Wood paneled walls of the Am Praban bar

It’s also a pub that serves very nice food and I’ve enjoyed some of their delicious mussels and langoustines on previous lunch stops. The only problem with the Am Praban is when you have to leave its cozy confines and step out into the driving rain that Skye is so good at delivering.

The drinks gantry at the Am Praban bar on Skye

The Clachan, Dornie

Crossing the Skye Bridge brings you to the Lochalsh area, where you find the very pretty village of Plockton. I mention Plockton because it has enough pubs for you to have a pub crawl. Admittedly, a very short pub crawl, but so long as you have two pubs within walking distance you have the makings of a pub crawl.

The Clachan pub in Dornie photographed from outside

But much as I love Plockton, the pub I’m going to take you to is the Clachan in the village of Dornie, which is just beside the famous Eilean Donan castle. It’s so close that the owner of Eilean Donan had a bridge built so he could walk to the pub rather than taking his rowing boat (I made that bit up, but it is walking distance from the castle).

Clachan is a Gaelic word that means "Stones" and it is quite a common name for pubs, so don’t be confused if you find this pub appearing somewhere else. What sets The Clachan in Dornie apart is its great setting, friendly locals, and the surprisingly good food that it serves.

Standing at the bar in the Clachan pub in Dornie

Badachro Inn, Gairloch

The next refreshment stop is in the Gairloch area where you find a pub that Mike rates as one of his all-time favourites, the Badachro Inn

A local sat at the bar of the Badachro Inn

This pub has featured in previous Blogs that we’ve written and no visit to Gairloch would be complete without at least one drink in this great little bar on the shores of Loch Gairloch. This is a pub with the sort of antique patina that so many “Irish theme pubs” try to recreate. If you want the real thing, go to the Badachro Inn, where each scratch and ding in the old wood bar has been earned through years of service.

Sea views from the conservatory restaurant at the Badachro Inn

The oldest part of the pub dates from the mid-1800s and it has listed building status, but this hasn’t prevented the construction of an attractive modern conservatory restaurant where you can enjoy a dinner with wonderful sunset views. And the views from the beer garden are pretty darn good too.

View of Horrisdale Island from the Beer Garden at the Badachro Inn

The pub is such an important element of life in Badachro, that when previous owners put the pub up for sale in the 1990s, a consortium of Badachro residents clubbed together to buy it rather than let it be sold to someone who might convert it into a holiday home.

Clachnaharry Inn, Inverness

Our pick of the pubs in Inverness stands on the western fringes of the town. Indeed it’s so far from the town centre that it wouldn’t have been considered to be part of Inverness when it was built in the 17th century as a Coaching Inn.

The pub has sprawled considerably over the centuries and the surroundings have changed significantly too. In 1810, the eastern end of the Caledonian Canal was completed within sight of the Inn. And then in the 1870’s, a railway line was built in the backyard of the pub. The trains from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh pass so close to the Inn’s beer garden that you could hit them with a well-aimed peanut.

Train passing by the bottom of beer garden at Clachnaharry Inn

The old part of the pub has the low ceilings, bare stone walls, open fire, and wood paneling that you’d expect for a building of this age. But if the sun is shining, you should try to get a seat in the Beer Garden. OK, not so enjoyable in winter, but a lovely place to be in summer as they take pride in their flower baskets, and it's a great little sun trap.

Floral display in the beer garden of the Clachnaharry Inn

Moulin Inn, Pitlochry

The last stop on our Highland Pub Crawl is in the village of Moulin, just a mile to the east of Pitlochry. The village is dominated by the Moulin Inn which has stood here since 1695. The 17th century Inn would have been quite a bit smaller than the present building, but the old building remains incorporated into the larger hotel.

Front view of the Moulin Inn with the old pub on the right

The bit of the hotel that we like best is the bar area that is located to the right of the main entrance. The owners have reinstated the distinctive features of the old inn so it feels like you're stepping into a bit of history. Low ceilings supported by oak beams, and uneven floors that make you question your sobriety are all part of the character of this compact pub.

The bar in the Moulin Inn

The pub stands close to the start of the main path up the popular Ben Vrackie Munro. This makes it a popular place for hikers to stop for a rewarding pint after conquering the hill. It is also a popular pub with bearded real ale drinking types as the Inn has a brewery next door and several of their ales are always on tap. The only problem with the Moulin Inn is trying to find a seat as it always seems to be busy.

So that's our last Blog for 2023.

It feels appropriate to close out with the subject of good pubs as we are just about to switch off the computer and head down to our "local" to celebrate Hogmanay and the start of a New Year.

We wish you Peace and Contentment in 2024, and thank you for taking the time to read our Blog!

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