Staycation

Whitekirk Hill

Review: Whitekirk Hill, East Lothian

Views of some of Scotland's largest lochs.

The 10 largest Scottish lochs by area - from Loch Lomond to Loch Ericht

Best water purifiers for camping UK: collect drinking water in the wild with the best filtration systems

Best water purifiers for camping: filtration systems for outdoor use

The entrance to Marine North Berwick. Pic: Contributed

Review: Marine North Berwick - NB Distillery package - Scotland on Sunday Travel

best lightweight one person hiking tents 2022

10 best backpacking tents UK from Vango, Snugpak and Decathlon

Here’s what to do in Edinburgh without paying in this list of 13 free attractions that you’re sure to love.

What to do in Edinburgh for free: 13 Awesome things to do that cost nothing

Immersive Light and Sound Bath by Hrmny Collective + Flolux, Lightart by Flora Litchfield (flolux) 2022

Sound and light bathing: we try a session with Edinburgh's Hrmny Collective

Found in Stornoway, the sign reads: "a broken Gaelic is better than a Gaelic in the chest (coffin)". Encouraging people to use what they've got regardless of any imperfections.

Stornoway Gaelic Cafe ignites new hope for Gaelic's prosperity in Scotland

Some of the most visited attractions in Scotland for 2022.

The 11 Scottish attractions that had the most visitors in 2022

8 best walking shoes for women

10 great walking shoes for women, from Merrell, Keen, and On

Spring is in the Ayr at Trump Turnberry thanks to new getaway break

Ad Feature Spring is in the Ayr at Trump Turnberry thanks to new getaway break

Laphroaig distillery (founded in 1815) is located on the south coast of the Isle of Islay. The Gaelic behind its name means ‘the beautiful hollow by the broad bay’ although it has also been associated with the Norse “breid-vik” which means broad bay. You pronounce its name like “la-froyg”.

17 Most mispronounced Scotch Whisky names, Gaelic meaning & pronunciation

8 best women’s walking shorts: hiking shorts from Rab, Montane, Acai

8 best women’s walking shorts: hiking shorts from Rab, Montane, Acai

Founded in the 12th century, St Giles’ Cathedral can be considered one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings. In its early days, St Giles’ was just a small stone kirk, which stood roughly on the site of the present-day nave. This church was burned down by an attacking English army in the 14th century and subsequently rebuilt in spectacular fashion, owing the building its current look with distinct crown steeple. Although most of the church dates from later centuries, there are elements contained deep within which are considerably ancient. St Giles’ original 12th century doorway survived until just 200 years ago. Despite not having been a seat of bishops since 1638, St Giles’, similar to Glasgow Cathedral, has retained its title as a cathedral.

Edinburgh’s Oldest Buildings: 9 of the capital’s most ancient buildings

8 best portable picnic tables: folding tables ideal for camping holidays and outdoor dining

Best portable picnic tables for camping holidays and outdoor dining

The Royal Mile is just one of Edinburgh's many famous tourist attractions that there's more to than meets the eye.

10 bizarre facts you wouldn’t believe about Edinburgh

Castle Stalker (or ‘Caisteal an Stalcaire’ in Scottish Gaelic) rests in the mouth of Loch Laich which is in-between Glencoe and Oban. It was originally constructed by Clan MacDougall in 1320, who were then known as the Lords of Lorn. However, the Stewart clan later took over the Lordship of Lorn and it is thought that they built the castle as it exists now in its current form around 1440.

Clans and Castles: 17 Famous Scottish Clans and where their Castles are

Aerial photograph of Crantock Beach and Pentire Head. Image: Adobe stock

Why Crantock is a staycation gem with a difference

Darin and George Blogg, the executive head chef at Gravetye Manor

Andy Murray's Cromlix relaunches: Here's what it will offer

Yu Spa swimming pool

Yu Spa Edinburgh: We try their new Twilight Package, designed for two people

Best men’s down jackets 2023 from Columbia, Patagonia, and Arcteryx

Best men’s down jackets 2023, from Columbia, Patagonia, and Arcteryx

Once home to the Honours of Scotland – the nation’s crown jewels – the ruined medieval fortress of Dunnottar Castle is an iconic backdrop and one of Scotland’s most breathtaking historical sites. The jagged cliffs of the North Sea hoist up the ruins, where you’ll find a dungeon, restored dining room, watering hole and stables. The castle is now in the care of the Pearson family and is open to tourists during the spring and summer seasons. From a months-long 17th century siege by Oliver Cromwell’s army to the savage wind and spray of the North Sea, Dunnottar’s dishevelled remains have withstood quite a battering.

7 Scottish ruins with a fascinating history, echoes of Scotland’s past

Glen Affric Youth Hostel is a unique and remote youth hostel in a wide river valley surrounded by high mountains. Situated eight miles from the nearest road, the remote Eco-Hostel offers an unforgettable experience. A former stalking bothy on the Glen Affric Estate is a haven for walkers, nature lovers and those seeking solitude. On the doorstep are 15 Munro hills and good tracks through the valleys for both walking and mountain biking. Be warned as the weather can change in an instant and streams can become difficult to cross after heavy rain.

11 Recommended Scottish hostels in rural areas for backpackers & students

Cruinn Leum Roundhouse offers a complete escape from urban life.

Get away from it all with a stay in a remote Highland roundhouse

The Dry Island is situated in the Gair Loch, surrounded by incredible Scottish scenery.

Stay on a secluded island on Scotland's spectacular west coast

The aurora borealis is one of the most spectacular sights you can experience in the skies over Scotland.

10 of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Scotland

These staycations all give you a chance to marvel at the night skies - weather willing.

10 Scottish dark sky staycations for stargazing and seeing the Northern Lights

Cardiff Station

What awaits in Cardiff on a weekend train break?

SeaBeds Luxury Lookout with Hot Tubs exterior

Travel: SeaBeds Luxury Lookouts with Hot Tubs at Woodlands Glencoe

Landal Whitbarrow, a picturesque park at the foot of the Blencathra Fell

Why Landal Whitbarrow is the perfect location from which to enjoy the Lakes

Guy Crawford has an extensive industry track record and will join Highland Coast Hotels as its chief executive from April 6.

Global hospitality veteran to lead group behind collection of NC500 hotels

The Quiraing is a landslip situated to the north of the Isle of Skye in the 'Trotternish' area. After only a moderate two-mile hike you can reach the peak of this breathtaking location which offers stunning views of local mountains, lochs and even the seashore.

10 incredible locations in the Isle of Skye that you shouldn't miss

These are not quite the highest in Scotland, at 371 feet, found near Morvich. Locals call them the 'gloomy falls' or the 'forbidden falls' because of the menacing rocky drop. Just watch your step on the slippery rocks here. There's a vertigo-inducing steep path to reach them.

11 Incredible Scottish waterfalls: Falls of Glomach crowned most beautiful

Many of Scotland's most beautiful and interesting locations can be easily reached by train from Edinburgh.

11 of the best day trips by train within two hours of Scotland's Capital

Imagine waking up to a view like this.

Stay in an eco-friendly cabin with jaw-dropping Highland views

Situated off the southwest coast of the Isle of Mull, Iona is an island paradise with its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. The Isle has been home to a community since 563 when Saint Columba is rumoured to have founded the island’s monastery and is regarded by many as the symbolic centre of Scottish Christianity. Its gorgeous abbey is regarded as the best preserved Middle Age ecclesiastical building in the west of Scotland and contains unique features including one of the best preserved 9th Century crosses in Great Britain.

9 Scottish locations that could be UNESCO World Heritage sites

Take clean solar energy on your next adventure whether you hit the road or stay close to home.

Ad Feature Slow Travel explored: Scots enjoy new travel trend

The Peak Edge Hotel is perched above the historic market town of Chesterfield. Image: Peak Edge Hotel

Peak Edge Hotel: a relaxing dog friendly stay in the Peak District

Hiking trousers: wet weather gear for walking in the UK

Best men’s waterproof hiking trousers to keep you dry and comfortable

The North East 250 route connecting many top distilleries has been singled out as being 'largely undiscovered'.

Sunny outlook for staycations as cash-strapped Scots look to holiday at home

Connaught Village awaits

"Life is local" aesthetic belies its metropolis location

The festival includes Union Terrace Gardens as one of its venues, which has now re-opened after a multi-million pound redevelopment. PIC: Contributed.

SPECTRA festival of light lifts Aberdeen with stunning city art display

Want to be the first to stay when magnificent Matfen Hall re-opens?

Ad Feature Book now for new levels of luxury as Matfen Hall re-opens for Easter

These are a few of the most romantic Airbnbs in Edinburgh available to rent this Valentine's Day.

The 10 most romantic Airbnbs in Edinburgh for a Valentine’s city break

There's no shortage of places all over Scotland where you can enjoy the sight of hundreds of blooming snowdrops.

10 of the best snowdrop walks in Scotland to enjoy this February

Boath House

Scotland's best restaurants with rooms to visit in 2023

Virgin Hotels Glasgow

Luxury hotels opening in Scotland for 2023

Some of the best value luxury hotels in Scotland that have swimming pools.

The 10 best value Scottish hotels that have a swimming pool

One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin Pic: Life in Frame Photography

Travel: One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin, Glasgow

Wolfdogs have seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years, partly driven by appearances in cult television drama Game of Thrones. Picture: Oli Barrington

Watch: Breathtaking footage of mountaineering wolf dogs on the Isle of Skye

Folk legends to whisky, preservation to high adrenaline, this strip of Scotland has it all

Ad Feature Find your next adventure at the Badenoch, Cairngorms

Enjoy Abbott House in Dumfermline, Scotland's ancient capital and newest city

Ad Feature Fife hidden gems: six magical day trip tours

Best men’s hiking boots 2022

The best men’s hiking boots UK, and what to look for in a walking boot

There are plenty of good value hotels available to stay at if you're heading to the Scottish slopes this year.

The 10 best hotels in Scotland for ski holidays - according to online reviews

Best men’s waterproof hiking jackets 2022

Best men’s waterproof hiking jackets 2023

The Sands is perched on the edge of the town's beautiful North Bay. Image: The Sands

A dog-friendly stay at The Sands and seaside walks in Scarborough

Some of the new hotels set to spring up in Edinburgh over the coming years.

11 bold and eye-catching Edinburgh hotels set to be built in the coming years

Imagine waking up to this view of Uig Bay.

Rent a coastal cabin on one of Scotland’s finest beaches

8 best women’s walking trousers: great hiking trousers from Fjallraven, Jack Wolfskin, Craghopper, and Arc’Teryx

8 best women’s walking trousers: comfy hiking trousers for UK 2023

Joint administrators have been appointed to Mountview Hotels Limited, which owns The Crags Hotel and Abbotsford Lodge, both located in Callander.

Owner of twin hotels in tourism hotspot on edge of Trossachs goes bust

History like you’ve never heard it before: the Celtic Atilla, the devil and a Jacobite uprising.

Ad Feature Wildcat country: discover Scotland’s hidden Highlands

Majestic magnificent Mayfair

"Mayfair has something for every visitor".

The Scotsman Top Stories

David Harris and other executives at Circularity Scotland are receiving a combined £667,000 in annual salaries and fees.

MSPs condemn ‘monstrous’ payments to deposit return scheme executives

Nicola Sturgeon during First Minister's Questions in Holyrood

SNP accused of 'shameful' attempt to shield next First Minister from scrutiny

Former prime minister Boris Johnson refused to answer questions about his evidence on Tuesday morning.

Boris Johnson admits misleading Commons, but insists innocent mistake