Year of Coasts & Waters 2020
In 2020, Scotland will be celebrating its Year of Coasts & Waters through a year-long programme of exciting events, festivals and activities that everyone can get involved in. From historic harbours and winding waterways, to sweeping coastlines, the very best in seafood, whisky, wildlife and wellness – Scotland’s reputation for its rich natural and cultural heritage is one not to be missed.
Water is a huge part of Scotland’s landscapes and is the life-blood that keeps our valleys green and rivers flowing. Many of our much-loved attractions and natural features have been sculpted by the sheer force of water alone and they are a real sight to see up close, so what are you waiting for?
Scotland’s natural environment is out of this world. Picture immaculate structures and formations poking out of the coastline and withstanding the force and pressure of the powerful waves around them. Bow Fiddle Rock in Moray, Yesnaby Stack in Orkney, and Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa are just a few of the coastal formations you can uncover.
Elsewhere, Scotland features hundreds of glittering lochs in all nooks and crannies of the country. From the infamous Loch Ness just south of Inverness, and the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, to the beautiful Loch Maree in Kinlochewe, and the royal Loch Muick in Aberdeenshire, there are plenty for you to uncover.
Taste the salt in the wind, feel the crisp sea air on your face, and listen to the soothing sounds of seabirds and crashing waves as you wander along one of Scotland’s stunning beaches. There are hundreds of beaches, bays, harbours and sands across Scotland that you can explore, all of which are set to impress. Some of the best beaches in Scotland include Ayr Beach on the west coast, Achnahaird Beach on the north west coast, Seacliff Beach in East Lothian, and Coldingham Bay in the Scottish Borders.
If you keep your eyes peeled, you can spot hundreds of species of wildlife across the country. From the elusive pine marten and fluffy red squirrels in the many forests, to seals and dolphins off the coasts, and sea eagles soaring above you, there are plenty to see.
Scotland is overflowing with history, culture and heritage, from Neolithic villages, to 18th century battlefields, there are hundreds of attractions and locations to explore across the country. Venture on Scotland’s Castle Trail where you can uncover 19 of Aberdeenshire’s most famous and dramatic castles, including Dunnottar Castle on the coast, the grand Castle Fraser, and the magnificent Duff House. Elsewhere, you can explore ancient artefacts, precious paintings and a whole world of fine art at the many galleries and museums that Scotland boasts. From exploring the history of the Highlands at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore, to uncovering intricate Scottish art at the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow, there is plenty to get involved in.
Scotland wouldn’t be Scotland without a little adventure and activity. Scotland is the Home of Golf and boasts prestigious and ancient courses across the country, alongside featuring lands and coastlines that are made for adrenaline-pumping adventures. From world-class watersports, and mountain biking down rugged terrain, to aqualining, and scaling the towering heights of the Cairngorms, Scotland’s magnificent great outdoors are endless.
Whisky, or Uisge Beatha in Scottish Gaelic, is a very popular part of Scotland’s culture. In our distilleries, skilled distillers take pure water from crystal-clear streams, and golden barely from the fields, and transform them into the delectable spirits we know and love today. There are over 100 active distilleries in Scotland, including Balblair in Ardmore, Glenmorangie, and Caol Ila Distillery on the Isle of Islay, to name a few.
With hundreds of seaside towns, harbours and ports dotted around the country, Scotland boasts delectable seafood dishes to try. Taste freshly caught fish, such as smoked mackerel or salmon, at the many local farmers’ markets that bring together the area’s top producers. You can even head off on Scotland’s Seafood Trail which encompasses spectacular coastal scenery alongside seafoodie delights to sample at a variety of waterfront cafes and restaurants across Scotland.
Head to Scotland to explore more in our Year of Coasts & Waters in 2020.
Year of Coasts & Waters 2020 - https://www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/coasts-waters/
Island Hopping - https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/island-hopping/
Beaches - https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/landscapes-nature/beaches/
Whisky Distilleries – https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/whisky/
Food & Drink - https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/
Outdoor Activities - https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/active/
