9 Reasons why you should visit Scotland in 2025

Each year National Geographic releases its 'Best of the World' list, celebrating unforgettable travel experiences around the world. In 2025, the Outer Hebrides will be on the list and we couldn’t be more thrilled! 

Pristine beaches, machair grassland and dramatic geology are just some of the things that make these islands so special. The Outer Hebrides represents one of Europe’s last untouched natural habitats. These islands are also defined by their variety – each has its own heritage, identity and culture – which is why island-hopping trips are so popular.  

Top tips:

• We recommend visiting the southern islands, such as South Uist, Berneray and Barra, which showcase all the great things about the Outer Hebrides. Perfect for getting off the beaten track. 
• Off-season visits are a sustainable way to travel – autumn or winter trips spread the tourism love throughout the year. 
• Explore island life through the Gaelic language, which so many people are fascinated by – especially those with ancestral roots in the area. 
• Try an active holiday along the Hebridean Way, which allows you to traverse 10 islands.

Throughout 2025, Glasgow will mark its 850th birthday by delivering a citywide programme of events that celebrate the city’s history, culture and people. Signature activity includes:  

• A special series of free music events in May called The Clyde Chorus, which will take place at venues along the banks of the River Clyde. 

• A pop-up exhibition at the People’s Palace - from February visitors will be able to learn about the social history of Glasgow through photography and artefacts. 
• A new self-guided, digital trail ‘Taste the Place’ will help visitors taste their way round the city’s melting pot of different cuisines.

Alongside these signature events, Glasgow’s regular calendar will be as exciting as ever. Celtic Connections starts the year off with a musical flourish, while the city’s comedy, film and contemporary music festivals like TRNSMT will be extra special.  

Get ready for the largest ever event held on the Orkney islands! The Orkney 2025 International Island Games will take place from 12-18 July 2025. This is a week-long event that sees 24 island groups from across the world compete in a range of different sports.  

This landmark event is the 20th time the games have been staged around the world, and it is certainly a great reason to visit Orkney. Over 2,000 competitors and officials are expected to attend, so the islands will be bustling.  

Of course, Orkney is a year-round destination with a wealth of unique experiences and things to do. If you can’t make it to the games, why not book a trip at another time of year? The ancient sites that make up The Heart of Neolithic Orkney are on many people’s bucket list. Or what about a tour of Orkney’s lesser-known islands?  

2025 brings an exciting maritime spectacle to the shores of Aberdeen. The Tall Ships Races will see beautiful ships from around the globe take part in competitive races, as well as shoreside festivities and celebrations. It is the first time the races have visited Aberdeen since 1997! 

This is expected to be the biggest event in Scotland next year with thousands of revellers (as well as international crews) making the city home for a 4-day festival from 19-22 July 2025.  

Quaysides at Port of Aberdeen’s North Harbour and the north end of Union Street will be transformed into a world-class events venue. There will be public access onto ships, parades, awards, fireworks, live music and much more. 

If you’re visiting Edinburgh in 2025, you have a wealth of exciting activities on your doorstep. Everybody is talking about Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland wave centre – why not book a surf lesson to hone your skills? 

If it’s thrills you’re looking for, then you could also visit Edinburgh’s new mountain coaster at Hillend on the outskirts of the city. You can try skiing and snowboarding here too on dry slopes! 

Climbers will love the facilities at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena in Ratho, or smaller city-centre climbing venues Alien Rock and Alien Bloc. 

For watersports, Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry has lots of options, and in East Lothian you’ll find Foxlake Adventures, where you can try wakeboarding. Golfers will love East Lothian too, home to Scotland’s Golf Coast. 

If you’re a cyclist you could ride the Round the Inner Forth cycle route, experience new pump tracks in 2025 at Balbardie and Ormiston, as well as the new Linlithgow cycling circuit. The mountain bike trails at Beecraigs Country Park are cool too! 

2025 marks 100 years since John Logie Baird invented the world's first working television system. Sounds like the perfect time to visit the west coast of Scotland where this famous inventor was born! 

Why not plan a stop in Helensburgh and check out these attractions: 

• 'The Lodge' - 121 Argyll Street, Baird's birthplace 
• Seafront at West Clyde Street - Bust of John Logie Baird, erected in 1988 
• Helensburgh Heritage Trust - Information, photographs and displays on famous people from the area 

This could be the start of a great west coast adventure. 

There are all kinds of things to look forward to in 2025, including some wonderful events – with a twist. Here are some quirky local options to get you thinking. Why not plan a holiday around something completely different this year? 

• Scottish Wild Food Festival 17-18 May 2025 

A gathering and celebration of wild food and foraging in Scotland (Loch Lomond & The Trossachs). 

• Beltane Fire Festival April/May 2025 

Celebrate the return of summer at this popular fire festival on Calton Hill (Edinburgh) 

• World Stone Skimming Championships 6 September 2025 

Family event celebrating the art of stone skimming (Easdale Island) 

• Shetland Wool Week 28 September – 4 October 2025 

Shetland Wool Week is an annual celebration of Shetland’s textile industry (across Shetland) 

You’re never too far away from an enriching cultural experience in Scotland. Our museums and galleries are always dressed to impress, with much-loved permanent displays and changing installations. Here is a handful of exhibitions to look out for in 2025: 

• Turner in January: The Vaughan Bequest, Royal Scottish Academy, January 2025 

Book time in January to see JMW Turner's watercolours, which are exhibited throughout the month in a free exhibition.  

• Waters Rising, Perth Museum, November 2024 - March 2025 

This climate-focused exhibition in Perth explores stories and objects connected to flooding in Scotland and around the world. 

• Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years, Royal Scottish Academy, 26 July - 2 November 2025 

Andy Goldsworthy is internationally famous for his work with natural materials. This exhibition showcases over 200 works such as photographs, sculptures and expansive new installations. 

• William Gillies: Modernism and Nation Tour, various locations across Scotland, throughout 2025 

A major exhibition touring nine venues across Scotland, exploring the work of William Gillies. 

Scotland is a great place to visit across the year, but there’s something magical about crisp winter days and starry nights. We’re well-known for our Hogmanay celebrations, so why not ring in the new year with epic fireworks, spectacular light displays and world-renowned fire festivals? 

• Hogmanay – celebrate like a local and join in our New Year celebrations  
• Up Helly Aa – connect with Viking history at Shetland’s annual fire festivals, running from January to March 
• Hebridean Dark Skies Festival – soak up the wonder of the night sky on the islands   
• Dark sky parks and stargazing – winter in Scotland is the best time for stargazing  
• Northern Lights – will you be lucky enough to see this elusive phenomenon?