Know Before You Go | Scotland
Whether you're preparing for your upcoming Scotland adventure or just want to learn more about its heather-clad highlands and far-flung islands, we've got you covered. We've rounded up an array of useful resources, from wildlife guides and packing tips to nature quizzes and travel stories to inspire your wanderlust.
Travel Tips
Wildlife Guide
Wildlife Guide
Learn all about seabirds, marine life and mammals you may encounter on your journey through Scotland.
Scotland Trivia
Scotland Trivia
Take our quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with your family and friends to see who knows the most about Scotland's natural wonders!
Weather & Climate
Weather & Climate
Find out the typical weather conditions in Scotland in this month by month breakdown of average temperatures and precipitation.
Packing List
Packing List
Check out our comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you’ll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for your Scotland adventure.
Travel Stories & Articles
Six Spectacular Animals to See on a Scotland Adventure
Six Spectacular Animals to See on a Scotland Adventure
—By Laura Kiniry
While Scotland is home to tens of thousands of wildlife species, there are some that (in addition to Nessie) you’ll especially want to keep an eye out for. Here are six of our favorites.
While Scotland is home to tens of thousands of wildlife species, there are some that (in addition to Nessie) you’ll especially want to keep an eye out for. Here are six of our favorites.
A Scottish Sojourn: Venture to Scotland’s Wild Highlands and Islands
A Scottish Sojourn: Venture to Scotland’s Wild Highlands and Islands
—By Nat Hab
Throughout this epic land, we’ll pass panoramas of glimmering lakes, heather-clad hills, open moorlands and cinematic skies. For travelers seeking an exclusive adventure, Scotland offers a secluded sojourn in nature.
Throughout this epic land, we’ll pass panoramas of glimmering lakes, heather-clad hills, open moorlands and cinematic skies. For travelers seeking an exclusive adventure, Scotland offers a secluded sojourn in nature.
Celtic Animism: How Mythology Can Make You a More Attentive Traveler
Celtic Animism: How Mythology Can Make You a More Attentive Traveler
—By Cathy Brown
Animism includes the belief that all things in nature have a spirit and a consciousness that connects everything together.
Animism includes the belief that all things in nature have a spirit and a consciousness that connects everything together.
The Callanish Standing Stones: Stonehenge of the North
The Callanish Standing Stones: Stonehenge of the North
—By Cathy Brown
Nowhere in this region does one get left with more of a sense of awe than with a visit to one of Scotland’s most intriguing archaeological sites, the Callanish Standing Stones, which predate Stonehenge by about 2,000 years.
Nowhere in this region does one get left with more of a sense of awe than with a visit to one of Scotland’s most intriguing archaeological sites, the Callanish Standing Stones, which predate Stonehenge by about 2,000 years.
Scotland’s Wild Highlands: A Numbered Photo Journal
Scotland’s Wild Highlands: A Numbered Photo Journal
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Surrounded by the bracing waters of the North Sea to the east, and the North Atlantic Ocean to the west and north, Scotland is a place of rugged coastlines, of mountains and valleys, and of rolling hills and green fields...
Surrounded by the bracing waters of the North Sea to the east, and the North Atlantic Ocean to the west and north, Scotland is a place of rugged coastlines, of mountains and valleys, and of rolling hills and green fields...
Video: Scotland’s Stunning and Story-Filled Highlands
Video: Scotland’s Stunning and Story-Filled Highlands
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
The Highlands are often portrayed as the romantic part of Scotland. Here, red deer roam the mountains and moorlands, and eagles soar across the skies. The ever and fast-changing weather gives the Highlands an added mystical touch...
The Highlands are often portrayed as the romantic part of Scotland. Here, red deer roam the mountains and moorlands, and eagles soar across the skies. The ever and fast-changing weather gives the Highlands an added mystical touch...
Seven Summer Nature Adventures in Europe
Seven Summer Nature Adventures in Europe
—By Rebecca Self
From kayaking in Portugal to exploring Croatia and Slovenia’s wild sides, there’s something for everyone on a Nat Hab trip to Europe in the summertime!
From kayaking in Portugal to exploring Croatia and Slovenia’s wild sides, there’s something for everyone on a Nat Hab trip to Europe in the summertime!
Glynis and the Kittens: Wildcat Photos from Scotland
Glynis and the Kittens: Wildcat Photos from Scotland
—By Emily Goodheart
Kittens have arrived at the Aigas Field Center in Scotland! Scottish wildcats Glynis and Affric are now the proud parents of two paw-sitively adorable kittens. Born on May 4, 2019, the two females in the litter are healthy and happy...
Kittens have arrived at the Aigas Field Center in Scotland! Scottish wildcats Glynis and Affric are now the proud parents of two paw-sitively adorable kittens. Born on May 4, 2019, the two females in the litter are healthy and happy...
Cuteness Overload: A Scotland Puffins Photo Essay
Cuteness Overload: A Scotland Puffins Photo Essay
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Every time I see a puffin, the same thought comes to mind: They’re not real, right? They’re too impossibly cute. For me and for everyone else on the planet, I bet, they seem just too adorable to be of natural origins...
Every time I see a puffin, the same thought comes to mind: They’re not real, right? They’re too impossibly cute. For me and for everyone else on the planet, I bet, they seem just too adorable to be of natural origins...
Scotland’s Wild Islands: A Right-to-Roam Photo Essay
Scotland’s Wild Islands: A Right-to-Roam Photo Essay
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
There is nothing so beautiful as the wild Highlands of Scotland—with the exception of, perhaps, its feral islands. Scotland has nearly 800 of them, most of which are found in four main groups: Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer and Inner Hebrides...
There is nothing so beautiful as the wild Highlands of Scotland—with the exception of, perhaps, its feral islands. Scotland has nearly 800 of them, most of which are found in four main groups: Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer and Inner Hebrides...
Traveler Story: Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands
Traveler Story: Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands
—By Deb Talbot
Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands was a different Nat Hab trip for me. Unlike Africa and the Galapagos, where wildlife and un-peopled terrains were our mission, in the Highlands and Hebrides, we were magically and most definitely effectively wrapped...
Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands was a different Nat Hab trip for me. Unlike Africa and the Galapagos, where wildlife and un-peopled terrains were our mission, in the Highlands and Hebrides, we were magically and most definitely effectively wrapped...
Know Before You Go
