Curator’s statement
With a last name like MacGregor, I am obviously biased when it comes to Scotland. This country is in my blood, and every visit feels like coming home to a place that keeps getting better. It layers history, humor and heart into every corner, from the cobblestoned lanes of Edinburgh to the fairy pools of Skye to the vastness of the Far North to the most adorable shaggy cattle you've ever laid eyes on. I've traveled every inch of it, and I still can't pick a favorite—Scotland doesn't let you. It just keeps giving more.
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Edinburgh may be one of history's greatest overachievers. With its medieval Old Town, elegant Georgian New Town, and a castle dramatically perched atop an extinct volcano, it somehow manages to be both deeply historic and effortlessly cool. Stay at the iconic The Balmoral Hotel, where the famous clock runs three minutes fast so guests never miss their train—a small detail that perfectly captures the city's gracious character.
Enjoying the windy Far North
For something completely unexpected, one of my favorite places to stay is the Nira Caledonia, a charming townhouse in the Stockbridge neighborhood. The hilly walk into Stockbridge is worth it when the first stop is Lannon Bakery for the cardamom buns, and I say this as someone who is not even a dessert person; there will be a queue, get in it!
Evenings in Edinburgh belong to Panda & Sons—a speakeasy hidden behind a barbershop and named one of the world's best bars and dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, but only if you request the Secret Garden dining room that most first-timers miss entirely.
Charming Stockbridge
St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh
Beyond Edinburgh
When it's time to venture further, the Highlands are sweeping and dramatic, get your cameras ready. I love the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides (note: the ferry to Lewis & Harris can be rocky) and the Far North will take your breath away—partly from the beauty, partly because it is the windiest place I have ever stood, and I grew up in Chicago!
Isle of Harris
A castle in the Skye
Need to know
Pack rain gear and layers—Scotland’s weather has absolutely no interest in your itinerary.
On driving: Highland roads are narrow, winding, and occasionally shared with a confused sheep. If that sounds stressful, opt for a car service—the scenery genuinely looks better when you’re not white-knuckling the wheel.
Try the haggis. Enjoy it first. Ask questions later!
Buy something made in Scotland. Harris Tweed, Shetland wool, hand-crafted jewelry—the quality is beautiful.
You can't go to Scotland and not at least have a dram of whisky, even if a few libations aren't your thing. For whisky lovers, these distilleries are the ones worth seeking out: Talisker, Glengoyne and Macallan. With a nickname like Buzz, I had to weigh in on this one.
Keep your eyes open for the Highland coos. Shaggy, adorable cattle with the craziest tousled hair you've ever seen, seeing them will make you smile.
Seek out the Old Sligachan Bridge on the Isle of Skye. Local legend holds that submerging your face in the water for seven seconds grants eternal beauty: I held my face under for well over 30 seconds, the mirror told a different story. The bridge, however, is still completely magical.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Scotland page.
Travel Advisor
Kate McGregor
Kate McGregor
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