9 Reasons to visit Scotland in 2025

Will this be the year you visit Scotland? We hope so. Regardless of the type of travel you're planned, there will be something to look forward to in 2025. Here are some of the best reasons to come.

"Best of the World" Outer Hebrides

Each year, National Geographic publishes its 'Best of The World' list, which honors exceptional travel experiences around the world. The Outer Hebrides will be included on the list in 2025, which excites us!

These islands are unique for a variety of reasons, including pristine beaches, machair grassland, and stunning geology. The Outer Hebrides are one of Europe's last remaining pristine natural environments. These islands are also distinguished by their diversity; each has its own history, character, and culture, which is why island hopping is so popular.

Glasgow 850: join the celebrations!

Glasgow will commemorate its 850th birthday in 2025 by hosting a citywide series of activities celebrating the city's history, culture, and people. Signature activities include:

The Clyde Chorus is a special series of free music performances in May that will take place in venues along the River Clyde.

A pop-up exhibition at the People's Palace will open in February, allowing visitors to learn about Glasgow's social history through photos and relics.

A new self-guided digital trail called 'Taste the Place' will enable tourists taste their way around the city's diverse cuisines.

The Inverness Castle Experience

Prepare for an unforgettable voyage through the Highlands' distinctive nature, tradition, culture, and people at the Inverness Castle Experience, which will reopen in 2025 following a multimillion-pound restoration.

This innovative attraction will transform Inverness Castle into an interactive celebration of the Highland spirit. Visitors will be led by a Seanchaidh (Gaelic meaning storyteller) through immersive exhibitions that bring Highland stories to life, with tales drawn from around the region.

Come for the stories; stay for the sights. The castle offers stunning views of the River Ness. This is also an opportunity to explore the Highlands' rich musical heritage through the first special interactive display starring iconic Scottish band Runrig.

The Tall Ships Races, Aberdeen 2025

In 2025, Aberdeen will host an amazing maritime show. Beautiful ships from all over the world will compete in the Tall Ships Races, which will also include shoreside festivities and celebrations. It's the first time the races have come to Aberdeen since 1997.

This is projected to be Scotland's greatest event next year, with thousands of revellers (including international crews) flocking to the city for a four-day celebration from July 19 to 22, 2025.

The quaysides in the Port of Aberdeen's North Harbour and the north end of Union Street will be turned into a world-class event space. There will be open access to the ships, parades, awards, fireworks, live music, and much more.

Enjoy outdoor activities near Edinburgh.

If you're visiting Edinburgh in 2025, there are plenty of fun activities to choose from. Everyone is buzzing about Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe's greatest inland wave centre; why not take a surf class to improve your skills?

For a thrilling experience, consider visiting Edinburgh's new mountain coaster in Hillend on the outskirts of the city. You may also try skiing and snowboarding on the dry slopes!

Climbers will enjoy the facilities at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena near Ratho, which includes a brand-new bouldering arena, as well as the smaller city-center climbing sites Alien Rock and Alien Block.

Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry offers a variety of watersports, while Foxlake Adventures in East Lothian offers wakeboarding. Golfers will appreciate East Lothian, which is home to Scotland's Golf Coast.

Cyclists can enjoy the Round the Inner Forth cycle route, new pump tracks in Balbardie and Ormiston, and the new Linlithgow cycling circuit, set to open in 2025. Beecraigs Country Park also offers good mountain biking tracks.

John Logie Baird Television Centenary

The world's first operational television system was invented by John Logie Baird 100 years ago. Sounds like an ideal time to explore the west coast of Scotland, where this famous inventor was born.

Why not make a stop in Helensburgh and visit these attractions:

'The Lodge' at 121 Argyll Street, Baird's birthplace

In 1988, the Helensburgh Heritage Trust erected a bust of John Logie Baird at the seafront on West Clyde Street. Information, images, and displays about famous persons in the area

This may be the beginning of an epic west coast expedition.

Unique events and festivals in Scotland

There are numerous things to look forward to in 2025, including some fantastic local events - with a twist. Why not organize a unique holiday this year?

Scottish Wild Food Festival, 17-18 May 2025

A gathering and celebration of wild cuisine and foraging in Scotland's Loch Lomond and Trossachs.

Beltane Fire Festival, April/May 2025.

Celebrate the return of summer at this iconic fire festival on Calton Hill, Edinburgh.

World Stone Skimming Championships, a family event on Easdale Island, will take place on September 6, 2025.

Shetland Wool Week, September 28 - October 4, 2025

Shetland Wool Week is an annual celebration of Shetland's textile industry (all across Shetland).

Interesting exhibitions

Our museums and galleries are always dressed to please, with popular permanent shows and rotating installations. Here are a few exhibitions to watch out for in 2025:

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

Visit JMW Turner's free display of watercolours in January.

Waters Rising, Perth Museum, November 2024–March 2025.

This climate-focused exhibition in Perth looks at tales and objects related to flooding in Scotland and around the world.

Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years, Royal Scottish Academy, July 26 – November 2, 2025.

This exhibition features over 200 works, including photography, sculptures, and large new installations.

William Gillies: Modernism and Nation Tour, various places in Scotland, during 2025.

A significant exhibition studying William Gillies' work will travel to nine different places across Scotland.

Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography, King's Gallery, March–September 2025.

A intriguing look back at royal portrait photography from the 1920s.

Hogmanay Highlights

Scotland is a fantastic destination to visit all year, but there's something special about crisp winter days and starry evenings. We're well-known for our Hogmanay celebrations, so why not kick off the new year with enormous fireworks, spectacular light displays, and world-renowned fire festivals?

Celebrate Hogmanay like a local by joining in our New Year events.

Shetland's yearly fire festivals, Up Helly Aa, take place from January to March, while the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival showcases the beauty of the night sky on the islands.

Scotland's winter season is ideal for stargazing at dark sky parks.

Will you be lucky enough to view the elusive Northern Lights?