When it comes to Scotland, there are plenty of things to see and do. From the country’s rich literary history to its spectacular natural landscapes and castles, Scotland is a country that offers something for everyone.
Scotland is home to many legends and myths that have fueled people’s imaginations for centuries. These include Loch Ness Monster, Robbie Burns (the national poet), Sir Walter Scot (writer), and the Scottish Highlands.
However, there are many other things you can do in Scotland besides visiting these places of interest, such as hiking through the mountains, taking a tour of one of its many distilleries, or even visiting one of its many golf courses!
Scotland is one of the fascinating countries in the world. With its people and culture, magnificent scenery and history, as well as its great food and drink, there is no doubt that Scotland continues to attract millions of visitors each year.
BEST GEAR TO PHOTOGRAPH SCOTLAND
The gear we recommend is a good camera and the holy trinity. A wide-angle lens. 14-24mm or something similar. A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.
1.The Kelpies
If you’re a photographer, few places in the world will give you more inspiration than The Kelpies. Located in Scotland, The Kelpies are three 30-meter-tall sculptures of horses’ heads. The sculptures are located on the outskirts of Falkirk, near Edinburgh, and they’re one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions.
Photographers can get some pretty incredible shots of the Kelpies, but they’ll need their timing to be just right. The sculptures were designed so that they appear to be galloping (or trotting, rather) across the green fields surrounding them. You can see this effect at sunrise or sunset when the light hits them just right. If you’re looking for an even more dramatic shot, try shooting from a boat on nearby Loch Avon—that way, you’ll have both the Kelpies and the waterfalls in your frame!
These sculptures are illuminated at night and are indeed a sight to see.
2. Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel in Scotland is one of the most photogenic places in the world.
The Wheel was built in 2002 and is a rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. It’s an incredible feat of engineering and an impressive construction—the Wheel is over 400 feet high, with a diameter of almost 300 feet! The center part of the wheel has been hollowed out to create a space where boats can pass through without getting stuck on each other.
In addition to its impressive size, it’s also a beautiful sight. You can get up close and personal with it via boat or from land, but either way, you’ll be amazed by how much work went into building this unique apparatus.
3. Glencoe landscape, Highlands Scotland landscape, Fairy pool
The Fairy Pools are a collection of small waterfalls and cascades at the foot of the Black Curillin mountain range on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Close to the Ring of Brodgar, they are located inside the Glencoe Slate Quarry and are formed by meltwater that trickles over calcite tables and through potholes in the rocks. This beautiful landscape is visible from a viewing platform which is situated halfway down a wreath trail that winds through mossy forest.
4. Edinburgh Castle
When you think of Scotland, you probably think of one thing first: Edinburgh Castle.
It’s the most famous castle in the world and worth seeing.
If you’re a photographer, this is a great place to check out as well—there are so many angles on the castle that you can take photos from, and the city has so many beautiful spots for your shots.
The castle has been an essential part of the city since 1214, when it was first built. The castle’s oldest part is St Margaret’s Chapel, which dates from the 12th century. Over time, the court has seen many additions and renovations—the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after World War I.
Today, visitors can explore several different areas of this most famous Scottish castle: St Margaret’s Chapel, The Great Hall; The Half Moon Battery; The Scottish National War Memorial; Mons Meg (a 15th-century gun); The One o’clock Gun; and The National War Museum of Scotland. Some areas may be closed during your visit due to ongoing renovations, but we will have other interpretations available on-site, so you don’t miss out! Edinburgh Castle is synonymous with Edinburgh. It reaches high above the historic capital, visible for miles around, a proud crown on the brow of the great castle rock and its massive historic fortress, commanding respect and honoring Scotland’s ancestors. The castle is both a war-torn bastion and a glittering icon; it has witnessed conflict, uprising, and siege. Yet today, it stands as an important reminder of Scotland’s history.
5. Eilean Donan Castle
You’ve seen the iconic photographs of Eilean Donan Castle, which takes your breath away before you even get to Scotland. A sense of wonder and romance is instilled in you as soon as you see it. You feel like a hero riding your horse (or maybe a scooter) across the bridge, aiming for that strategic spot on the bridge. You want to look down on Eilean Donan castle with this perfect shot, or at least through an open window on the castle’s ground floor. The whole experience is pure romance, and it only gets better from there!
These elements combined make this castle one of the most photographed attractions in Scotland. You should get there as early as possible to ensure you have time to see all these sights.
6. Stirling Castle 
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historically significant sites, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to get a taste of life at the royal court.This castle was once a favorite residence of the Stewart kings and queens, who held grand celebrations at the court. You can still see the remains of those magnificent celebrations today in the form of beautiful gardens and sculptures preserved over time.Today, you can meet costumed characters in roles like bodyguards, court officials, maids of honor, and servants who will welcome you into 16th-century life. Families can have fun in the palace vaults, where children can try out activities such as dressing in period costumes and playing medieval instruments. Don’t miss out on a guided tour with knowledgeable staff who will bring these infamous characters to life in great detail!It will be an enjoyable day out for the whole family if you visit any of the sights near Edinburgh and Stirling in Scotland.
7. Old Scottish stone bridge over the Sligachan River on the Scottish island of Skye
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been! The old scottish stone bridge over Sligachan river on island Isle Of Skye in Scotland with many wild flowers and hill in the gackgroud. It can be tricky to make it through, but once you do, it is a fairy-tale world overlooking the ocean.
The bridge on Sligachan river is one of the most spectacular and photographed sights in the world. It’s an incredibly old stone structure built on a rocky hillside with a glacier calving just below it. The flowers in this area are among the most colorful on the island, and there’s no way to describe how amazing it feels to walk across this bridge.
8. Loch Ness
It’s one of the most famous places on Earth—and for a good reason! The Loch is home to many wildlife, including eagles, otters, and dolphins! This spot can also see some of the most beautiful views in Scotland. It’s not hard to understand why it’s been so popular with photographers for so long.
I hope this has given you an idea of why you should go to the Loch. It’s a stunning place and worth going there at least once in your life.
9. Iona Abbey and Nunnery Ruins
The Iona Abbey and Nunnery Ruins in Scotland. One of the places to go for photographers
Iona Abbey and Nunnery Ruins is an ancient abbey and nunnery located on the Isle of Iona, Scotland. The monastery was founded in 563 by St Columba, who had been exiled from Ireland to Scotland by King Diarmait of Leinster. The abbey was important as a center of Celtic Christianity and culture until its abandonment in the late 16th century during the Protestant Reformation.
The abbey was founded as a monastery for monks and nuns, but it soon became a community for women primarily. It is said that this came about after Columba’s sister-in-law chose to devote herself to God instead of marrying him as planned; he then converted her parents’ house into this holy place where women could choose to serve God in their way.
The story of the Iona Abbey and Nunnery tells us much about a place that has been important to Christianity for centuries. Its ruins are a snapshot of history we can visit today, in much the same way we can’t help but visit pyramids or the remains of ancient Greek temples or Roman structures. It’s well worth a trip and an afternoon exploring one of the great religious sites of Northern Europe.
10. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
If you’re looking for a place to go with your camera, look no further than the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It’s a beautiful place designed to showcase Scotland’s flora in its natural habitats. You can explore the Japanese garden, see rare flowers and plants from South America, and even walk through a bamboo forest. There are also plenty of places to sit down and relax while watching the wildlife or enjoying some peace.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers something interesting for everyone in your group regardless of age, or interest level, so make sure you check it out next time you’re visiting Scotland!
11. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, UK
A path runs along the eastern shores of Loch Muick, an upland, freshwater loch lying approximately 5 mi south of Braemar, Scotland. The loch is within the boundary of the Balmoral estate and a popular hiking trail.
Loch Muick is an upland, freshwater loch lying approximately 5 mi south of Braemar, Scotland at the head of Glen Muick and within the boundary of the Balmoral estate. You can follow a path around the lake and enjoy some stunning views. This trail offers a great opportunity to explore this beautiful part of the world.
12. Calton Hill
There are several important monuments on Calton Hill that you won’t want to miss. The most well-known one is the National Monument of Scotland. It was supposed to be a copy of the Parthenon in Athens, but it was never even finished. Even so, the tall columns and stone steps are a popular place for people to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.
You can also find the Nelson Monument near the National Monument. In the early 1800s, this tower was built to honor Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson for his part in the Battle of Trafalgar. It’s the tallest building on the hill, which makes it stand out from the others. You can use it as a vantage point to see further away from the mountain. The Dugald Stewart Monument, the old Royal High School, and the City Observatory are also essential landmarks.
13. Dean Village & Water of Leith
In the Water of Leith, Dean Village is a charming neighborhood. It’s only a few minutes from the city center of Edinburgh. It has a lot of colorful cottages, peaceful greenery, and a rushing river that make it look like it came straight out of a Victorian storybook.
Dean Village started as a mill town in the 1800s. Stone plaques, millstones, and the way the houses are built all around the neighborhood are reminders of its history.
14. Highlands of Scotland’s Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct
A fine art photograph of the Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct in Scotland. The viaduct spans across Loch Shiel and is a part of the West Highland Line. The picture was taken from the banks of Loch Shiel, looking southwards towards Glenfinnan Station. The Jacobite steam train is passing over the viaduct on its way to Mallaig with local tourists on board. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Scotland. It has been immortalised many times in film and books – most famously as the location for Hogwarts Express departing platform 9 3/4 in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
15. Scottish Parliament Building
EMBT designed the new Edinburgh Parliament in 1998. The idea was well-received because of the Barcelona studio’s ability to merge existing features with new technologies organically. The concept aimed to reflect the country and its people through a unique style of constructing directly on the ground.
When the adjacent distillery is dismantled, this tight connection to the site and location will create different city perspectives. The new construction contrasts with Holyrood Palace, a twelfth-century royal home.
The new Scottish Parliament appears to emerge from Arthur’s Seat’s Livingstone, unlike the palace, which dominates the landscape.
16. Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle is in the open countryside of Angus, about five miles south of Forfar and four miles south of Kirriemuir. You could have made up the word “splendid” just to describe the castle. Even though it isn’t perfectly symmetrical from every angle, this castle in Scotland is still stunning. There is something about the sizeable central castle, the corner towers with conical roofs, the main building with stairs, and, most importantly, the crenelated roofline and the many turrets that stick out that make this as close to an ideal Scottish castle as you can imagine.
As you step onto the castle grounds, you can feel how grand it is. You will go through the Queen Mother Memorial Gates, which have been in the nearby village of Glamis on the west side since 2008. From this point, a straight avenue less than a mile long lines up perfectly with the central staircase of the castle as you walk toward it. As you get closer to the castle, the view of the Angus hills to the left becomes clearer. The castle’s building blocks are arranged from north-east to south-west because of a mistake in time. But Lord 3rd Earl Earl Kinghorne is responsible for the layout you see today, which was built in the late 1600s, and ensuring that the street you enter is straight. The result is a beautiful front door.
17. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland
Discover Scottish art and design with the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland. With artworks by leading names such as Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Gogh and Andy Warhol, you’ll find one of the most diverse collections of fine art in the country here. The Kelvingrove is also home to some of Scotland’s best sculptures including Sir Walter Scotts Monument.
18. Isle Skye
Skye is another beautiful Scottish island. Like Arran, it has a bit of everything Scotland offers, but it’s connected to the mainland by road. This 80-kilometer-long island in the northwest Highlands is home to colonies of seabirds, seals, and other local wildlife, as well as miles of rough shoreline and beautiful mountaintop views.
The island’s wide path networks carry hikers and hillwalkers across moors, valleys, and mountains. Curillin Hills offer some of Scotland’s best views.
Armadale Castle is man-made. This early 19th-century building near Mallaig is set on a large country estate and features displays and relics related to one of Scotland’s most powerful clans, the Donald’s. Spend many hours touring the grounds, gardens, and Museum of the Isles.
Dunvegan Castle is another attraction. Once the clan seat, it’s in the same-named community and an excellent area to go boating or fishing.
If you love photography, you should add these 18 places to visit in Scotland to your bucket list.
