So far in my travels I have visited roughly 1/4 of all the countries in the world. That's both a lot and hardly any at the same time – there's still SO much of the world left to see.
And yet, even though there are more than 140 countries I've yet to step foot in, there are a few corners of the world that I find myself returning to again and again.
I travel a lot within the US, and go to Canada roughly once a year. I've also been to New Zealand 5 times, Ireland 3 times, and have visited Iceland, Norway, and Germany twice apiece. And then there's the United Kingdom. I've visited the UK almost every year since 2012 – and sometimes more than once in a year.
And the part of the UK that continues to draw me back again and again? SCOTLAND.
There are so many things to love about Scotland, from the beautiful Highlands to Edinburgh's historic Old Town. From the bagpipers and kilts to the hairy highland cows. From the calm lochs to the wild isles.
I freaking LOVE Scotland.
And to do my best to convert you into a #ScotlandLover, too, here are 35+ of my favorite photos from one of my favorite places in the world.
(A word of caution, though: These photos may indeed make you want to pack your bags and move to Scotland ASAP. Don't say I didn't warn you.)
One of the best views I've ever had from a kitchen. This was in an apartment I rented in Edinburgh, looking out at the castle.The Old Man of Storr reflected in Loch Fada on the Isle of Skye is kinda magical.Scotland Bucket List must-have: Riding the Harry Potter train (AKA the Jacobite) through the Highlands.This is Victoria Street, my favorite street in Edinburgh.A Coo With a View! This photo, taken on the Isle of Harris, is one of my very favorites.Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, is mega cute.The ruins of Holyrood Abbey date back to the 1100s! (You can find this at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.)The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are very popular (read: sometimes crowded), but I'd say the view is worth it.Bagpipe and kilts: Two uniquely Scottish things I love!Wandering down to Dean Village in Edinburgh is like stepping back in time a few hundred years.Kilt Rock on the Isle of Skye got its name from the basalt columns that look like the pleats in a kilt.Loch Shiel in the Highlands is so darn pretty.Looking for a cool stone circle to visit? Check out the Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis.Eilean Donan Castle is the most-photographed castle in the UK.Reflections for days on the Isle of Skye.Inside St. Giles Cathedral, which sits on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.Looking out over Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands.Culloden Battlefield is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the Jacobite rebellions.They say that if you hold your face in the water beneath Sligachan Bridge for seven seconds, you will have eternal beauty.Another shot from the Old Town in Edinbrugh, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Scotland also has amazing beaches! This is Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris.The ruins of Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye certainly are photogenic.The Butt of Lewis (the northern tip of the Isle of Lewis) is one of the windiest places I have ever been.The Palace of Holyroodhouse is home to the Queen for a week every summer.Glencoe in the Highlands has a sad history, but sure is beautiful.This is Dun Carloway, a 2000-year-old broch on the Isle of Lewis.Another glimpse of the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.The sun DOES shine in Scotland! And it makes the Highlands look even more beautiful.I could gladly live here at Cawdor Castle with these pretty gardens.Looking out over Stirling towards the William Wallace Monument.The mysterious Loch Ness on a foggy morning.A popular stop on the Isle of Skye is here at Lealt Falls.The Royal Mile is the place to be in Edinburgh.This is Loch Lubnaig, one of the many gorgeous lakes in Scotland.If the Fairy Pools don't make you believe in fairies on the Isle of Skye, then the Quiraing might.Annnnd one last photo of Edinburgh Castle on a summer day, because why not?
If you've never been to Scotland before, what are you waiting for? This year would be a great time for that first visit.
Here are some of my favorite Scotland posts if you want to feed your newfound Scotland wanderlust:
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
"It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might get swept off to." - JRR Tolkien
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64 Comments on “Photos to Make You Want to Pack Your Bags and Move to Scotland”
Scotland is amazing–and these pics definitely do it justice! I was there for a short trip (4 days) but managed to get all the way up to Isle of Skye–so beautiful.
Wow, what amazing photos Amanda!! This makes me so proud to call Scotland my home! 🙂 It’s really awesome being able to rate it as one of my top countries. And it’s funny because I’ve discovered a few new places to visit thanks to you! Definitely feel a Scottish road trip coming up in the next few months. 😀
Incredible shots. Having been to Scotland before, a lot of these pictures brought back some incredible memories. Scotland is gorgeous from Edinburgh to the Highlands – it’s just fantastic. One of my crazy ideas is one day to either work abroad for a year in Scotland or maybe even retire to somewhere quiet in the Highlands.
Have you ever tried driving through the Highland while listening to Dougie MacLean’s Caledonia? I did and listening to that song now brings tears to my eyes. I loved living in Edinburgh and Scotland is by far and will always be my favourite place in the world.
I would have to actually visit to determine whether I would ever move there, but these pictures sure make me want to visit! All those pictures seem like places I would love to go 😀
I love these photos! The coo and the Old Man of Storr were definitely my favorites, but they’re all so good! It definitely made me want to go to Scotland more than before.
I love Scotland so much, I think it’s one of my favourite places on earth. I find myself returning almost every year, this year I’m going the walk the West Highland Way! Can’t wait to go back 🙂
Lovely pictures!
Thank you for posting such beautiful photos of my country. We’re lucky to live in Edinburgh and have a holiday home in the Cairngorms – it’s always a pleasure to meet travellers who enjoy our scenery. We certainly never tire of it.
I did pack my bags and move to Scotland (from Texas)…and 6 years later I’m still here! Totally agree, Scotland has some mysterious beauty that captures your heart forever.
I lost it at the picture of the Coo! So adorable! I also love the picture of the yellow flowers at Glencoe.
Scotland is definitely one of my favorite places to travel. I wanna return so, so, so badly, and re-visit all the islands, Highlands, cities, everywhere. It’s been too long.
It’s crazy because Scotland isn’t that big, and yet there are still SO many parts of it I still want to visit! (And yeah, that coo photo is one of my favorites ever – I think I’m going to frame a copy!
Scotland is amazing–and these pics definitely do it justice! I was there for a short trip (4 days) but managed to get all the way up to Isle of Skye–so beautiful.
There’s a lot of beauty packed into Scotland!
These photos are amazing Amanda!!
Thanks, Kara! Definitely one of my favorite sets of photos. 🙂
Wow, what amazing photos Amanda!! This makes me so proud to call Scotland my home! 🙂 It’s really awesome being able to rate it as one of my top countries. And it’s funny because I’ve discovered a few new places to visit thanks to you! Definitely feel a Scottish road trip coming up in the next few months. 😀
A Scottish road trip sounds like an excellent idea!
Incredible shots. Having been to Scotland before, a lot of these pictures brought back some incredible memories. Scotland is gorgeous from Edinburgh to the Highlands – it’s just fantastic. One of my crazy ideas is one day to either work abroad for a year in Scotland or maybe even retire to somewhere quiet in the Highlands.
Both those options sound awesome and would give you plenty of time to explore even more of Scotland.
Have you ever tried driving through the Highland while listening to Dougie MacLean’s Caledonia? I did and listening to that song now brings tears to my eyes. I loved living in Edinburgh and Scotland is by far and will always be my favourite place in the world.
I think it will always be one of my favorite places in the world, too!
I would have to actually visit to determine whether I would ever move there, but these pictures sure make me want to visit! All those pictures seem like places I would love to go 😀
It’s a very pretty country. And I’ve been lucky enough to visit quite a few times when it was sunny and warm!
I love these photos! The coo and the Old Man of Storr were definitely my favorites, but they’re all so good! It definitely made me want to go to Scotland more than before.
Yay! Then my work here is done. 😉
I travelled up to Scotland a couple of years ago and dream of returning! It’s such a riduculously fascinating and beautiful place.
Agreed! It has everything I love in a country: beautiful scenery, interesting culture and history, and really friendly people.
really stunning! happy 2017 ! ps. I love Edinburgh too!
Edinburgh is great!
I love Scotland so much, I think it’s one of my favourite places on earth. I find myself returning almost every year, this year I’m going the walk the West Highland Way! Can’t wait to go back 🙂
Lovely pictures!
I find myself there almost every year, too! The magic just keeps drawing me back.
Thank you for posting such beautiful photos of my country. We’re lucky to live in Edinburgh and have a holiday home in the Cairngorms – it’s always a pleasure to meet travellers who enjoy our scenery. We certainly never tire of it.
I am very envious, Laura! Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities in Europe, and the Cairngorms are so gorgeous!
You´re so right. I´d love to live there. I stayed one week in Edinburgh and I loved it.
If I could afford the cost of living in the UK on a blogger salary, it’s definitely where I would want to live!
Even though I just came back this makes me want to go again! Awesome photos Amanda 🙂
I always want to go back to Scotland! I was just there in September, but I’m already dreaming of another trip!
I did pack my bags and move to Scotland (from Texas)…and 6 years later I’m still here! Totally agree, Scotland has some mysterious beauty that captures your heart forever.
How awesome!! There’s just something about that country… Almost makes me believe that the fairy stories are real and that they’ve enchanted me!
I lost it at the picture of the Coo! So adorable! I also love the picture of the yellow flowers at Glencoe.
Scotland is definitely one of my favorite places to travel. I wanna return so, so, so badly, and re-visit all the islands, Highlands, cities, everywhere. It’s been too long.
It’s crazy because Scotland isn’t that big, and yet there are still SO many parts of it I still want to visit! (And yeah, that coo photo is one of my favorites ever – I think I’m going to frame a copy!