Beyond the Obvious: Lesser-Known Scotland

Portree is the heart of the Isle of Skye and one of the most picturesque places in Scotland. With its charming, colourful harbour surrounded by hills and cliffs, the town is the ideal starting point for exploring the island’s breathtaking landscapes. Portree is a delightful place with plenty to do, from pony trekking and boat trips to food and cultural experiences, making it the perfect base for exploring Skye. If you are looking for a picturesque destination with activities for the whole family, Portree is the ideal choice!

Although most visitors to Scotland base their trip around Edinburgh, the country has much more to offer, including its 790 islands, of which around 90 are inhabited. They fall into three main groups: The Inner Hebrides: the Isle of Skye, Mull, Islay and Jura. The Outer Hebrides: the most remote and untamed islands, Lewis and Harris, Barra and St Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular cliffs and thousands of seabirds. Orkney and Shetland: in the far north, with a blend of history and Viking culture, having been ruled by the Norse for centuries, which is still reflected in the local language, architecture and traditions. Each group of islands has its own identity, culture and unique landscapes, and all are famous for their wild scenery, white-sand beaches and turquoise sea. A true delight for nature lovers! Discover our island itineraries.

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and one of the most vibrant cultural centres in the UK. Unlike Edinburgh, with its medieval, historic air, Glasgow feels more modern, with an incredible art and music scene and impressive Victorian architecture. If you want to explore museums, art, live music, authentic pubs and shopping, Glasgow is the place for you! Discover Glasgow in an exclusive way with our private tours, designed to offer a personal and unforgettable experience. With a local guide by your side, you explore the city at your own pace, visiting its main sights, such as the imposing Glasgow Cathedral, the Centre for Contemporary Arts and lively Buchanan Street, full of shops and restaurants. If you love art, we can include a visit to the famous Glasgow School of Art or the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, depending on your interests. Our private tours also give you comfort and flexibility, so you can make the most of everything Glasgow has to offer, without rushing and with attention to your tastes and preferences.

Set in the Highlands, Glencoe is one of the most striking destinations in Scotland, known for its dramatic mountains, deep glens and remarkable history. As well as its natural beauty, Glencoe has a tragic past: the Massacre of Glencoe, in 1692, left an indelible mark on the region. Glencoe has become a much-loved destination thanks to its unique beauty, its wildlife and the history of the events that took place here. The glen is surrounded by imposing mountains and has been the setting for films such as Braveheart, Harry Potter and Skyfall (007). For an even more exclusive experience, our private Glencoe tours let you explore the region in a personal and comfortable way. With experienced local guides, you can choose an itinerary shaped around your interests, whether walking, photography or learning about local history. Private tours also let you reach lesser-known spots and enjoy a more immersive experience of Scotland’s nature, with comfort and flexibility throughout.

Many visitors already know Stirling in some way. For anyone who has seen Braveheart, Stirling is the setting for the film’s great battle, the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace, Scotland’s greatest hero, defeated the English in the 13th century. Stirling is a medieval city of narrow lanes and stone buildings. It grew up beside the River Forth, on whose heights stands Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in the United Kingdom, and it has long been the gateway to the Highlands.

St Andrews is known around the world as the “home of golf”, and as the seat of one of the world’s leading universities. It is a town well worth visiting, with St Andrews Cathedral, the ruins of St Andrews Castle, the harbour, the botanic garden, St Rule’s Tower with its spectacular view over the town, and much more. It also has unique shops, award-winning restaurants, ancient relics, a beautiful coastline and impressive architecture. The University of St Andrews, where Prince William and Kate Middleton met, is a sight in itself and well worth a visit, especially St Salvator’s Quad and St Mary’s College.

Inverness is the largest city in the Scottish Highlands and an essential stop on the way north. It is also famous as the base for visiting Loch Ness, and on this tour you can also discover the beautiful Urquhart Castle, which has the best views over the water. Inverness is close to popular destinations such as Loch Ness, the Speyside whisky region and the famous North Coast 500. The city owes its many visitors to its strategic position, and it is a unique place to visit in its own right: a lively city with good restaurants and plenty to do.

Famous around the world for the legend of its monster, Nessie, Loch Ness is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a rich history. With its deep, dark waters, the loch is framed by green hills and historic castles, such as the imposing Urquhart Castle on its shores, and it is one of the most sought-after places in Scotland. Discover the charm and mysteries of Loch Ness on our private tours! Setting out from Edinburgh, our local guides take you on a fascinating journey through the natural and historic wonders of this iconic region. On the tour you will visit Urquhart Castle, with stunning views over the loch, and hear the legends and stories surrounding Nessie. With comfort and the experience at the heart of everything, our tours let you enjoy every detail of Loch Ness, from its deep waters to the hills around it, with the care and knowledge of our local guides. An unforgettable experience, full of culture, history and the unique tranquillity of the Highlands!

As well as magnificent castles and remarkable stories, Scotland is known as the Land of Whisky: the country has more than 130 whisky distilleries, around 50 of them in Speyside alone! There are other much-loved distilling regions too, Lowland, Highland, Speyside, Islay and Campbeltown, and each produces whisky with its own notes and flavours. A whisky tour in Scotland is an incredible experience for anyone who loves a dram. You can visit some of the most famous distilleries, learn about how whisky is made and taste some of the finest whiskies in the world!

Scotland is a fascinating destination for lovers of history, nature and culture. With breathtaking landscapes, imposing castles and rich traditions, touring the country is an unforgettable experience. There are thought to be more than 1,500 castles across Scotland, some in ruins and others beautifully preserved. Scottish castles are true icons of the country, each carrying centuries of history and mystery, and many are still used as homes, hotels and visitor attractions. With our private itineraries, you make the most of your time to discover the most fascinating castles. We offer tours from a single day, as well as longer 2-, 3-, 5- and 7-day journeys into the Highlands and the other regions where Scotland’s most iconic castles are found. Get in touch and we’ll plan your castle itinerary with you.

Yes! Scotland has a strong connection with Harry Potter, both as inspiration and through real locations used in the films. Scotland was the setting for several parts of the Harry Potter films, with breathtaking landscapes that capture the essence of the wizarding world. The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, for example, is where the Hogwarts Express crosses in several scenes, and the view of the loch and mountains makes you feel you have stepped into J.K. Rowling’s universe. J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books while living in Edinburgh, and the city has many places connected to the story, such as Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the author found inspiration for some of her characters’ names (including Tom Riddle, the name behind Voldemort). Beyond the films, Scotland’s landscapes are spectacular, with medieval castles, mountains and lochs that make the tour even more special, especially for those who love exploring nature. Edinburgh itself has a historic and slightly mysterious atmosphere, perfect for feeling the magic and history behind Hogwarts. Its cobbled streets, pubs and Edinburgh Castle create an incredible setting for Harry Potter fans, and Just Scotland Tours takes you to all these amazing places with a local guide. Get in touch to find out more about our tours.

Our Outlander tour is one of our guests’ favourites. Step back in time as you visit the locations that brought the series to life and discover the iconic places in Claire and Jamie’s story. On the tour you will explore Lallybroch, Castle Leoch and even 1940s Inverness (Falkland), where you will feel part of the story. Best of all, you will be with a local guide who shares the stories and curiosities behind each location, connecting the magic of the series with Scotland’s rich history. Whether you are an Outlander fan or simply want an unforgettable experience, this tour is the perfect way to explore Scotland in a unique way!