What’s hot in Scotland in 2025
New hotels, experiences and the best destination in the UK
It’s all going on in Scotland this year. Here are some highlights:
Party in Glasgow
Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, has a special birthday this year, celebrating its 850th anniversary. If you’ve never visited this buzzing city, put it on your list. I like the sound of the new restaurant and bar, The Last Bookstore, which has 8,000 books and cocktails inspired by literary heroes. And in 2026, the city will host the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, from 23 July to 2 August, after Australia pulled out. visitglasgow.com
See the new look The Royal Yacht Britannia
It’s one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions and The Royal Yacht Britannia will be opening a new visitor centre and shop in spring. The visitor centre will incorporate never seen before images and footage and a wider shop, full of souvenirs. royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
Catch a wave at the Lost Shore Surf Resort
Also in Edinburgh, is the new Lost Shore Surf Resort, which opened last autumn and became Europe’s largest inland surfing destination. Set in a 60-acre country park, it can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour and comes with luxury accommodation and wellness spa. lostshore.com
Celebrate the Spirit of the Highlands
Opening this year, is the new Inverness Castle Experience, which is transforming the castle into a visitor experience. You will be able to journey through the gardens, two towers and new restaurant, bars and shop to learn stories about the Highlands’ history, culture and people, guided by a storyteller. invernesscastle.scot
Visit one of the best destinations in the world
National Geographic released its Best of the World list and The Outer Hebrides was the only UK destination on the 2025 list, with recognition given to its breath-taking landscapes and heritage. The Outer Hebrides has long attracted tourists to its beautiful beaches and coastline. If you’re inspired, visitouterhebrides.co.uk
Check in to these new hotels
I featured some of the new hotels coming to Scotland in last week’s newsletter, but watch out for The Hoxton, Edinburgh, five-star Season House in St Andrews, The Waterside Hotel, West Kilbride, Crossbasket Castle, East Kilbride and Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort.
Watch the Military Tattoo turn 75
It is famous all over the world and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, with a special show, The Heroes Who Made Us, 1 – 23 August. edintattoo.co.uk
See Scotland on screen
Set-jetting is the latest travel trend, as tourists love to travel to spots where their favourite TV shows and movies were filmed. You can of course, follow the Outlander trail in the Highlands, James Bond and Skyfall, Harry Potter tour, or One Day sites in Edinburgh. And Scotland has some great anniversaries of huge movies. Rob Roy turns 30 and you can walk the famous Rob Roy Way from Drymen to Pitlochry. Monty Python & the Holy Grail also hits 50 and fans of the movie can visit Doune Castle, the striking gatehouse in Stirlingshire used in the movie. visitscotland.com
Look out for Center Parcs
Looking slightly further ahead, Scotland will welcome its first Center Parks in a proposed £350m resort near Hawick in the Scottish Borders. Currently in early stages of planning, including 700 lodges, the resort will reportedly have all the usual attractions, such as an indoor water park and indoor and outdoor activities. centerparcs.co.uk