6 Of The Quirkiest Towns In Scotland

One of four countries that make up the United Kingdom, along with England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Scotland is well-known not just for its spectacular landscapes but also for its sometimes quirky culture that has left its mark across the globe. From those tartan kilts to shortbread and Scotch whisky (unlike America’s amber nectar, there’s no “e”!), this small country is also one of the most visited, with more than four million tourists, many of them American, arriving each year.

While major tourist hotspots like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Loch Ness are well-known and much visited, there are countless smaller destinations worth including on your travel itinerary that offer a quintessentially Scottish experience. Find out more with this list of six of the quirkiest towns in Scotland.

St. Andrews

Located on the east coast of Fife and just over an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, St. Andrews is well-known to golfers as the place where the sport was first played. Fans of the sport travel from far and wide for the chance to play the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, founded in 1754 and home to the iconic Old Course, the world’s oldest course with a history that dates back to the 15th Century.

This beautiful town is also home to one of Scotland's oldest universities. Established in 1413, the University of St. Andrews is steeped in academic prestige and royal connections, with many members of the British Royal Family having studied here. The town's quirky charm is also evident in its blend of medieval architecture and cobbled streets, with the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and St. Andrews Castle offering a fascinating glimpse into its storied past.

Dunkeld

Situated in Perthshire on the River Tay and just 14 miles north of the city of Perth itself, pretty Dunkeld has a long and storied past as an early center of Celtic Christianity, with Dunkeld Cathedral being a major point of interest. Partially ruined yet with a chapel still in use, this romantic old building dates back to the 13th century and is a popular spot for weddings (there’s also a great little museum here). Dunkeld's quirky appeal is also apparent in its well-preserved 18th-century houses, especially those along High Street and Cathedral Street, some of them now home to unique and boutique shops and galleries.

Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn here for its access to the Tay Forest Park, a 75 square mile woodland with numerous trails to explore. It’s also home to one of the town’s quirkiest attractions, the Birnam Oak, believed to be the last remnant of Birnam Wood, immortalized in William Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Portree

Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most picturesque islands, and one of only a few connected to the mainland by road. Famous for its bustling harbor and numerous pastel-colored houses, Portree has served as Skye’s cultural and economic hub since it was formally established in the 1800s. Its history, however, dates back to 1540 when its Gaelic name, meaning "King's Harbour," was given to the then-small fishing village after a visit by King James V.

The town’s quirkiness is everywhere evident, especially in its unique mix of traditional Gaelic culture and modern amenities. Fun things to do in and around Portree include visiting the Old Man of Storr, a jagged rocky outcrop on Storr Mountain that’s popular with hikers; and the Quiraing, an interesting geological structure formed over the centuries by landslides. For an authentic dose of quirky Scottish fun, visit in August during the Skye Highland Games.

Tobermory

Located on the Isle of Mull and accessible by ferry from Oban, Tobermory is a popular tourist destination for the many brightly painted buildings that surround its picture-perfect harbor. Established in 1788 as a fishing port, Tobermory's history is intertwined with maritime activities, with tales that predate the town’s founding. The best-known date back to the time of the defeated Spanish Armada when the galleon, the San Juan de Sicilia, sank under mysterious circumstances in Tobermory Bay. Legend has it the Spanish vessel was laden with gold, and while the location of the vessel is known, no treasure has as yet been found.

More can be learned from this fascinating tale and other notable local events at the Mull Museum. Traveling with kids? The Mull Aquarium is one of the country’s only “catch and release” marine life facilities, with local creatures on display for no more than four weeks before being released back into the wild (quirky indeed!). No visit to Scotland would be complete without a visit to a traditional whisky maker, and Tobermory Distillery, which has produced single malt whiskies since 1798, fits the bill perfectly.

Plockton

Referred to as the "Jewel of the Highlands" for its picturesque setting and quirky charm, Plockton’s west coast setting is certainly a scenic and unique one. Despite its Scottish Highlands location, Plockton is surprisingly known for its palm trees which thrive thanks to the mild climate here that’s influenced by the Gulf Stream. One of several planned villages in Scotland built in the early 19th century, Plockton’s unique layout and character make it a delight to explore on foot.

So, too, does its fun blend of Highland tradition and seaside charm, with Plockton Harbour being one of the prettiest in the country. From here, visitors can sign up for fun boat trips and cruises, including seal spotting, and afterward enjoy fresh seafood caught that day at local restaurants.

Stromness

Up in the Orkney Islands, a scenic archipelago situated a few miles from Scotland’s northeastern coast, Stromness is a historic town that’s forever connected to the Hudson's Bay Company, which opened up the fur trade in Canada in the 18th and 19th centuries. As a major port, much of the trans-Atlantic shipping at the time passed through Stromness, connecting Orkney with North America. The history of the region, however, goes back much further, with evidence of Neolithic sites dating back over 5,000 years.

The quirky charm of Stromness is very evident today in its narrow, winding streets and old stone buildings. Must-visit attractions include The Pier Arts Centre, which showcases contemporary art, and the must-visit Stromness Museum, with its displays and exhibits relating to the town's maritime history and its deep connection to Arctic exploration.

The Final Word

Scotland's quirkiest towns are well worth exploring and offer a unique glimpse into the country's diverse heritage, blending historic significance with distinctive attractions… and plenty of local charm. From the golf heritage of St. Andrews to the colorful harbor of Tobermory, each of these must-visit small towns provides memorable experiences that go well beyond the typical tourist trail. Exploring these six quirky towns in Scotland is a delightful journey through Scotland's past and present and highlights the country's unique appeal for travelers.