8 Most Charming Small Towns in Scotland
Scotland’s rich culture and heritage have long been a draw for tourists from across the globe. Whether they’re here to experience a traditional Scottish clan gathering or are in search of the perfect whisky (not whiskey!), these visitors are increasingly venturing beyond the usual tourist destinations of Edinburgh and Glasgow in search of new, more authentic Scottish experiences.
If that sounds like you, then hitting the road and enjoying a Scottish road trip to smaller towns that you may never before have heard of could be just the ticket to the perfect holiday. Read our list of the eight most charming small towns in Scotland for ideas and inspiration.
St. Andrews
If you’re a golfer, there’s simply no way you wouldn’t have heard of St. Andrews. This historic town on the east coast of Scotland is famous as the birthplace of golf, with the St. Andrews Links being one of the oldest golf courses in the world. The Old Course, in particular, is a dream destination for golf enthusiasts, especially when paired with a visit to the R&A World Golf Museum with its exhibits and artifacts going as far back in the sport as the 15th century.
There is of course much more to do in St. Andrews than golf. Pay a visit to the University of St. Andrews, founded in 1413 and the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world after Cambridge and Oxford. Among its other charming attractions are St. Andrews Castle, popular for its scenic clifftop setting; the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral; and St. Andrews Botanical Gardens with its 18 beautiful acres of landscaped grounds.
Fort Augustus
While you’ll have heard of Loch Ness, there’s a good chance you’ll not be quite so familiar with Fort Augustus. Situated at the southwest end of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, Fort Augustus started as an English fortress in 1729 before eventually becoming an important stop in the 60-mile-long Caledonian Canal, built in 1822 to connect Scotland’s east coast at Inverness with Fort William in the west.
Five locks were constructed in Fort Augustus to handle the water traffic, and today make for a beautiful spot to watch boats come and go against a stunning Highlands backdrop. Notable attractions in Fort Augustus include the Clansman Centre, particularly for North American tourists seeking to learn more about their Scottish clan roots; and the 19th-century Benedictine Abbey.
Tarbert
Located in Argyll and Bute to the northwest of Glasgow, Tarbert serves as the gateway to the beautiful Kintyre Peninsula, an area immortalized in the hit song by former Beatle Paul McCartney, Mull of Kintyre. Highlights of this charming west coast town include the ruins of the 13th-century Tarbert Castle, which overlooks the harbor and was a stronghold of Scottish King Robert the Bruce.
The harbor itself is a focal point of Tarbert's charm, and it still serves as an important fishing port to this day, with seafood caught here renowned for its quality and served up in local restaurants like The Anchorage Bistro. For a real dose of charm, try to time your visit to coincide with the annual Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival, which celebrates the region’s maritime heritage, or later in the year for the Tarbert Christmas Fair.
Plockton
Plockton is located on the shores of Loch Carron in the northwest corner of the Highlands and is as charming a small town as you can get. A relatively new town by Scottish standards – it was established in the early 1800s – Plockton is known for its attractive waterfront, complete with palm trees (yes, palm trees!) and well-preserved 19th-century houses, some of which are now available as holiday rentals and boast excellent water views.
The town's charm and scenic beauty were showcased in the 1990s hit TV show, Hamish Macbeth, which featured Plockton as the fictional village of Lochdubh. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy seal-watching trips, with seals often seen basking on the shoreline.
Kirkcudbright
Kirkcudbright, located just 28 miles west of Dumfries, has earned a reputation for its vibrant artistic vibe; so much so that it’s been dubbed the "Artists' Town." This artistic heritage stems from the town’s having been a hub for the Glasgow Boys in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a group interested in seeing more modernism in Scottish painting. The artistic legacy of what became the Kirkcudbright Artists’ Colony continues to thrive, with the former home of member E.A. Hornel, Broughton House, now a museum dedicated to their work.
Other charming attractions in Kirkcudbright include the 16th-century McLellan's Castle, and the nearby Galloway Forest Park, a popular spot for outdoor pursuits. Part of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, it’s also a popular spot for painters to set up their easels.
Portnahaven
Portnahaven’s location on Islay, Scotland’s fifth largest island, makes it a must-visit for those who enjoy stunning scenery. Accessible only by ferry, this picturesque settlement, was established in the 19th century and is popular for those seeking an authentic Scottish island getaway. Highlights include exploring Portnahaven Harbour, a picturesque spot that’s also a haven for local wildlife including grey seals, which can be seen sunbathing on the rocks around the waterfront.
The area is also known for its abundance of birdlife, especially during the autumn season when birdwatchers visit to witness the arrival of species such as shearwaters, petrels, gannets, and auks. The village's location on the Isle of Islay, famous for its whisky distilleries, provides an opportunity for visitors to explore and taste some of Scotland's finest whiskies, too.
Pittenweem
Named after the Gaelic for “place of the cave,” Pittenweem has been a fishing village since Medieval times. Located just 10 miles south of St. Andrews on Scotland's east coast, Pittenweem’s vibrant harbor remains at the heart of village life. Great views of the coming and going of fishing boats and pleasure craft can be had from the pier or, if you’re up for a walk, along the Fife Coastal Path (keep going along this 116-mile trail and you’ll eventually end up in Stirling!).
Pittenweem is also famous for its annual Arts Festival; held in August, it attracts artists and art lovers from across the UK. And that cave? That would be St. Fillan's Cave, a historic site once used as a hermitage by the Irish saint Fillan in the 8th century.
North Berwick
North Berwick, a picturesque seaside town in East Lothian that’s just 25 miles east of Edinburgh, is renowned for its beautiful coastal scenery and charming attractions. The town’s beaches are a major draw, as are its two excellent golf courses. Nature lovers are drawn here to explore the Scottish Seabird Centre. This conservation and education hub features interactive exhibits and boat trips to nearby islands to observe a variety of seabirds, including one of the world's largest gannet colonies on Bass Rock.
Other fun things to do in North Berwick include visiting the ruins of Tantallon Castle. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, this 14th-century fortress offers breathtaking views and can be toured. North Berwick Law, a volcanic hill dominating the town, is a popular hiking spot and rewards you with panoramic views of the town and surrounding areas.
The Final Word
From the golfer’s paradise of St. Andrews to the distilleries in and around Portnahaven, the Scottish countryside is full of great excuses for visitors to leave behind the larger tourist destinations and start exploring. Learn more with our list of these eight most charming small towns in Scotland.
