Most visitors to Scotland are familiar with the major cities, with Edinburgh being the most popular, and some of the less populated areas of beauty, such as Loch Ness and the islands of Shetland and Skye, but what you may not realize is that Scotland is full of small pretty coastal villages and the most adorable small towns. others of these towns are quite traditional and haven’t changed much in decades, others haven’t altered in over a century, and some are what are known as “new towns,” meaning they were purposefully established to handle the overflow of citizens from cities. Many visitors will miss these small villages because they are unaware of their existence and the treasures they contain. Here are seven charming tiny towns to visit in Scotland to help you find them on your next trip to Scotland.
Arbroath
The Declaration of Arbroath was born in the historic seaside town of Arbroath. This statement was a letter submitted to the Pope by Scottish nobles declaring their right to use guns in self-defense and to assert their independence from the English. This letter began its trip right here in the town center, at Arbroath Abbey. Another thing Arbroath is well-known for is the Arbroath smokie. You’ll catch a scent of this smoked fish as you explore the historic alleys alongside little fishing cottages, and you could see puffs of smoke billowing from the smokehouses in this true Scottish village. The Arbroath smokie is a local delicacy that you must eat if you visit.
Ballantrae
Ballantrae is a charming town in South Ayrshire, nestled on Ballantrae Bay. The rough shoreline here makes it ideal for fishing and some watersports. There are also several rivers and lochs in the area, making it an excellent spot to unwind if you enjoy the water. There is a core village here, but there are also clusters of B&Bs and coastal hotels, making you wonder if this is a tourist town. There are some nice seaside hikes, and Ardstinchar Castle dominates the landscape from every angle. Most visitors, however, come for the vistas of the bay, the untamed environment, and the ocean.
Spend the night in Glenapp’s medieval Scottish castle and learn what it’s like to live like a lord. Glenapp Castle, which was erected in 1870 as part of a private estate, is now a 21-room, five-star hotel. In addition to its stunning appearance, the castle hosts a variety of events and courses, such as perfume creation, foraging, archery, and beekeeping.
Stornoway
Stornoway is the principal town on Lewis, an Outer Hebridean island. Stornoway, formerly a Viking hamlet, is now a busy port town that has managed to retain its fishing roots. There is a lot of history here, and if you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, you can take a trip from Where The Wild Is, which includes an itinerary and lodging in the Hebridean Huts, two eco-glamping huts with views of the sea. Despite the fact that an itinerary has been prepared for you, you will travel independently. The first thing you’ll do is pick up your rental car, which will allow you to explore at your leisure. Don’t miss the Callanish standing stones, and eat at the Blue Lobster.
Blantyre
Blantyre, eight miles south of Glasgow, is a culturally significant town. The town is best known for being the birthplace of explorer David Livingstone, but it also had a semi-industrial past, with coal mines and cotton mills. Today, this industrial heritage is intertwined into the town’s modest beauty, as well as the old weavers’ cottages and millworkers’ tenement structures that still survive. Blantyre is proud of its heritage, which can be found everywhere. Boswell Castle is only a half-mile from town, and the ruins of Blantyre Priory face it as if they are constantly staring at each other.
Inveraray
Inveraray, located on the banks of Loch Fyne, was founded as a town in 1745 and hasn’t changed much since then. The loch has shoreline that seem like little bays and shelving beaches, providing the feeling of being near the sea. There is a castle here, as in other Scottish towns, but it is still occupied by the Duke of Argyll. Despite being the duke’s residence, the castle, or at least the majority of it, is available to the public. With Rapunzel spires and military turrets, this is a veritable fantasy castle. The town’s original jail and courthouse is now a museum depicting the archaic justice system and gruesome punishments. Inveraray is a lovely tiny town with a rich history and exquisite environment.
Newton Stewart
Newton Stewart, a traditional market town with an old stone bridge over the River Cree, was named for the town’s founder, William Stewart. The village, which is next to the Galloway Forest Park, acts as a base for hill hikers and visitors who come to appreciate the woodland. With a pair of binoculars, you can glimpse red and foe deer, as well as wild hill goats that struggle up the rocky hills. Visitors flock to town for the abundant salmon fishing in the river, as well as the bicycle paths that take you through some of the most beautiful landscape in the country.
Campbeltown
This charming little town, surrounded by majestic hills, was once renowned as the “whisky capital of the world.” It was a big claim, but with 34 distilleries in one little town, it was one worth making. Only three of those distilleries remain today, and the town has become much quieter. Visitors are drawn to the three remaining distilleries, and if you enjoy whisky, this is a terrific spot to stay. Horseback riding is also popular in the area, with various routes around the town. Campbeltown is located on the Kintyre peninsula, and the terrain around it folds to make an ocean entrance. As a result, the port here is quiet and serene, making it a lovely area to stroll.
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