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

Situated on Fife's east coast and just over an hour from Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, St. Andrews is famous among golfers as the birthplace of the sport. Enthusiasts travel from all over to play at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, established in 1754, which hosts the historic Old Course—the oldest course in the world, with roots tracing 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

Located in Perthshire on the River Tay, just 14 miles north of Perth, Dunkeld boasts a rich history as an early Celtic Christian center, with Dunkeld Cathedral as a key attraction. Although partly ruinous, the cathedral still has an active chapel and dates to the 13th century. It is a favored wedding venue and houses a charming museum. Dunkeld's distinctive charm also shines through its well-preserved 18th-century houses, especially along High Street and Cathedral Street, many now featuring 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 scenic islands, and one of the few accessible by road from the mainland. Known for its lively harbor and many pastel-colored houses, it has been Skye’s center of culture and economy since its official founding in the 1800s. However, its history goes back to 1540, when the Gaelic name, meaning "King's Harbour," was given to the small fishing village after King James V visited.

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

Tobermory, situated on the Isle of Mull and reachable by ferry from Oban, is a favorite spot for tourists thanks to its vibrant, colorful buildings that line its idyllic harbor. Founded in 1788 as a fishing port, its history is deeply connected to maritime pasts, with stories that extend back even before the town's establishment. Notably, during the decline of the Spanish Armada, the galleon San Juan de Sicilia sank under mysterious circumstances in Tobermory Bay. Legend claims the ship was loaded with gold, and although the wreck's location is known, the treasure remains undiscovered.

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

Known as the "Jewel of the Highlands" for its charming and picturesque environment, Plockton’s west coast location is notably scenic and distinctive. Although situated in the Scottish Highlands, it is unexpectedly famous for its thriving palm trees, which benefit from the mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream. As one of several villages in Scotland established in the early 19th century, Plockton’s distinctive layout and character offer an enjoyable experience for walking explorations.

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 charming character of Stromness is very clear today in its narrow, winding streets and historic stone buildings. Must-see attractions include The Pier Arts Centre, which features contemporary art, and the Stromness Museum, with its exhibits related to the town's maritime history and its deep ties 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.