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, St. Andrews is a name you'll almost certainly know. This historic town on Scotland's east coast is renowned as the origin of golf, housing the St. Andrews Links, one of the oldest golf courses worldwide. The Old Course is especially popular among golf lovers, and it's often combined with a visit to the R&A World Golf Museum, which features exhibits and artifacts dating back to 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 built in Fort Augustus to manage water traffic, now creating a picturesque location to observe boats against a breathtaking Highlands scenery. Key attractions in Fort Augustus include the Clansman Centre, especially popular with North American visitors interested in exploring their Scottish clan heritage, and the historic 19th-century Benedictine Abbey.

Tarbert

Situated in Argyll and Bute, northwest of Glasgow, Tarbert acts as the gateway to the scenic Kintyre Peninsula, famously mentioned in Paul McCartney's hit song 'Mull of Kintyre.' Key attractions in this charming west coast town include the remains of Tarbert Castle from the 13th century, which overlooks the harbor and was once a stronghold of Scottish King Robert the Bruce.

The harbor is a central point of Tarbert's charm and remains an important fishing port today. The seafood caught here is known for its quality and is served in local restaurants like The Anchorage Bistro. For an authentic experience, try to visit during the annual Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival, which celebrates the area’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 lively artistic atmosphere; so much so that it’s been called the "Artists' Town." This artistic heritage originates from the town’s history as a hub for the Glasgow Boys in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a group interested in exploring more modernism in Scottish painting. The artistic legacy of what became the Kirkcudbright Artists’ Colony continues to flourish, with the former home of member E.A. Hornel, Broughton House, now serving as 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 region is renowned for its rich birdlife, particularly in autumn when birdwatchers come to see species like shearwaters, petrels, gannets, and auks. Situated on the Isle of Islay, famous for its whisky distilleries, the village also offers visitors a chance to explore and enjoy some of Scotland's best whiskies.

Pittenweem

Named after the Gaelic term for “place of the cave,” Pittenweem has been a fishing village since the Middle Ages. Situated just 10 miles south of St. Andrews on Scotland's east coast, its lively harbor remains central to village life. Visitors can enjoy excellent views of fishing boats and pleasure craft arriving and departing from the pier or, for a longer walk, along the Fife Coastal Path. Continue along this 116-mile trail, and you’ll eventually reach 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 scenic seaside town in East Lothian located only 25 miles east of Edinburgh, is famous for its stunning coastal views and charming sights. Its beaches attract many visitors, along with its two top-notch golf courses. Nature enthusiasts visit to explore the Scottish Seabird Centre, a conservation and education facility with interactive exhibits and boat trips to nearby islands, where they can see 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.