8 Of The Friendliest Towns In Scotland
It's no myth that Scotland is considered one of the friendliest places in the United Kingdom. Its salt-of-the-earth people treat visitors as kindly as their neighbours, adding to its appeal alongside its exquisite landscapes and ancient history kept firmly intact. Step back in time at Oban's Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel as staff regale you with tales of its royal reigns, wander through the magical Fairy Glen in Portree alongside fellow adventurers, or enjoy a pint with locals at The Criterion, a family-owned pub serving Scottish haggis that you'll either love or hate, but won't know until you try. Just as you won't know what these welcoming small towns have to offer until you explore them.
Pitlochry
Pitlochry sits in beautiful Highland Perthshire and is a lively town that has welcomed visitors for over 170 years. One of your first stops should be the Blair Atholl Watermill & Tearoom, a working water mill dating back to the 1590s where stoneground flour is milled and sold. The cosy space is perfect for striking up a conversation with other folks while enjoying cakes, scones, and bagels made with their own flour, either inside or in the darling tea garden outside.
Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre is another interesting spot to explore, showcasing the rich history of hydroelectricity in northern Scotland. You can also watch salmon swim upstream to their breeding grounds and learn about their incredible journey through the Salmon Life Cycle exhibit. The Blair Athol Distillery has produced the town's Scotch whisky since 1798, so book a tour to mingle with other visitors and explore the craft of whisky-making.
Oban
Oban is recognized as the "Seafood Capital of Scotland" and is one of the country's most popular west-coast holiday towns, and for good reason. The awe-inspiring Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel is a stone castle built before 1240, and after it was captured by King Robert the Bruce in 1308, it remained in royal hands for another 161 years. Speak to the on-site staff to hear more tales of its past, and stay alert while wandering, as the castle is home to pipistrelle bats that you may see flying about! After the epic history masterclass, make your way to Oban Chocolate Company, a friendly seafront cafe and gift shop with handmade chocolates and ice cream.
For some heartier grub, head to Oban Seafood Hut for fresh seafood. The grand platter for two contains mussels, lobster, and all the good stuff. Lastly, stroll along the Harbour Promenade and catch a magnificent sunset.
St Andrews
St Andrews is known as the golfing mecca. The Old Course is where the game was first played 600 years ago, and despite its high status, it remains a public golf course. Book yourself in to experience this grand course with friends, and take it one step further by choosing the professional photography team to capture memories of you and your squad on the historic sporting grounds.
Venture into floral territory at St Andrews Botanic Garden and explore the meadows, ponds, and living laboratories. There are also benches throughout where you can take a pew and have a chit-chat with some locals. The Criterion pub is a must for dinner, a family-run favourite established in 1874 where you'll experience real Scottish hospitality. Order the traditional national dish of haggis (a savoury pudding made from sheep's organs), or, if you can't stomach it, go for their famous steak and ale pie.
Portree
Portree is the capital town on the Isle of Skye, surrounded by rolling hills. A hub of maritime activity, Portree Harbour is the heart of town, with iconic colourful homes looking out to the water and a bunch of independent local shops and eateries along it. Drop by Isle of Skye Soap Company. There are so many artisan soaps to choose from, with welcoming staff to point you in the direction of which scents you may like. Make a beeline for Fish & Chips right after, where fresh, flaky fish in light, crisp batter and hand-cut chips with a crunch await, served by the nicest staff. You can't go wrong.
The Fairy Glen is a mystical world, a hillside geological wonder that attracts both locals and tourists. Climbing to the top of the rock is worth it, and you'll definitely meet some people on the way, as it's usually quite busy.
Wigtown
Wigtown is Scotland's National Book Town, with 10 bookshops in this tiny town. The rustic Books and Bakes is the perfect place to bury your head in a book, perhaps chat about the plot with a fellow avid bookworm, and munch on some delicious cake and coffee as you ponder together. Every Saturday between April and October, weather permitting, The Wigtown Market operates, offering a chance to connect with local business owners who bring their art, crafts, and homewares to the table.
The Wigtown Martyrs is a historical memorial honoring two women who stood up for their beliefs, Margaret Wilson and Margaret McLachlan, who, in 1685, refused to swear the Oath declaring King James VII of Scotland as head of the church, resulting in them being drowned. Although a morbid outcome, their bravery stands the test of time at this historic site.
Tobermory
The town of Tobermory was built as a fishing port in the late 18th century and looks like a picture postcard due to its scenic setting. There are a number of mom-and-pop businesses dotted around, including Mull Pottery Shop, which carries unique items from Mull Pottery and other island potters and artists. Just a 15-minute walk away, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the process in the Mull Pottery Studio, a cool way to see how your item came to fruition if you decide to take something home.
For an immersive farming experience, look no further than Isle of Mull Cheese and Spirit Farm Shop. Book a tour to explore the distillery and underground cellars where the cheese is matured while enjoying a cheese and spirit tasting. You'll need to "curd" your enthusiasm from the excitement! Mull Theatre is also worth visiting, featuring music performances, poetry, and clay workshops.
Stonehaven
Stonehaven is a seaside resort well known for the dramatic Dunnottar Castle, perched atop a 160-foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea. The remarkable cliff-top ruins were once an impenetrable fortress of the Earls Marischal, one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, this castle is a large part of the town's identity. When you visit, you are encouraged to contribute any ideas you may have for improving sustainable tourism performance by speaking to on-site staff or reaching out through their social media platforms.
Treat yourself to a Tipsy Brunch at Molly's Cafe Bar when you feel like eating, with yummy options like eggs Benedict and pork cheek tacos, alongside three beverages. It's a noontime party that you can enjoy with others! Afterward, head to Stonehaven Beach for relaxing views while getting a breath of fresh air after the tasty tipples.
Anstruther
Anstruther is a small town located on a stretch of coastline known as the East Neuk of Fife and is approximately 50 miles from Scotland's capital, Edinburgh. A great way to delve into its coastal history is by stepping into the Scottish Fisheries Museum. It tells the important story of how Scottish fisheries became such an important part of the lives of so many Scots and features exhibits of historic fishing boats and gear, with inviting staff able to answer any questions you may have.
Funky Scottish Coffee Shop is a lovely place to take a break, grab a steaming cup of joe and a brownie, and take in the locally made art on the walls. The community-driven Bowhouse Market, a food hub where you can shop from small businesses and get local produce, is the best way to sample many varieties of the town's delectable eats.
A Warm Scottish Welcome Awaits
Scotland's small towns are all about uplifting the community and adding a touch of ethereal elixir to the mix, because it hardly seems real that such remarkable history and landscapes exist. Whether it's the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre, where salmon swim upstream as you learn about the fish ladder, built in 1952, that helps their journey in the dam, or Wigtown's Books and Bakes, a snug haven for book lovers to connect over a good read and delicious treat, Scotland is truly special.
And the Scots want to share it with you! Make a trip out there, and you're guaranteed to soon "haste ye back" (hurry back).
