Ferris Bueller* famously said: “Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”.  The rule applies to travel – by spending longer in a destination like Scotland, visitors get the time to immerse themselves in local communities and culture, enjoy stunning landscapes and delicious food & drink and ultimately have a more rewarding and enjoyable holiday.  

Visitors might even want to spend time giving something back to the local area; recent research has found that one in five Brits say they will give at least some of their holiday time to volunteering this year**.  With plenty of options for voluntourism – combining volunteering with a trip - including the new Dundreggan Rewilding Centre (opening in April 2023), Scotland is the ideal place to give up some holiday time for a good cause.  

Check out some of the following experiences and adventures for making memories to last a lifetime.  

Giving time back…. The world's first Rewilding Centre, based at the Trees for Life Dundreggan rewilding estate in Glenmoriston, is set to open its doors to the public on 14 April with a weekend of activities for visitors to enjoy. More than 5,000 people have volunteered with Trees for Life since 1993, helping to plant two million trees at sites across the Highlands, including at Dundreggan.  Volunteers also help out at our tree nursery, where tens of thousands of native trees are grown from seed each year.  Their efforts have seen the protection and expansion of globally important fragments of Scotland's Caledonian Forest; golden eagles successfully breeding for the first time in 40 years; and populations of other species, such as black grouse, beginning to recover.  Dundreggan is one of a large number of voluntourism opportunities across Scotland such as helping to transform Tormore Forest on the Isle of Skye by tree planting and path building; or creating a Highland Wildflower Meadow Mosaic in Kinlochewe by preparing the seed beds. Similarly, volunteers are sought by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society in Shetland as well as Orkney to carry out watches from designated sites along the Scottish coastline. Volunteers will be trained up to identify common species found in Scottish waters, use specialised watching equipment and record presence and absence sightings data. 

Two wheels or four…. The St Magnus Way, Orkney.  With a new guide launching in April 2023, this pilgrimage walk celebrates Orkney's patron saint, Magnus, some 900 years after his martyrdom. The 60-mile St Magnus Way has it all: manageable daily distances, stunning coastal vistas, unique wildlife, tidal islands, historic interest and so much more. Starting on Egilsay and ending at the St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. For cyclists, the 67-mile St Magnus Cycleway visits the same places as the Way, but runs almost wholly on tarmac and is readily split into two circuits.  For more information, see www.stmagnusway.com  

Head to the seaside by train…  There is nothing quite like being on a train to take the time to relax, switch off and enjoy the journey.  And with plenty of seaside locations – many of them accessible by train – Scotland is the place to be.  For example, head north on the LNER route taking in Edinburgh and Dundee; Stop off at Stonehaven on this route and ask for a 'fish supper' at the Bay Fish & Chips before taking a walk to see Dunnottar Castle.  Visitors can then head to Aberdeen by train and perhaps spot a dolphin or two in the city's harbour.  Alternatively, heading out of Glasgow by train with ScotRail, visit the seaside town of Largs and head to the world-famous Nardini's ice cream parlour. Alternatively, heading out of Edinburgh, take the train to North Berwick and enjoy the independent shops and beaches as well as yummy food at the Herringbone restaurant. Extend the journey by taking a bus to enjoy more of the East Lothian cost, including the beach at Gullane.  

Wild swimming….in the city Feeling at one in nature can be great for mental and physical well-being. Wild swimming – in seas, lochs and other outdoor locations - is an extra special watersport in Scotland.  What's more, fans of the pursuit need not trek far to find the opportunity.  For example, Portobello beach in Edinburgh has been a favourite amongst visitors and locals throughout the years with its stretch of sandy beach and promenade. With its waters granted designated bathing water status from SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency), and its low tide, it's the perfect place for beginners to enjoy the wonders of wild swimming.  Other wild swimming spots around Scotland to try include Achmelvich in Sutherland in the Highlands and Loch Tay in Perthshire.  Swimmers should consult the Outdoor Swimming Society pages for advice on safety before heading out.  

Walks with furry friends… With their heightened sense of smell and spirit for adventure, dogs can make the best travelling companions, encouraging their human friends to live in the moment.  Follow a four-legged friend (who should be kept on a lead in rural areas) to the south of Scotland and the Southern Upland Way – a 214-mile coast-to-coast trail that starts in the seaside town of Portpatrick. Some parts of the trail will challenge even the most experienced hikers but there are sections suitable for all abilities. From Portpatrick, the trail follows the coast with stunning views of Knock Bay and the cliffs to the north. For a rest, dogs and their humans can check-in at the Trigony House Hotel a pet-friendly property, near Thornhill in Dumfries and Galloway. Not only does it offer dog reiki and residential dog training, the hotel also has a lovely garden spa and serves delicious food. For a slightly different vibe, Singdean, an alpine lodge in the Scottish Borders, offers a dog-friendly stay and self-catering retreat in complete peace and quiet, off-grid and powered by renewable electricity.   

Great escape … Scotland is home to the most northerly island in the British Isles, Unst in Shetland, which has the most northerly hotel, the Baltasound Hotel.  Not only that, the Highlands is home to the most remote mainland hotel in the UK, Garvault House (which is completely off grid); as well as the most some of the most remote restaurants, including the Michelin star Loch Bay restaurant on Skye, which celebrates shellfish and fish caught locally in the loch and waters around the island. 

*Quote from Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) 

**Research from Spirit of Highlands and Islands project, March 2023 https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/travel/one-five-say-use-holiday-26551783  

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