Eilean Donan Castle on a sunny day

Glasgow Discover Scotland

As well as being in the heart of Glasgow, Strathclyde is only a few hours away from some of the most scenic and historic locations in Scotland. From our capital city Edinburgh to the Highlands, we have no shortage of places to explore. 

We have ancient archaeology, breath-taking wilderness and acclaimed food and drink. You don't need to fork out to get where you want to go in our wee country, so pack a bag and get out there!

Don't just take our word for it, in 2014, TripAdvisor crowned Lewis and Harris the number one island in Europe as part of the Traveller’s Choice Islands Awards, with Mainland Orkney and the Isle of Mull featured in the top 10.

Lonely Planet named the Scottish Highlands and Islands (including Moray Speyside and Aberdeen) one of the top regions in the world for travellers in 2019, featuring fifth on the list, while the city of Dundee came sixth in the travel Bible’s Best in Europe 2018 hotlist. And let’s not forget Leith, the vibrant port district of Edinburgh which Time Out hailed as one of the 50 Coolest neighbourhoods in the world.

Highland landscape

Highlands

With their misty valleys and dramatic mountains, our Highlands are a must-see experience during your stay. 

The Highlands encompass much of the north of Scotland and is the Scotland that people imagine when visiting. There are so many places to visit and the nearest point is as close as a 30-minute train ride away. Popular spots include Ben Nevis, Cairngorms National Park, Culloden Battlefield, Glen Coe, Loch Lomond and Loch Ness.

The area is seeped in history, which has left behind some of the most beautiful and romantic castles in the world.

Image of the Isle of Arran

West Coast and the Islands

The West Coast of Scotland has many beautiful destinations, popular with locals and tourists alike. 

Nearby coastal spots include Largs, Ayr and Troon, a regular home of Golf's Open Championship.

Further afield, Scotland's West Coast islands are a sight to behold. 'Island hopping' is a great way to get through them all outside of term time. Explore the likes of Arran, Mull, Harris and Skye in this 7-day itinerary.

Birds eye view of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and the East Coast

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the country's second largest city. Trains from Glasgow run several times per day. Taking roughly an hour, it makes Edinburgh an easily accessible day trip. 

Popular destinations include Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament and Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a highlight of the city's calendar, and takes place in August. 

When exploring the east coast, the picturesque St. Andrews is well worth a visit. Further north is Dundee, one of Scotland’s sunniest spots. Situated on the River Tay estuary, there’s plenty to experience in this city of culture. The recently opened V&A Dundee is Scotland's first design museum and the only V&A anywhere in the world outside London.

Finally Aberdeenshire is known for its castles, whisky distilleries, and of course, its famous granite city. It's home to Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the Royal Family. You'll find more castles per acre here than anywhere else in the UK - over 300 in total!

Image of West Highland Scotland

On location

With such varied landscapes and cities, it's no surprise Scotland is a popular destination for filming. From movies to tv dramas, our scenery provides the perfect backdrop. 

Now you can follow the country's movie trails and discover the beauty of Scotland in the process. Some of the most popular destinations are those featured in historical drama Outlander which includes Doune Castle (also featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail), Linlithgow Palace, Dean Castle and Loch Katrine.  

One of the most popular attractions is the Glenfinnan Railway which features in Harry Potter. You can ride the Jacobite Steam Train that doubled as the Hogwarts Express between Mallaig and Inverness for amazing views.

If you're studying at Strathclyde, you're never too far from a Trainspotting filming location - from Princes Street in Edinburgh, Rannoch Moor to the Francos in Glasgow where Begbie's famous pint throwing scene was filmed.

To follow in the footsteps of Mel Gibson's William Wallace, visit Glen Nevis or to go back to Shakespearean times check out The Quiraing, Isle of Skye, where the movie adaptation of Macbeth featuring Michael Fassbender was filmed.

Iconic destinations throughout Scotland

  • Summer sunlight illuminating the iconic arches of the Gelnfinnan Viaduct

    Glenfinnan Viaduct

    As seen in the Harry Potter movies

  • The west face of Stirling Castle

    Stirling Castle

    One of the most important castles in Scottish history

  • View of the pristine waters of Loch Lomond in Scotland

    Loch Lomond

    A 50 minute drive from campus

  • Highland cow on a road in the Highlands

    Highland cow

    On a country road in the Highlands

  • White fluffy clouds in a deep blue sky over the golden sands and ocean mountain shores of the Isle of Harris

    Isle of Harris

    The largest island in the Outer Hebrides

  • Ben Nevis (far right), together with Annoch Mor and Annoch Beag

    Ben Nevis

    The highest mountain in the British Isles

  • Firth of Forth Rail Bridge in Edinburgh

    Forth Rail Bridge, Edinburgh

    A Unesco World Heritage Site 

  • Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness

    Urquhart Castle

    On the banks of the famous Loch Ness

  • Summer sunlight illuminating the iconic arches of the Gelnfinnan Viaduct
  • The west face of Stirling Castle
  • View of the pristine waters of Loch Lomond in Scotland
  • Highland cow on a road in the Highlands
  • White fluffy clouds in a deep blue sky over the golden sands and ocean mountain shores of the Isle of Harris
  • Ben Nevis (far right), together with Annoch Mor and Annoch Beag.
  • Firth of Forth Rail Bridge in Edinburgh
  • Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness