Scotland's best bits, from Highlands and islands to top city breaks

Simon Calder’s Travel Week [SUBSCRIBE]( [SUBSCRIBE: £20 FOR 1 YEAR]( August 20, 2023 [View in browser](   SIMON CALDER’S TRAVEL WEEK [The Independent]( [The Independent]( For a small country, Scotland sure packs a punch when it comes to holiday appeal. [Everything you need to know before planning a trip to Scotland]( Rugged, untouched landscapes that sing with a raw, ethereal beauty year-round? Check. Buzzing, attractive cities bursting with history, culture and enviable food and drink scenes? Check. And then there's the whisky... If you fancy taking in as much of Scotland's sweeping vistas as possible, consider[one of these great Scottish road trips](. Those looking to relax and experience some of the country's untouched white-sand stretches should check out [this selection of Scotland's best beaches](. Or plan a trip to one of its top-tier cities with our [Edinburgh guide]( or [Glasgow guide](. Northern voyage On Northlink Ferries from mainland Scotland to Orkney and Shetland, peak fares end on 31 August. The 90-minute journey from Scrabster to Stromness on Orkney (the only ferry that passes the Old Man of Hoy) falls to £19.35 for foot passengers. [SCOTLAND'S UNESCO TRAIL]( [Isles of Scilly]( National galleries The much-delayed Scottish galleries at the National in Edinburgh will open on 30 September. The 10 new galleries feature work by Anne Redpath, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys. Admission free. [A FLIXBUS ADVENTURE]( [Save on a Highlands walking holiday]( Intrepid is offering more than £200 off its five-day Cairngorms trip departing September 30 Get 10% off excursions on the Viator app]( Save when booking tours, activities, sightseeing and cultural visits by using code APPFIRST10 [Cruise Scotland's lochs with Kirsty Wark]( Join the Scottish broadcaster on a five-night small ship cruise through picturesque isles Enjoy a year of unlimited digital access for just £99 £20 ✓ Full access to Premium news analysis ✓ Advert-free reading across web and app ✓ The Independent Daily Edition newspaper ✓ Puzzles, virtual event tickets and more [SUBSCRIBE NOW]( Inspiration Love island Introducing the dating-style app that matchmakes you with your perfect Scottish island escape. [GET INSPIRED]( Microguide Edinburgh's cultural 'hood With the best views in the city and cutting-edge art spaces, the capital’s ‘other’ peak, Calton Hill, has been reinvented. [GO TO GUIDE]( It’s Tinder for tartan-eyed travellers. A Love Island app for thalassophiles Mike MacEacheran Scotland expert Hotels Affordable stays Scotland's best hotels that won't break the bank, from a four-star by Loch Ness to a characterful inn en route to the Isle of Skye. [BOOK NOW]( Focus on Laid-back Inverness The Highlands’ capital makes for a pressure-free, low-impact summer city break. [READ MORE]( [The best hotels on the Isle of Skye – including cosy inns and coastal retreats]( [Where to see the Northern Lights in the UK – and when's best to catch them]( [Hiking the Hebridean Way: This 156-mile walking route is the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of the Outer Hebrides](   PICK OF THE WEEK: JET2HOLIDAYS [Say hello to Madeira from £519. Dreamy landscapes, mouth-watering cuisines and an array of aquatic activities... we could only be talking about the idyllic island of Madeira. With spectacular scenery and a medley of must-dos, every day in this picturesque paradise promises a new adventure.](   [These 13 pairs of trail running shoes will help you break away from the beaten track]( [SHOP NOW]( [The 10 best air beds for both indoor and outdoor sleepovers – including single and double options]( [SHOP NOW](   OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE [Climate News]( Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats]( IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now]( [Climate News] Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats] IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now](   The Independent proudly partners with [Refuge]( and the [National Domestic Abuse Helpline](: 0808 2000 247 If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Travel_Newsletter_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.