Exploring Loch Vaa near Aviemore, Scottish Highlands

Loch Vaa is a serene freshwater loch located in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Still waters and stunning mountain views.

Alvie Forest Food: Sustainable Scottish Cuisine in the Highlands

Alvie Forest Food is a unique Scottish dining experience in the heart of the Highlands, offering a seasonal menu.

A guide to Scottish heather, one of Scotland's most famous plants

Discover the rich cultural and ecological significance of Scottish heather in this article. Learn about its history and traditional uses.

A guide to Bass Rock near North Berwick, East Lothian

A short guide to Bass Rock, an amazing wildlife haven in the Firth of Forth near North Berwick and Edinburgh.

Is Scotland within another country?

Which country is Scotland in? A short article about Scotland's place within the United Kingdom.

Spey Bay, WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre and Spey Viaduct Walk

Exploring Spey Bay, WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre and Spey Viaduct with my young family.

Why does Scotland want independence?

A look at Scottish Independence from my perspective living in Scotland starting from the 2014 referendum.

The Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre in Fort William

Janette and I visit The Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre & Larder Café next door to Old Inverlochy Castle.

Boyndie Visitor Centre & Wind Turbine Walk

We visit the Boyndie Visitor Centre and discover the history of RAF Banff and Boyndie Wind Farm.

Macduff Marine Aquarium in West Aberdeenshire.

A mid February visit to Macduff Aquarium, a brilliant place to explore with a young family in Aberdeenshire.

Is Aberdeen a good place to live? A short guide to Aberdeen

Considering a move to Scotland? Aberdeen is a modern and vibrant city with a lot to offer. Lets investigate!

Is cannabis legal in Scotland? Legality and medicinal uses

Discover the current legal status of cannabis in Scotland, including its use for medicinal purposes and the penalties for possession.

An in-depth guide to currency and spending in Scotland

Everything you need to know about currency in Scotland. Scottish banks, ATMs, bank cards and coin/note denominations.

Tomnadashan Mine, Monty Python film location

The deadly beast of beast of Caerbannog resides at Tomnadashan Mine! Are you brave enough to visit?

Aquadome Leisure Pool in Inverness, north Scotland

The Aquadome in Inverness boasts a wave pool, three flumes, lazy river and much more! A great day out with the kids.

The ruin of Rothes Castle, overlooking Rothes in Moray

There isn't much left to see of Rothes Castle, but it's a nice place to visit in Rothes in central Moray while travelling the A941.

The story of Ralston Cairn in Glencoe, west Scotland

Let's look at the story behind Ralston Cairn, situated in the breathtaking Glencoe Valley in west Scotland.

Are there palm trees in Scotland? The answer is yes!

Do palm trees really grow in Scotland? Lets look at this interesting tree which can be found in west Scotland.

The Family Ness, 1980s children's cartoon / TV show.

The Family Ness was one of my favourite TV shows from the 1980s. It revolves around two children and a family of Loch Ness monsters.

The amazing otter, one of Scotland's most beloved animals

Scotland is a haven for otters, hosting around 8,000 of these playful semi-aquatic mammals. Found in both freshwater and coastal areas.

A guide to Broughton Street Edinburgh

Broughton Street, not far from Princes Street, is home to many fantastic independent shops and restaurants.

The ruin of Bernera Barracks, near Glenelg.

The Bernera Barracks serve as a reminder of the government's efforts to assert control after the 1715 Jacobite uprising.

Uig Tower on the Isle of Skye, linked to the Highland clearances

Stories about the Highland clearances rarely end positively, but the people of Skye united against a wealthy landowner in 1884.

What is Scotland famous for? More than bagpipes!

Learn what makes Scotland famous – from its landscapes and cultural heritage to whisky and cuisine.

Ganavan Sands just north of Oban in west Scotland

Ganavan Sands is a peaceful beach near Oban with gorgeous views of Lismore and Mull. Walking, cycling and ancient castles.

Lealt Waterfall on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

One of Skye's lesser known waterfalls found on the Trotternish Peninsula, Lealt Falls is something special.

Golf courses in Aberdeenshire in northeast Scotland.

A comprehensive guide to the best golf courses in the Aberdeenshire area of northeast Scotland.

Guisachan House near Tomich and Glen Affric

Guisachan House, a fine mansion built in mid 1800s by Lord Tweedmouth. Famous as the birthplace of the golden retriever dog breed.

Visiting Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

John and Margaret Luckwell take us on a trip to Stornoway, the largest town on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.

Earthquakes in Scotland: Seismic activity in Scotland.

All about earthquakes in Scotland. Does Scotland experience them? How powerful are they? Find the answers and more.

Scotland Travel Blog

Chris Thornton | Road Trip, Road Tripping

Welcome to Live Breathe Scotland, my name is Chris Thornton and this is my online space to blog about all things in my home country of Scotland. You'll find it full of practical information and advice on Scottish travel, places to stay / accommodation suggestions, cost, walks, a day trip, road trip itinerary / travel guide and general things to experience around Scotland. Maybe even a few Scottish recipes!  I also go into detail of Scottish history for each location I write about.

Live Breathe Scotland

Scotland is one of the world's premiere destinations with incredible mountains, ancient castles, fresh air and deep cool lochs. There are many fun road trips such as North Coast 500 & Islands, South West Coastal 300, North East 250, The Argyll Coastal Route and The Borders Historic Route. Golfers will be at home on many of our world-class golf courses, especially at the birthplace of golf - St Andrews.

I'm based in Moray, on the beautiful Moray Firth Coast, famous for its coastline (Bow Fiddle Rock) and wildlife.  More than half of Scotland's Whisky distilleries are based here and there are many tours available to see them.

Scottish Highlands is home to the highest mountain in the UK - Ben Nevis near Fort William and Loch Ness south of Inverness, world-famous for the monster legend.

Scottish Cities

The cities of Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow have a great deal to offer first time travellers with attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Harry Potter tours or Glasgow Science Centre and the Riverside Museum and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Edinburgh is also world-famous for its New Year's celebrations.

The Scottish Isles

Scottish Isle's such as Orkney, The Isle of Skye and Isle of Lewis & Harris / Outer Hebrides have some of the most rugged scenery and great beaches in Great Britain. Up Helly Aa in Shetland is also a major attraction to experience.

National Parks

Scotland is home to two national parks, an important nature reserve and an area of special scientific interest. These parks have some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland.

Scottish Food & Drink

Scotland is famous for its award-winning food and drink industry to rival anywhere in the world. With over 130 distilleries, Scotch Whisky is a major export to the rest of the world. Distillery tours are popular amongst tourists from America, Europe and Japan... and also with our English neighbours.

We also have the best traditional music! Speyfest and Belladrum festivals attract international visitors.

Visit Scotland for your next destination for adventures with friends, your experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.  Scotland is also ideal for solo female travelers and you will undoubtedly leave having made some new Scottish friends. 

This Scotland travel blog will help you plan your trip to Scotland, be it a few days or a few weeks.

I love Scotland, I hope you will too!

A location map of articles written on Live Breathe Scotland has now been added here.