Make the most of a fleeting,
This summer, Scotland is pulling out all the stops. From world-class golf on the east coast to wilderness adventures in the Perthshire Highlands, this is the season for exploring the country. Whether you're drawn by sport, nature, culture, or the simple pleasures of food and wine, these experiences make a compelling case for Caledonia.
1. Golf & Gardens in East Lothian
East Lothian is everything wonderful about Scotland. Miles of sweeping coastline. Rolling hills blanketed in wildflowers and heather. Unspoiled beaches that would turn heads across the Mediterranean.
And, on top of all that, several of the world’s best golf courses. Far more than just a warmup for The Open at Royal Birkdale, the Genesis Scottish Open is a prestigious DP World Tour event that attracts the world’s best players – including Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. With four spectacular rounds and Toploader headlining in the Fan Zone, the 2026 event is going to be swinging. Find your tickets here.
Prefer birds to birdies? The Scottish Seabird Centre offers boat trips to see the world's largest Northern gannets colony (above), an immersive indoor education centre, and controllable webcams that let you peer into the daily lives of wildlife on nearby islands.
And if none of this sounds taxing enough for you, consider embarking on the John Muir Way. This walking and cycling trail wends through woodlands, along canals, and above sandy beaches. The gradients are gentle, the landscape constantly captivating. An assortment of picturesque villages means there’s always somewhere to grab a fuelling lunch or comfy mattress – and none are better than Greywalls, at the end of your trip.
Greywalls is a luxurious Edwardian country house hotel, neighbouring the world-famous Muirfield Golf Course in East Lothian. With its Chez Roux restaurant and enchanting six-acre garden, it’s the perfect place lay low after a day at the course or on the road.
2. The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow: 23rd July to 2nd August
When Glasgow hosted this elite competition back in 2014, it was a sensation. And this July, the games are back.
What’s beautiful about the Commonwealth Games is that you don’t need to follow any of the sports – or know any of the 3,000 elite athletes taking part – to become ensorcelled by the action and raucously cheering from the stands. Find details of all events and tickets on the official games website.
And after the heady excitement of sprint races and gravity-defying gymnastics, consider an inspiring sojourn to Crossbasket Castle. Choose the period splendour of the 15th-century castle rooms or the art deco-styled estate hotel. Each promises a world of sophisticated comfort.
3. Castles and wine in Royal Deeside
There’s a lot to love about Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire. The dramatic Cairngorms. Charming villages. World-class salmon fishing in the River Dee. But what grabs the most headlines, quite rightly, is the region’s rich royal heritage.
Balmoral Castle is the British Royal Family’s Scottish home. In recent years, King Charles III and Queen Camilla have expanded public access to both the grounds and, for the first time in 170 years, the castle interiors.
The grounds and exhibitions are open every day from 10am to 5pm. Exclusive castle tours and Land Rover expeditions get you even closer to the lives, and legendary history, of the royal family.
What you can't do is cosy up in any of the bedrooms. Fortunately, just half an hour down the road is Luxury Scotland member Douneside House, a spectacular country house hotel. If you’re on the fence about visiting Deeside this summer, their full-bodied 'Walk on the Wine Side' package should quickly settle the debate.
Two nights’ accommodation. Guided tours of the property and local landscape. Regular refreshments, live music, and wine tastings. A bespoke tasting menu with wine pairings. Sumptuous breakfasts. All from just £625 per person.
Phone Douneside House on 013398 81230 or email info@dounesidehouse.co.uk to enquire about taking a walk on the wine side.
4. Into the wild with RVIVAL
Monachyle Mhor is a sophisticated boutique hotel in the Perthshire Highlands. Straddling Loch Voil and towering mountains, its restorative location allows guests to truly connect with the wild. And RVIVAL is the best way to do it. 
What RVIVAL offers is immersion. Through wilderness escapes, you can learn traditional skills like foraging and wild cooking, navigating unfamiliar terrain, and identifying plants and wildlife. You can refresh mentally and physically by moving between the icy lake and sauna. At the end of each spirited day, it's back to the exceptional food and elemental comfort of Monachyle Mhor.
Bliss.
5. A castle dinner with Michel Roux Jr
Since event doesn’t take place until November, this last entry is a little cheeky. But trust us, you'll want to purchase your seat at the table this summer – because they won't hang around long!
On November 25th, Michel Roux Jr will be hosting an exclusive Dinner with Matching Wines at Inverlochy Castle. The event includes an overnight stay in one of the castle’s characterful rooms and a full breakfast the morning after.
After acquainting yourself with the castle’s grounds and impressive social spaces, canapés and welcome drinks will be served from 7pm. From there, you and your fellow gourmands will be seated for the main event: a fascinating, masterful dinner with Michel Roux Jr.
This package is available from £850 based on two people sharing a large double room. Alternatively – or indeed, additionally – Michel will be hosting an exclusive cooking masterclass in the daytime, revealing the finer points of his favourite dishes. This will, of course, be succeeded by wine and lunch.
