Scotland is a land of rich culture, rugged landscapes, and friendly people, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads seeking the best things to do in Scotland trying out new experiences and adventures.
With cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen offering a range of rental properties for expats, Scotland has become a hub for remote workers looking for a change of pace. While the cost of living can be relatively high, the country’s public healthcare system is generally considered good, and there are resources available to help newcomers adjust to the local culture.
Whether it’s exploring and seeking out the best things to do in Scotland, the vibrant streets of Edinburgh or hiking through the majestic Highlands, Scotland offers digital nomads a unique and rewarding experience. The country’s unpredictable weather adds to its charm, with the rugged coastline and rolling hills providing endless opportunities for outdoor activities.
And with a rich history and culture that is celebrated throughout the country, there is always something new to discover and explore the best things to do in Scotland.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what are the best things to do in Scotland, what’s like to live the digital nomad life in this country, from popular locations and visas to the cost of living and healthcare.
Things to do in Scotland
1. The famous northern lights
When the right conditions are met — no clouds, increased solar activity, and limited pollution — there’s a chance you’ll see the northern lights in Scotland and this is one of the best things to do in Scotland. Aim to visit between September through March, and head north to the places best known for their vantage points: the Shetland Islands, the Outer Hebrides, and the Isle of Skye.
2. Walk the Royal Mile in Edinburgh
One of the best things to do in Scotland is see Edinburgh’s Old Town. The best way to reach this is to walk the Royal Mile, a cobblestoned stretch connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, you’ll find shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, and various attractions, including The Scotch Whisky Experience, which Musk recommends. “Visitors can take a tour of the virtual distillery and learn about the distilling process, then discover the art of whisky blending in a guided sensory presentation,” he says.
3. Swinging In Scotland
Head to Perthshire to take the plunge of the UK’s first ever bridge bungee at Killiecrankie (funniest Scottish town name!)
Revellers jump from 132 feet solo or tandem over the River Garry, gloves are recommended for the wait at the top. Action cams are welcomed but customers can purchase photos and shots from the team if not equipped.
4. Surf’s Up In Scotland
The Gold Coast, Jeffrey’s Bay, Thurso…
One of the best things to do in Scotland is surfing. Thurso is the northernmost town of Scotland’s mainland and it is known for its surf. Thurso East at the mouth of the Thurso River is the surf spot which has hosted international competitions.
Brace yourself, autumn and winter months are best for waves.
5. Celebrate Hogmanay
Hogmanay is one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the world, attracting over 100,000 people for the two-day festival. The modern iteration has musical acts, a torchlight procession, multiple fireworks displays, and a large street party.
6. Eat a Scottish breakfast
Different from an English, Welsh, or Irish Breakfast, a Scottish Breakfast, or ‘fry up,’ serves up two different Scottish delicacies, haggis and black pudding. And, not forgetting the important addition of a potato, or tattie, scone or two, and a Lorne, or square, sausage,” says Lucy Paul, marketing executive at the National Trust for Scotland.
7. Drink whisky in Islay
Whisky has a long history on Islay. It’s been made there since the 16th–century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in big distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and is famous around the world.
8. Ski in the Cairngorms
In the colder months, winter sports take center stage at Cairngorm Mountain. Located in Cairngorms National Park, the ski area has 30 kilometers of runs and 12 surface lifts. The mountain is known to accommodate skiers of all levels, from first-timers to experts.
9. Take a day trip to Glasgow
The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is known for its art and diverse architecture, but its people are also an important part of the experience; Fennema notes that “Glaswegian hospitality is legendary. “You arrive as a stranger, and leave as a friend.” While there, Paul recommends visiting the Tenement House, an “authentic time capsule of life.” “Open the door to early 20th-century Glasgow life and discover quirky items, including a ball of soap, turned jet black from years of handling, and a jar of plum jam made in 1929,” she says.
10. Play golf
One of the best things to do in Scotland in golfing. The Scottish invented golf in the 15th century. If you’re not lucky enough to play a round at St. Andrews (the most famous course in the country) there are plenty of other immaculate and challenging courses to keep any golf player happy. Try to play during the low season (between November and March) if you want the lowest prices (St. Andrews, for example, costs 220 GBP to play in high season, versus 98 GBP in low season). Castle Stuart (Inverness), Royal Dornoch (Dornoch), and Muirfield (Gullane) are some other great courses worth playing.
With these best things to do in Scotland, are you decide to work and live here as a digital nomad? Let me give you an insights for Scotland’s popular locations and visas!
Popular Locations and Visas
Regarding popular locations and visa requirements for digital nomads in Scotland, expats may need to apply for a visa or residence permit and provide proof of financial means, health insurance, and other supporting documents. Depending on their nationality, digital nomads may need to go through a rigorous application process before they can stay in Scotland for an extended period. It is important to research the visa requirements thoroughly and plan accordingly.
Despite the visa requirements, Scotland remains a popular destination for digital nomads due to its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen are some of the top digital nomad spots in Scotland. These cities offer a range of amenities such as co-working spaces, cafes, and cultural attractions that cater to the digital nomad lifestyle.
From the stunning architecture of Edinburgh to the lively music scene of Glasgow, there is something for everyone and try the best things to do in Scotland.
Cost of Living and Budgeting
The monthly budget required for sustaining oneself in Scotland is around £1,500, which must be taken into account when planning to reside in the country. This amount covers essential expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and utilities. However, it is important to note that the cost of living in Scotland may vary depending on the city or town. For example, living expenses in Edinburgh and Glasgow tend to be higher than in smaller towns.
Budgeting tips for digital nomads in Scotland include searching for affordable accommodations, shopping at local markets for groceries, and taking advantage of public transportation rather than relying on taxis. When it comes to finding affordable accommodations, there are many options available for digital nomads in Scotland. Websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and Gumtree are popular resources for finding rental properties. It is also worth considering house shares or renting a room in a shared apartment to save money. Additionally, taking advantage of student discounts and promotions can help reduce expenses.
By applying budgeting tips and being conscious of expenses, digital nomads can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture of Scotland without breaking the bank.
Culture and Healthcare
Scotland’s unique customs and traditions, as well as its strong sense of national identity, may pose cultural challenges for expats. It is important for digital nomads and expats to be aware of local customs and traditions when living in Scotland.
Scots tend to be quite reserved and private, and expats may find it difficult to connect with locals. However, there are thriving expat communities in Scotland, such as the American Women of Aberdeen organization, where newcomers can meet others and connect with like-minded individuals.
On the other hand, the public healthcare system provided by NHS Scotland is generally considered good. Expats can access a wide range of healthcare services through NHS Scotland. In addition, PassportCard offers stress-free healthcare experiences for expat families, remote travelers, and workers with 24/7 customer service and over 2 million clients.
Expats can receive up to 10% off on their policy for international health insurance. Overall, digital nomads and expats in Scotland can expect to have access to quality healthcare services.