My Favorite Things to Do in Scotland

My name is Sawyer Pratt and I am studying International Business and Marketing at Oklahoma State University. I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Stirling, Scotland and earn a micro-credential through my program during my time, which helped me make the most of my experience through attending different events and trying new things associated with my host country!

Scotland is such an amazing country with the most breathtaking views, incredibly rich history, culture, and the kindest people. It is perfect for group trips or solo trips and there is so much to do no matter what you are into. From my time spent here, these are my top five recommendations of things you must do or experience if you come to Scotland—which you definitely should!

1. An absolute must-visit: the Scottish Highlands.

If you don’t check out the highlands while in Scotland, you are truly missing out on a life-changing experience. My time with CIS Abroad has been one of the most unforgettable experiences. The scenery of the highlands is indescribable, they are truly breathtaking and will blow you away.

If you plan on coming to Scotland, make sure you give yourself enough time to do a road trip or guided tour of the highlands!

2. Visit smaller villages.

Visit lesser known places near the highlands or the coastline, like Callander, Aberfoyle,
or villages near St. Andrews, for a unique experience. I am the type of person that truly enjoys a good walk around scenic areas and these villages not only have amazing views, but they give you a glimpse of the community and values of Scottish people. This was just one of the great views from Aberfoyle:

3. Go to Edinburgh.

While the city is very touristy, it is for good reason. I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid some of the crowds. When there, check out Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument, The National Museum of Scotland, and the National Portrait Gallery. There is so much to do and explore. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and experiences that you could easily spend multiple days here!

4. Take a tour of at least one castle.

There are so many old castles scattered around Scotland, from some that are merely ruins now to others that are restored for the ultimate tours. Scotland is a very old country, especially compared to the United States, and visiting a castle is an important rite of passage to getting a view of Scottish history. I really enjoyed Stirling Castle, which might be a little biased as it is my host city, but there are plenty of other castles you can visit no matter where you are in the country.

5. Try a traditional haggis meal.

Haggis is considered one of the most traditional staples in Scottish cuisine but unfortunately has gotten a bad reputation from people who aren’t too adventurous with food. While it is a unique dish, I have had it several times and it has always been quite tasty! Except for the time I tried it on pizza—there were just too many flavors and textures going on for me.

Haggis is a dish that combines ground meat, onions, oatmeal, salt, and other spices and is traditionally served with “neeps and tatties” (turnips and potatoes, that is). While the look of it might not be the most appealing, it tastes absolutely delicious and is seasoned very well!

Although I only listed five, there are countless other things unique to experiencing Scotland. It is such a lovely place and, like any other area, there is so much to do, see, and explore, and my experience here has been so incredible. From all of the incredible places I got to see to the memories I’ve made with locals, this country will forever have a piece of my heart. While I haven’t even left yet, I am already trying to figure out the next time I will come to visit. I will cherish this country and the memories I’ve made for a lifetime.

If you are debating whether studying in Scotland is the right choice for you, I will say you will truly enjoy it if you like a slower lifestyle, scenic views and trails wherever you go, culture, and a little unpredictable weather!

If you are unsure about studying abroad in general, if you can make it happen, do it! It is one of the most life-changing experiences that you will never forget. Studying abroad is one of those things that, no matter what, you will regret not doing more than you will ever regret doing it, regardless of the experience you have.

If you're interested in exploring more of Scotland, check out all of CIS Abroad's available programs here!

Blog by Sawyer Pratt, Oklahoma State University