BE PART OF A WORLD-FIRST AT THE UCI CYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
August 2023 will see Glasgow host the UCI Cycling World Championships!
Experience a world-first as road, track, BMX, mountain bike and para-cycling races are brought together, making it the biggest cycling event ever. Watch on the edge of your seat as the world’s greatest riders compete in 13 individual events. There will also be events held across the rest of Scotland, so keep your eyes peeled for more information.
GO ON AN ADVENTURE WITH SCOTLAND’S UNESCO TRAIL
Follow the UNESCO trail, which connects 13 unique sites across Scotland including World Heritage Sites, Biospheres, Global Geoparks and Creative Cities.
From ancient Roman structures to cutting-edge design, amazing landscapes to beautiful cities, you can take on the full trail or tackle it in smaller chunks.
ATTEND A WORLD-CLASS EVENT OR FESTIVAL
From folk music and showcasing tradition to world-renowned art festivals, there’s always something to see in Scotland. Here are just a few events to look out for in 2023:
- Celtic Connections (19 January – 5 February) – taking place in iconic venues across Glasgow, this celebration of folk, roots and world music features musicians from across the globe as well as events, workshops and more.
- SPECTRA (9-12 February) – SPECTRA’s festival of light takes place annually in the northern city of Aberdeen, illuminating the dark winter skies.
- StAnza Poetry Festival (8-12 March) – take a trip to St Andrews in 2023 and discover their much-loved poetry festival. This year sees the festival explore the theme of “wildness”.
- Borders Book Festival (15-18 June) – relax in the surroundings of the Harmony Garden in the beautiful Borders town of Melrose and engage with authors, performers, events and more.
- HebCelt (12-15 July) – there are few settings so uniquely inspiring for a festival than HebCelt on the Isle of Lewis! Lews Castle and the Hebridean seas provide the backdrop for this traditional Scottish folk music festival.
- Tall Ships Lerwick Festival (26-29 July) – this year sees Shetland host the incredible Tall Ships Races. Admire the classic sailing vessels as they make port in Shetland, before heading to Arendal in Norway.
- Edinburgh International Festival (4-27 August) – visit Scotland’s capital in August to soak up the very best theatre, dance, music, opera and more with the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival.
- World Pipe Band Championships (18-19 August) – it doesn’t get more Scottish than the World Pipe Band Championships! Taking place across two days in Glasgow Green, it’s a unique opportunity to hear the best bagpipers in the world compete for this prestigious title.
- Nuart Aberdeen 2023 – Aberdeen’s street art festival attracts artists from around the world to create spectacular pieces of public art in local spaces.
TAKE A TRIP TO SCOTLAND’S NEWEST CITY, DUNFERMLINE
In 2022, Dunfermline became Scotland’s 8th city, but don’t let its new status fool you – it’s one of the country’s most ancient and historic sites.
WHAT SHOULD I SEE AND DO IN DUNFERMLINE?
- Dunfermline Abbey and Palace – a must-visit in Dunfermline, explore the rich history and romantic ruins of the Abbey. It’s also the famous resting place of Scottish hero, Robert the Bruce.
- Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries – this free 5-Star Visitor Attraction has won architectural awards for its new building and houses a museum and library. The mezzanine café is an ideal spot to watch the world go by, with engaging views across to Dunfermline Abbey.
- Pittencrieff Park – take a stroll around the 76 acres of pristine parkland, gifted to the people by Dunfermline-born philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.
- Culross – just a 20-minute drive from the city, get inspired by the colourful cottages and cobbled streets of one of Fife’s most picturesque villages.
TASTE SCOTLAND’S BEST LOCAL PRODUCE
Good food and drink are holiday essentials – luckily Scotland has many exciting restaurants, bars and cafés for you to explore this year.
Why not embrace the local produce and find a food and drink experience that connects you with Scotland’s best produce? Many restaurants in Scotland use seasonal, local produce for you to try, but some go the extra mile. Nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne, Inver holds a Michelin Guide Green Star for its sustainability. They also have luxury bothies on site to stay over after your meal.
RELAX IN NEW SURROUNDINGS
Fancy a stay in a castle, a glamping adventure or a cottage on a remote island? Scotland really does have somewhere to suit all tastes.
ACCOMMODATION TO LOOK OUT FOR IN SCOTLAND 2023
- The Bracken Hide Hotel, Skye – embrace all the Nordic feels with this new wilderness hotel in Portree, complete with cosy cabins, sauna, wild swimming pool and whisky bar.
- 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh – this hotly-anticipated new hotel in Edinburgh’s city centre will celebrate the history of Scottish explorers and adventurers and is due to open in spring 2023.
- W Edinburgh – due to open in winter 2023, this 12-storey luxury hotel will be welcoming guests in the newly-developed St James Quarter.
(Article attributed: Visit Scotland)
