responsible tourism scotland

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Sustainable & Responsible Tourism in Scotland

Find out what responsible travel means to Scotland and how you can plan and enjoy a responsible trip.

What is sustainable or responsible tourism?

Braewick Caravan & Campsite

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Sustainable tourism is holidaying in an eco, green and environmentally friendly way.

Responsible tourism is considering the wider impact your trip could have on the country you're visiting, and the world.

Your choice to travel responsibly can help:

• protect the landscape
• boost the local economy
• and provide funding for new and innovative projects

Choosing a destination

Consider visiting during less popular times of year and discover places off the beaten track.

River Garry

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Popular Off-Season Destinations

Scotland is home to many iconic and famous landmarks and locations, which are really popular. If you want to visit them, consider travelling in quieter months in spring, autumn and winter. The weather is more changeable, but we still get plenty of sunshine and there are lots of outdoor activities that benefit from wind, rain or snow!

Canisp, Cul Mor and Cul Beag seen from Stac Pollaidh

Summer Hidden gems

If you are travelling during summer, why not consider visiting some lesser-known places this time? We've got plenty of ideas for places off the beaten track which will still give you an amazing experience.

Fraserburgh Beach

© Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

Deciding how long to stay for

There are many benefits to staying longer - you can take your time, savour the experiences, and be more flexible with your plans. You can choose to come back again on a quieter day or have that extra travel time to go further.

Borders Railway

How you'll travel around

Scotland's public transport options are great for travelling sustainably around the country. There are electric cars, frequent train services, buses, coaches and a wide network of cycle and footpaths.

Things to do on holiday

Crafty Distillery, Newton Stewart

Find out about eco-friendly businesses in Scotland. We've got some great examples of how businesses are sustainable, and all you need to know about the Green Tourism business scheme.

Respect the landscape

You should always be respectful of the landscapes and communities you visit. We ask everyone to tread lightly and consider how their behaviour impacts each other and Scotland.

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Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Explore Scotland's outdoor land responsibly by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

A Guide to Outdoor Safety in Scotland

Scotland's scenery can be stunning but also wild and rural. Be prepared with the correct clothing and equipment.

From Deep Time to Our Time

Filmed across the Cateran Ecomuseum, watch how the destination champions car-free holidays by using low-carbon ways to travel.

Dedicated conservation holidays

If you want to make a bigger contribution, you can choose to dedicate your holiday to looking after Scotland and learning more about responsibility.

Wild swimmers at Arbirlot Falls

© VisitScotland / Kate Abbey

Try a conservation or volunteering holiday where you can learn all about Scotland's landscapes, what you can do to help restore and protect them, and give back to communities in the process, all through eco-friendly tourism activities.

Coming soon

Inner Forth cycle route - Forth Bridges

© Inner Forth Futures/This Way Up Media

Inner Forth Bike Bus

Explore the wonderful landscape of the Inner Forth area by bus. The seasonal transport will be piloted for over two years and will run on Sundays between 21 April until the end of October in 2024 and again in 2025. It's also free of charge!

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Responsible Tourism

Visitscotland plays a lead role in the development of responsible tourism through taking direct action on issues under our control, as well as encouraging and supporting responsible tourism development through influencing and collaborating with industry, communities, destinations, visitors and strategic partners. there are four strands to our responsible tourism strategy for scotland:, support scotland’s transition to a low carbon economy, ensure tourism in scotland is inclusive, ensure tourism contributes to thriving communities, support the protection, and considerate enjoyment of scotland’s natural & cultural heritage, respecting nature and contributing to develop the local economy is important and a chance for many scottish businesses to create innovative and sustainable projects. responsible tourism has a wide range of benefits which scotland relies upon as a destination., visitscotland travel trade team has compiled various tools to help you create sustainable programmes with our dedicated itineraries and a list of suppliers that have been awarded green tourism and working hard to support the economy in connection with the environment. further inspiration can also be found in our consumer website  sustainable & responsible tourism in scotland ..

Responsible Itineraries

Visitscotland travel trade team has created a series of  responsible itineraries reflecting visitscotland’s commitment to the development of responsible tourism practices and a net zero sector, by protecting scotland’s natural assets now and for future generations. our inspirational itineraries will feature a variety of responsible experiences, including enjoy a walk in one of scotland natural reserves, explore a city with an electric bike or eat a delicious meal made from sustainable local produce..

Scottish Suppliers

A list of suppliers working with the travel trade is available on the travel trade site. check our comprehensive list of suppliers who have stepped forward and committed to special rates, discounts and commissions exclusively available for the travel trade. within our list of suppliers a special category has been created for those companies who have also developed responsible products and/or are part of the green tourism scheme..

Green Tourism Certification

Tackling climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing scottish tourism now. the green certification is a guarantee that the business you want to promote on your social  media channels or book as part of a trip you are planning for your clients is committed to the environment and community by increasing sustainable business practices. check our visitscotland corporate site to learn more about the  green tourism certification schemes  scottish businesses are applying to and the criteria a business needs to implement to officially become green certified..

Respect the Landscape

We’re asking visitors to show their commitment to preserve scotland’s natural assets and beauty for now and generations to come, tread lightly and consider how their behaviour impacts each other and scotland. your clients will be able to explore most of scotland’s outdoor land, but it is important to be safe and prepared with the correct clothing and equipment. please read and share our guide to safety outdoors   and learn how to  tread lightly in scotland ..

Responsible Tourism Toolkit

On visitscotland’s digital media library you can access our responsible tourism toolkit   where you can find a wealth of images and videos,  spanning from responsible businesses and best practices to outdoor activities and camping. please register to our digital media library for free and get access to a wide range of assets you can use to promote scotland responsibly..

Inclusive and Accessible

Scotland is a naturally welcoming country. inclusive tourism ensures that all visitors can have a great experience without barriers. on the travel trade website you can find a list of suppliers  working with travel trade that categorise as accessible and inclusive. more on accessible holidays  can be found on our consumer website where you can browse further ideas and detailed access information on attractions, activities, food & drink and places to stay across scotland., sign up to our visitscotland travel trade enewsletter, sign up now to receive inspirational information about scotland, product updates, events and webinar invites, all from visitscotland and relevant to your market. by signing up you are indicating your consent to receiving our e-newsletter. you can unsubscribe at any time. we will also use your details in accordance with our privacy policy. view our privacy policy ..

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Climate Change , Visitors

Written by: Vanessa Glindmeier Fri 12 November 2021

What is sustainable tourism?

Every industry in Scotland is reflecting on the changes we need to make to tackle the climate crisis, including our tourism sector. Responsible Tourism Coordinator Vanessa Glindmeier looks at the future of sustainability in Scottish tourism.

Whether you like to visit historic places, help to look after them, or run tours and visitor operations, you’ll have noticed the boom in local tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although this is not a new phenomenon, sustainable tourism has become a bit of a buzz word lately. But what exactly does it mean?

With the world’s biggest climate change conference, COP26 , taking centre stage in Glasgow this year, every sector in Scotland is reflecting on the changes needed to tackle climate change.

Here at Historic Environment Scotland, we operate some of Scotland’s most iconic historic places as visitor attractions. While world leaders discuss global initiatives to address the climate emergency, the Scottish tourism industry is asking what can we do to make a difference?

Sustainable and responsible tourism could be a way forward.

Sustainable tourism is a way for visitors to enjoy Scotland’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, heritage, and culture, whilst reducing tourism’s negative impacts and increasing its benefits. It focuses on the tourism industry as a whole. Every step of the journey is important, from environmentally friendly ways of travel to authentic experiences at any destination. We must all work together to make tourism a real force for good.

Alongside responsible tourism, which focuses on enabling individuals and businesses to act sustainably, sustainable tourism should achieve two main goals:

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• benefit local communities and economies

Visitors have been visiting Scotland’s historic places as tourists for hundreds of years . How can we ensure visitors can continue visiting sustainably for hundreds more years to come? Image © Courtesy of Historic Environment Scotland (John Hay Collection)

What can sustainable tourism do for Scotland?

Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts. There are three main areas affected by tourism:

• society and culture
• the economy
• the environment

The socio-cultural impact of tourism is rooted in how tourists interact with the culture and communities they visit. In 2019, Scotland saw over 150 million visitors. Any uncontrolled influx of people can place local areas under stress. In extreme cases, this can cause resentment by locals towards tourists and even the loss of traditional industries and authenticity.

However, when visitors support small local businesses (for example by buying food, gifts, and crafts made in the local area), or when they take part in authentic experiences, immersing themselves in the local history and culture, they enable communities to grow and thrive.

Locally crafted products, like these candles produced in East Lothian and sold at nearby visitor attractions, have minimum impact on the environment.

Income from our visitors supports our local businesses, generates jobs and helps to build and maintain infrastructure which should first and foremost benefit our communities, as well as our visitors.

As visitors flock to see destinations in Scotland, our environment can also struggle to cope. More visitors mean more traffic – pedestrians and vehicles – causing wear and tear to our landscapes, more pollution, and damaging wildlife habitats.

But, if we all tread lightly and promise to leave only footprints and take only memories, we can ensure the natural environment remains a place for all to enjoy.

One way to reduce our environmental impact is through renewable energy sources. At Crichton Castle, despite it being a 14th century tower house with no mains electricity supply, we have installed solar panels. This decreases our dependency on finite resources and reduces our carbon footprint.

How does tourism affect climate change?

The Scottish Government has ambitious climate change targets, and sustainable tourism has such a big part to play in our route to net-zero. Globally, tourism contributes around 8% of carbon emissions. The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report has highlighted again the need to prioritise reducing emissions to avoid more than 2°C global warming by 2050.

Greenhouse gas emissions are produced by all aspects of tourism, including travel, accommodation, hospitality, and retail. Sustainable tourism can encourage visitors to lower their carbon footprint by taking fewer trips and spend longer at their destinations, choose lower carbon methods of transport and promoting energy efficiency.

How can we protect places we visit?

One of our first lines of defence is research. If we can better understand the impacts of tourism, climate change and more, we can find solutions to tackle them. It also means we’re able to take decisions that will bring the biggest benefits.

While we’re out at sites – especially unstaffed sites that aren’t routinely monitored – you can help with this research. Monument Monitor is a project inviting visitors to become citizen scientists.

Photos people take of our historic places can help us identify trends, including climate change impacts, and flag issues relating to heritage crime. With the help of responsible tourists, we can ensure our sites are cared for, for future generations to enjoy.

We can also manage our impacts on the environment and host communities. Remember you are a guest, so always respect locals, wildlife and the environment.

Scotland’s tourist destinations can also be a haven of biodiversity. Dryburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders has formed large wildflower meadows. These meadows are not only a gem to look at, but also benefit pollinating insects, such as bees and other creatures in the flora and fauna.

Some of the pressures on the environment and host communities can be alleviated by hosting events outwith peak times, which differ from destination to destination. Offering activities all year round and all around the clock not only creates more stable employment, but also ensures communities don’t rely on typical tourist seasons.

These events are also a great opportunity to share the local culture and traditions with visitors, enriching their journeys, fostering respect and creating value.

Burns Night is a tradition that has been enjoyed for over 200 years. Visitors come from far and wide – and even participate virtually – to take part in this Scottish festival

A sustainable sector

It’s not only visitors who can do their part. Tourism organisations and heritage bodies should develop low-carbon ways of working.

This includes how organisations like us operate and looking at the entire tourism life cycle:

• retail and active
• sustainable travel
• sustainable procurement
• circular economy
• waste management, such as reducing food waste and the use of single-use plastic items

We have changed from plastic bags in our gift shops, to paper bags printed with non-toxic ink. We also offer a 25p discount when using a reusable cup to encourage their use over single-use items.

Want to know more? Discover how we’re working towards sustainable tourism at HES in our Climate Action Plan .

About Author

Vanessa Glindmeier

Vanessa is our Responsible Tourism Coordinator. In her role, she supports the organisation in the transformation of our business model to reflect the principles of Responsible Tourism. Vanessa studied Modern Languages, and Cultures, and Economics (BA) over in Germany, and Heritage and Cultural Tourism Management (MSc) at Edinburgh Napier University. Tthe latter has paved the path for her to join HES and work to care for our historic environment. View all posts by Vanessa Glindmeier

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How to... , Scotland

Responsible tourism in scotland: 19 travel tips for a positive impact.

Beautiful scenery, pristine coastlines, breathtaking views – the stunning landscape is inarguably one of Scotland’s greatest assets. But rising visitor numbers, fast-paced bucket list travel, and a growing number of people who’ve “discovered” the outdoors are piling on the pressure. More pollution, overtourism, and dirty camping are just some of the issues Scotland is dealing with. Let’s talk about how to travel better and make a positive impact through responsible tourism in Scotland.

This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.

As a travel blogger who loves Scotland – I moved here for what I thought would be a year, 8 years later I’m still here – I am thrilled to see how popular Scotland is around the world.

The country has been celebrated as a top destination in travel magazines from Rough Guides to Lonely Planet. It has been featured on TV shows and films from Outlander to Harry Potter.

Everybody loves Scotland – and everybody wants to visit.

And that’s great! Tourism is so important for the Scottish economy – all this love and desire to visit creates jobs and opportunities, particularly among young people and in remote or rural communities. My entire job exists because of it and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

BUT – and there is always a but – it’s not all whisky and unicorns. Tourism – when it’s not managed well – can have a devastating impact on local communities and the environment.

From a lack of affordable housing and strain on local infrastructures to erosion of paths from unmanaged footfall and environmental pollution – overtourism is a real problem in Scotland, especially in honeypots like Edinburgh or the Isle of Skye .

The good news is that each and every one of us can do something about it – by making the right choices, we can be “better travellers” and make a positive impact on the communities we visit.

This article is a guide to responsible tourism in Scotland. Read on for:

• The difference between irresponsible travel and overtourism ,
• Tips for planning a responsible itinerary for Scotland,
• Tips for sustainable travel ,
• How to do responsible marine tourism ,
• How to have a positive impact on local communities , and
• Making eco-conscious choices on the road.

This article isn’t meant to shame anyone who didn’t realise that their behaviour is irresponsible, or put a downer on someone who wants to visit Scotland’s beauty spots.

I hope this article…

• gives you food for thought by highlighting issues you might have not thought about before,
• offers inspiration for your next trip,
• is a resource you want to share with friends and family to spread awareness.

Table of Contents

Irresponsible travel vs. Overtourism

First of all, it’s important to distinguish irresponsible behaviour from overtourism. There are some significant differences in the way I understand and use these two concepts.

Irresponsible tourism

…is about individual behaviour that is harmful to local communities and the environment. At best, it’s caused by a lack of awareness or knowledge. At worst – it’s a sign of deliberate ignorance. This can affect any destination and is often increasingly harmful in remote communities.

Overtourism

…isnt’ so much about individual choices, but rather about visitor numbers reaching a critical mass. This creates pressure that can easily boil over. This usually affects so-called “honeypots” – popular locations that see a lot of footfall.

Even though I think it’s important to distinguish between irresponsible behaviour and overtourism, the results of both are similar and unfortunately, they often go hand-in-hand.

How to plan a responsible Scotland itinerary

First, let’s talk about planning an itinerary that encourages responsible tourism in Scotland.

Travel off the beaten path

One of the easiest ways to see Scotland in a responsible way is to choose destinations that are off the beaten path. Leave the crowds behind and visit lesser-known regions.

Admittedly, you may not get to say you’ve seen Scotland’s most iconic locations, like the Old Man of Storr or the Glenfinnan Viaduct. But in return, you will be able to enjoy Scotland’s countryside without the crowds.

Here are three tips to plan an off-beat Scotland itinerary:

• Think about what you want to experience in Scotland and find regions that offer what you’re looking for.
• Read travel blogs, follow local travel experts and take their advice and recommendations to heart.
• Hire me to plan a bespoke Scotland itinerary for you !

Find out how to choose the best Scotland itinerary for you!

Slow down and stay longer

I appreciate that you may have limited time to spend in Scotland. A week or two of paid vacation per year, doesn’t leave a lot of time for slow travel.

But I promise that if you slow down and spend more time in fewer locations, you will feel more deeply connected with the areas you visit. You can still do a lot and experience different things, but you can also have a more positive impact on the region you stay in.

So, slow down and spend more than one night in each overnight location. You might even hire a cottage for an entire week and explore the surrounding areas from there.

Nervous about driving? Learn about UK traffic rules & etiquette with the useful online guide by Tripiamo .

Book activities with responsible organisations

The dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the coast is on top of many Scotland bucket lists. But how can you immerse yourself in this fragile environment responsibly?

Whether you want to go hiking, kayaking, river rafting, coasteering or stand-up paddleboarding, I recommend booking these activities with responsible organisations. Companies that work with nature and local communities, and don’t just exploit them for financial gain.

Instead of booking with big international brands who “parachute in” for guided trips, book with local organisations that have a meaningful connection with their surroundings and take care of the environment.

A great resource to find such responsible companies is Wild Scotland . Their members are outdoor and wildlife activity providers who adhere to a code of ethics and best practices to reduce their impact. You can read more about them here .

Alternatively, look for members of the Scottish biospheres or organisations that are listed on national park websites.

You might also like: 18 Outdoor Activities to try in Scotland

Sustainable travel tips for nature

Thinking about your impact on nature is often the first thing people think about when it comes to travelling sustainably.

“Wild Scotland encourages visitors to come and enjoy Scotland for the beautiful landscape, incredible wildlife and diverse range of activities on offer – which all play their part at connecting people with nature and the great outdoors.  Collectively, we have a  responsibility  to look after our wildlife and protect and nurture the natural environment we live and work in. Let’s make sure we play our part in saving our beautiful planet so that the next generation can enjoy it as we have. Do your bit now!” – Victoria Brooks, Wild Scotland

Avoid unnecessary transport

Transport is often the biggest issue when you travel to Scotland. Depending on where you come from, or which places you want to see, flying and driving feel inevitable. But there are many things you can do to avoid or limit fossil-fuelled transportation on your trip:

• Offset your flight’s carbon footprint. This isn’t the be-all, end-all of responsible travel, but if you have to fly in order to reach Scotland, it’s a good start.
• Travel by public transport ( here’s how ) or join a small tour group like Rabbie’s to share your carbon emissions.
• If you hire a car , book the smallest or most efficient car possible and minimise your mileage by travelling slowly.
• Or instead, book a cycling or walking holiday . There are many fantastic long-distance trails to hike in Scotland.

You might also like: Visiting the far north of Scotland – the Flow Country

Reduce your plastic waste

In Scotland, there is really no need to buy bottled water. Buy or bring a refillable water bottle – the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

Take it one step further and bring tote bags for shopping, a bamboo cutlery set that can be reused for takeout and solid toiletry products to avoid those pesky hotel shampoo bottles.

Learn about the Scottish environment

I believe that the more we know about the environment, the more we will want to protect it.

There are many places where you can learn about Scottish environment, wildlife and nature, such as visitor centres at our National Parks and National Nature Reserves , natural sites that are owned by the National Trust for Scotland , the UNESCO Biospheres in Galloway and Wester Ross, botanic or woodland gardens and more.

Brownie points, if you don’t just visit, but also support these organisations’ work by donating.

Explore Scotland’s national parks and natural beauty with my ready-made Mountains & Lochs itinerary !

You might also like: Where to see Scottish Wildlife

Respect the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 grants public access to land whether it’s privately owned or not.

There are many benefits from land access rights; but irresponsible access can cause issues, such as pollution, disturbance of wildlife or destruction of habitat.

Dirty (wild) camping, in particular, has caused a stir lately and there are some who argue wild camping should be regulated more . To me, that defeats the purpose of “real” wild camping though.

If we want to keep enjoying the benefits of land access rights, we need to take responsibility and care for the land we’re on. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code lays out useful principles and guidelines that help us do just that.

This includes among others:

• Don’t litter. Carry your rubbish back home with you and dispose of it where there are plenty of bins available.
• Don’t light fires, especially when it’s dry. Don’t harm trees to collect firewood. Don’t use single-use BBQs on grass as it leaves burn marks for years.
• Know where and how to poo in nature. Only dispose of chemical toilet waste in appropriate facilities.
• Don’t “wild” camp in the vicinity of houses, historic sites, churches or graveyards. Wild camping should be done away from roads and villages.
• Don’t park overnight in places where it’s not allowed.
• Don’t disturb wildlife, i.e. by walking too closely, touching wild animals or feeding them.

You might also like: 11 Educational & Science-Based Tourism Experiences in Scotland

Responsible Marine Tourism

Look out for the wise scheme certification.

If you’re looking to book a boat trip to see local wildlife, like seal colonies, seabirds, dolphines or whales, make sure the boat company is certified through the WiSE Scheme .

WiSE is the UK’s national training scheme for minimising disturbance to marine wildlife. Boat operators and outdoor providers who offer water activities on the coast can attend their courses to learn how to responsibly behave around marine wildlife.

If you book with a WiSE certified company, you can rest assured that their guides and skippers have received the right training to minimise any potential harm done to marine wildlife you might encounter on your trip.

Choose low-impact activities

Speed boats, jet skies and the likes are fun, but they often run on diesel which makes them ecologically questionable. Instead, choose low-impact activities to enjoy the wonders of the Scottish coast.

Generally speaking, any activity you do under your own steam could be considered low-impact, so self-powered adventures like swimming, snorkelling, diving, sea kayak or paddleboarding. You could also book go coasteering or seatrekking with a guide.

You might also like: 7 amazing water activities to try on the Scottish west coast

Do land-based activities

There are many ways to discover the treasures of the Scottish coast from land.

Boat trips are a fantastic way to encounter marine wildlife, but the noise from boats and ships can also be disturbing to the animals – especially whales, dolphins and porpoises who rely heavily on sonar for communication. The Hebridean Whale Trail provides a fantastic alternative: land-based whale watching .

Developed by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, the Whale Trail consists of over 30 sites across the west coast and the Hebridean Isles where it’s common to see marine wildlife from the shore. The viewpoints might overlook seal colonies, especially deep sections of water or known feeding areas for cetaceans. The trail also highlights great local businesses to support and alternative activities, should the whales be in hiding.

I love swimming and snorkelling in the sea, but if you’d rather not get wet, explore the tidal zone at low tide instead. Go rock pooling and see what critters you can find, or beach combing to look for washed-up shells.

You could also try foraging for seaweed . Virtually all seaweeds in Scotland are safe to eat – although some taste better than others. How many different ones can you find?

Listen to my interview with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust in which we talk about the Hebridean Whale Trail and more sustainable tips for marine tourism in Scotland.

Avoid eating farmed salmon

Scottish salmon is famous around the world, but did you know that virtually all of it comes from fish farms? We don’t have much wild salmon left in Scotland and the remaining population of Atlantic salmon face a series of serious issues.

Fish farms are prevalent all over the Scottish coast. And while they provide much-needed employment in rural communities, they are ecologically damaging to the coast and marine wildlife. This includes the risk of transferring diseases from farmed salmon to wildlife, the discharge of chemicals, fish faeces and excess feed and the disruption of coastal habitat such as seagrass meadows or oyster beds.

Fish farms also often acoustic sound deterrents to deter predators such as seals (not to mention that they sometimes illegally shoot seals too). These sound deterrents also cause sound pollution that affects whales, dolphins and porpoises in their communication.

The salmon industry is controversial in many coastal communities in Scotland. I’d stay away from salmon dishes on the menus. Go for sustainably fished options instead – like langoustines, monkfish or mackerel. Or even better, choose the vegan options .

Keep track of your travel memories with my Scotland Travel Journal !  

Sustainable tourism with local communities in mind

Responsible tourism in Scotland must go further than taking care of the environment – it must also apply to the way we as visitors treat and impact local communities.

“Scotland is a friendly country with many beautiful wild landscapes, but these are not theme parks – they are places where people live and work all year round, as well as being home to fragile plants, animals, birds and insects. We know that visitors don’t come with the intention of vandalising these places or causing disruption to the lives of locals, but even small instances of thoughtless behaviour multiplied many times over can add up to serious havoc to people and nature.” – Alan McCombes, John Muir Trust

Engage with Scottish Gaelic culture and language

Gaelic culture and language is integral to Scottish history, heritage and identity. In order to fully immerse yourself in Scottish culture, you have to also engage with Gaelic culture. Learn about the history of Gaelic people – including the history of the Highland Clearances and try to understand how the language has shaped Scottish communities and landscapes.

Here is a whole article with tips for engaging with Gaelic culture as a traveller .

Be a responsible hiker

Being a hiker who is considerate to the local community, means making sure that they wear appropriate clothes , carrying the necessary equipment , checking weather forecasts and making wise decisions about when to turn around.

Because failing to do these things means you might get yourself into trouble and worst case, you’ll require assistance from the local Mountain Rescue Team. Rescuing unprepared hikers off a mountain in bad weather can be a dangerous undertaking and puts strain on local resources.

PS: Of course, don’t hesitate to call for Mountain Rescue if you need it by calling 999, asking for Police and then Mountain Rescue.

Drive and park responsibly

Irresponsible parking is a huge issue in rural communities near honeypots. When car parks are full, some drivers park in driveways or passing places, or on roads with a double yellow line where parking is not permitted.

This behaviour can cause accidents or block road access for locals and emergency vehicles.

When a car park is full there’s nothing you can do but move on. Arrive early to secure a parking spot. Or have a plan B in mind and be prepared to drive to another location.

You might also like: My top 10 Driving Tips for Scotland

Respect people’s privacy and homes

To you, it’s a picture-perfect village with cute houses. To the locals, it’s their home.

If you want to photograph a person, ask for their permission. For pictures of children, ask their parents or guardians as they aren’t old enough to consent.

Taking pictures of a house? Consider: Would you want someone to photograph your house? Do what you can to minimise your impact – i.e. avoid geotagging the exact address, avoid including the house number or street name, and for the love of God, don’t enter people’s gardens to take pictures.

Don’t do it for the gram

People do all sorts of things “for the gram” – just to get a picture for social media. From standing near dangerous cliff edges or promoting dangerous paths without pointing out the risks, to dangling off iconic landmarks (like the John O Groats sign ) – all of this is irresponsible behaviour and isn’t worth the likes you’ll get for it.

Personally, I also try not to touch historic monuments that are thousands of years old (like standing stones) to avoid contributing to erosion.

There are many ways to take beautiful pictures for your social media that don’t have a negative impact on local communities, landmarks or the environment.

Listen to The Land of Stories for an audio journey to the Scottish Highlands & its people.

Support local businesses

Stay at locally-owned accommodation.

Housing is a huge issue in Scotland, especially in rural communities in the Highlands and islands where many locals are prized out by wealthier buyers who can afford to buy second homes or buy-to-let. Some villages have barely any residents left.

I know the appeal of a self-catering cottage and like I said above, staying in one place for longer can be a great way to travel responsibly. However, try to avoid self-catering homes that aren’t embedded in the local community. Try to find a place that is owned by locals, and lies in a village that has more than just holiday lets left.

Traditional B&Bs, where you stay in a separate part of the host’s house, are a fantastic alternative. Not only are you staying in locally owned accommodation, but you also have access to your host’s vast local knowledge.

If hotels are your thing, search for small, family-owned hotels.

You might also like: My favourite unique places to stay in Scotland

Book local tour guides

There is nothing quite like spending a few hours or a day with a local guide. They know their home region better than a travel guidebook can ever convey. Hiring a tour guide will enrich your stay and allow you to connect with a local.

Some of my favourite experiences in Scotland have been hiring local guides.

• Our hiking guide on the Isle of Mull showed us wildlife, hidden waterfalls and a great loch for wild swimming.
• My whisky guide in the Speyside knew all the secrets of the whisky industry.
• My stargazing guide in Galloway taught me an awful lot about space and mindfulness.

You might also like: Experiencing Mull & Iona with Local Guides

Shop at small local businesses

Try to spend your travel budget in local communities whenever you can.

That can mean booking a family-run B&B over an international hotel chain, having lunch in a local cafe instead of picking up supplies at a supermarket, or buying locally-made crafts instead of imported souvenirs.

Of course, I appreciate that you might be travelling on a budget – but even on a small scale, this can have a really big impact.

If we want many more people to enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands in the future, we must do what we can to promote responsible tourism in Scotland.

So, whether you drive the North Coast 500 or go island hopping in the Outer Hebrides, I hope that these responsible travel tips have inspired you to consider your impact when you travel.

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Responsible Tourism research

This section will provide summaries of research carried out to support the Responsible Tourism and Destination Net Zero activities

Scotland Residents' Views on Responsible Tourism (2021)

Research was commissioned by VisitScotland and carried out by 56 Degrees Insight to learn how residents feel about climate change and explored the sustainable behaviours that they may adopt when on holiday in the future.

A summary and the full report of the research findings are available on VisitScotland's website

Tourism Industry Net Zero Survey (2021)

VisitScotland commissioned Progressive Partnership to undertake an industry survey to investigate the attitudes and behaviours of Scottish tourism businesses towards a carbon neutral economy.

Details of the findings can be found on the visitscotland.org website

Related content for Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism data, responsible tourism, responsible tourism goals.

HES Responsible Tourism Framework

Closed 30 Nov 2022

Opened 28 Sep 2022

Vanessa Glindmeier

(Responsible Tourism Coordinator)

0131 668 6871

[email protected]

Scotland’s tourism sector has a key role to play in tackling the climate crisis and achieving net-zero while contributing significantly to the Scottish economy. There is growing recognition of the importance of responsible tourism and its benefits, that can be enjoyed by all without detriment to communities and the environment.

In response, we, as the largest operator of paid-for visitor attractions in the country, have created a Responsible Tourism Framework to set out how our organisation will transform its approach to reflect the principles of responsible tourism, continuing to make our historic sites outstanding attractions that tell Scotland’s story while respecting needs of local communities, visitors, the environment, and of cultural heritage itself. 

Having already consulted internally, we are now seeking your feedback. Please ensure that you read the full document and its accompanying Environmental Report , which sets out the findings of our Environmental Assessment of the draft Framework, before completing the consultation.

Please provide one response per organisation. Thank you for taking this time to share your views with us.

• HES Responsible Tourism Framework 7.6 MB (PDF document)
• HES Responsible Tourism Framework - Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report 581.4 KB (PDF document)
• HES Responsible Tourism Framework - Strategic Environmental Assessment Non-Technical Summary 234.3 KB (PDF document)

Archives and Research

Responsible Tourism Framework

Transforming heritage tourism

The Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Responsible Tourism Framework aims to support our organisation in transforming our business model to reflect the principles of responsible tourism, where we mainstream environmental, social, and economic sustainability in everything we do, so that tourism’s benefits can be enjoyed by all without detriment to communities and the environment.

The purpose of this framework is to define our understanding of, and role in, responsible tourism. It outlines the principles guiding our organisation’s decision-making and around which we can build actions going forward. The framework sets out how tourism in the historic environment can contribute to better quality of life and meaningful experiences for all, now, and for future generations.

The plan is for our organisation, although the principles it contains may be of interest to others.

Date Published:

Publication types:, download pdf.

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Following extensive consultation, the SSDA, VisitScotland, South of Scotland Enterprise, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council and all relevant public bodies have together launched a ten-year South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy (2024-34), which will:

Increase our visitor economy by £1 billion , to £1.76bn by 2034..

Support a further 6,000+ jobs , to 20,000 FTE posts by 2034.

The Responsible Tourism Strategy is an integral part of the overarching Regional Economic Strategy and has been formally welcomed and endorsed by the Scottish Government and all public agencies at the Convention of the South of Scotland. 

It sets out how, together, we will transform our visitor economy by:

• extending the season and developing the South of Scotland as a year-round ‘rural escape’ destination for the 14m people within 2-4 hours travel time
• becoming a ‘go to’ rather than a ‘go through’ destination
• increasing international visitor numbers, who spend significantly more and stay longer than domestic visitors.

22 key areas of work are identified in the strategy, across four strands:

• Inspire visitors to come to the South of Scotland
• Develop the visitor experience , with a focus on quality
• Support business to succeed
• Act responsibly for long-term collective benefit

2024-27 Action Plan

Behind the Strategy is a detailed three-year (2024-27) Action Plan.  For each of the 109 actions identified, the Action Plan states:

• which organisation has lead responsibility for delivery and which others are supporting
• how these actions will be delivered
• what indicative timescales will be followed
• what, together, we aim to have achieved by 2027

This Action Plan is a dynamic document.  The delivery partners will reprt quarterly on what has been achieved and consult annually on how the Action Plan should be updated to remain relevant and impactful.

The Consultation Process

The Strategy came directly out of an inclusive, transparent and far-reaching consultation process, involving hundreds of businesses, communities and key individuals, with: 14 in-person meetings across the region (receiving over 3,500 data submissions), 13 digital thematic meetings, 20 deep-dive one-to-one meetings, visitor sentiment tracking, an open online consultation, two meetings of the Regional Economic Partnership, and extensive business engagement.

In keeping with our commitment to transparency, we are delighted to share the input we received through these consultations, including:

• The formal record from all 14 in-person meetings ( Galashiels ,  Loch Ken ,  Dumfries ,  Kelso ,  Moffat ,  Annan ,  Duns ,  Eyemouth ,  Selkirk ,  Sanquhar ,  Hawick ,  Peebles ,  Newton Stewart ,  Stranraer )
• WordClouds showing how all 14 areas see the South of Scotland
• AI-generated collation of all data received, across all consultation modalities.

The Drafting Process

Following the consultations, the five partner agencies (SSDA, SOSE, VS, DGC, SBC) then had an independent expert collate all input from the consultations and make formal recommendations from this data, which informed an initial draft of the strategy.

This first draft was taken to: the Strategy Advisory Group, made up of key stakeholders and industry representatives; a further group of elected business leaders; and then the Regional Economic Partnership.

Encouragingly, the consistent steer from all was to ‘dial up the ambition’!

With these steers, an updated second draft was written, with increased ambition, vision and leadership for the South of Scotland. This second draft was published at the start of 2024 and there was a final public consultation on this text.

This final consultation on the draft text included: 14 in-person Locally Led Destination Development meetings across the South of Scotland bringing together local businesses, an online survey, digital meetings, and briefings for all Councillors and key Board members.  In this way, businesses, communities and key partners were able to give their feedback and make suggestions on how the text could be improved.

Final edits were made, informed by the 205 suggestions received but, overwhelming, the draft text was warmly welcomed by those who fedback.

Businesses and communities have given strong support for the Responsible Tourism Strategy.   Of those who have given feedback:

• 84% felt there has been an inclusive, transparent and fair consultation
• 93% felt the views they shared in the consultation are represented in the strategy
• 95% saw themselves being involved in the delivery of the strategy
• 97% saw themselves benefitting from the strategy

  This hugely positive feedback is crucial because it cannot just be a public sector strategy.  In chairing the 27 consultation meetings, the SSDA said throughout that if when a full draft strategy was shared, it didn’t have resounding support from businesses then the whole process would be stopped and we would start again from scratch until we had a plan that inspired the public, private and third sector.

  Now we have a clear, compelling and ambitious strategy, which everyone is bought into and will benefit from, it’s just a matter of getting stuck in and starting to deliver.

  We will, together, make the South of Scotland the most sustainable, talked about, successful, energetic, and coveted destination in Scotland.  Because #ScotlandStartsHere.

Join us on this journey.

SOUTH OF SCOTLAND DESTINATION ALLIANCE

LATEST NEWS

• South of Scotland aims to become Scotland’s “Fastest Growing Visitor Economy by 2034” as Partners unveil New Responsible Tourism Strategy
• How the South of Scotland can learn on the hoof from Iceland
• Peebles Hydro named as venue for the 2024 South of Scotland Thistle Awards as entries open to local businesses
• SSDA Annual Members Survey
• The Thistle Awards are back for 2024, honouring the South of Scotland’s magnificent tourism and hospitality sector

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Scottish Connections Framework

This Framework sets out a cohesive and cross-cutting approach to diaspora engagement. It outlines a series of commitments and ambitions to strengthen and expand our relationships with, and between, Scotland’s international communities, and expand on existing work with our established networks.

Visiting Scotland – Haste Ye Back

Tourism is one of Scotland’s most important industries, creating wealth and jobs and strengthening our international reputation. In 2019, almost 3.5 million people visited Scotland from around the world. [18] The majority of visitors came on holiday, with a significant number visiting friends and relatives, and more than 350,000 people travelling for business. The latest insights from the International Passenger Survey [19] indicates that visitor numbers have recovered throughout 2022, with figures for Q3 (Jul-Sept 2022) showing that Scotland out-performed the rest of the UK .

The industry-led national tourism strategy Scotland Outlook 2030: Responsible Tourism For A Sustainable Future [20] was launched in 2020. It sets out a vision for Scotland to be “the world leader in 21 st century tourism”, including a commitment to provide high-quality, memorable experiences that benefit visitors. Encouraging people to visit Scotland forms one of the key pillars of our Brand Scotland partnership approach.

Our visitors

People choose to visit Scotland for many and varied reasons. VisitScotland research has consistently shown that Scotland’s traditionally recognised attributes – scenery and landscapes, and history and culture – are the strongest motivations for choosing to visit. The proportion of people citing these factors is higher than average when it comes to North America and Australasia, which have the highest numbers of Scottish diaspora.

These reasons are often given by our international students too, when they are asked why they chose to study in Scotland. Those who study here often develop a deep affinity for Scotland, leading them to make return visits themselves, and to encourage their friends and family to visit and develop their own love of the country.

VisitScotland

One of the primary ways the Scottish Government supports tourism is through the sponsorship of VisitScotland, Scotland’s national tourism organisation. VisitScotland leads a range of activities to encourage tourism to Scotland, and provides information for visitors while they are here.

Ancestral or diaspora tourism features as an integral part of VisitScotland campaigns. These have been consciously broadened in recent years to reach younger travellers, including those with ancestral links. VisitScotland will continue to engage with heritage diaspora to illustrate the rich experience of exploring their ancestry , as well as encouraging diaspora groups to act as ambassadors, spreading these messages more widely to their members, followers, and wider personal networks.

VisitScotland also works with commercial tourism in-market such as tour operators and travel agents, providing them with tools and information to help inspire bookings to Scotland.

Heritage and ancestry

Many visitors identify their Scottish heritage as a key motivation for choosing to travel to Scotland. In VisitScotland surveys, between a quarter and a third of visitors to Scotland from the US , Canada, Australia, and New Zealand cite their ancestry as the main reason, or at least one of the reasons, for choosing to travel. [21]

Post-pandemic travel has seen an emerging trend of people using travel advisors to organise their trips; a desire for more meaningful travel; and multi-generational trips, all of which fit well with encouraging ancestral tourism visits.

Working collaboratively with VisitScotland, we will encourage those with Scottish heritage to travel here and explore their own history . Through our digital offering, we will highlight tourism opportunities in Scotland with a heritage link .

Our national tourism strategy commits to help people explore more of Scotland while they are visiting. We will work with the National Records of Scotland to encourage use of the ScotlandsPeople website – promoting the opportunity for heritage Scots to trace local records and ‘follow in the footsteps’ of their ancestors while visiting Scotland. We will also continue to work with public bodies including Historic Environment Scotland and National Museums Scotland, which play a vital part in maintaining and educating visitors about our heritage sites and artefacts.

We will collaborate with partners – and where applicable, our International Network of offices – to continue to engage with key heritage events around the world such as New York Tartan Week , using these gatherings as an opportunity to promote Scotland as a tourism destination.

Cultural tourism

Whether the traditional or more pioneering aspects of Scotland – or a combination of both – culture is a theme that runs through most tourist itineraries. Our cultural appeal is twofold – both Scotland’s heritage, and our dynamic arts and cultural scene, bring visitors to Scotland.

Our thriving summer festivals attract a huge number of visitors, creating an affinity diaspora of performers and contributors. Cultural moments including St Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night not only encourage visitors but are celebrated internationally by those with a connection to Scotland.

In recent years, film and literature have emerged as key drivers for tourism. Screen Scotland estimated that in 2019, 656,000 overnight visits in Scotland were linked to screen tourism, generating nearly £65m for the Scottish economy. [22] VisitScotland research has shown that the films and TV shows most quoted by visitors are those with strong Scottish connections: Braveheart, Highlander, Outlander and Shetland, while others such as Skyfall and Marvel’s Avengers are known for their inclusion of Scottish film locations.

From traditional haggis to sustainable gin, food and drink are a key part of Scotland’s culture. Aligning with the Food Tourism Action plan, we will showcase the varied opportunities for visitors to experience a true taste of Scotland – from restaurants to distilleries to farm shops.

Whether people share our heritage themselves, or have developed a strong affinity to our arts, music, or traditions, Scotland’s diaspora communities are passionate about culture. Through VisitScotland and the wider Brand Scotland partnership, we will capitalise on these cultural opportunities to encourage people from across the world to explore their own Scottish connections .

Homecoming and themed years

Homecoming 2009 and Homecoming 2014 were two year-long events held to celebrate Scotland, led by the Scottish Government and VisitScotland along with a wide range of partners across Scotland. [23] Together, the events generated around £190m for the Scottish economy.

The “themed years” tourism and marketing approach – formed after the success of Homecoming 2009 – is designed to drive the sustainable economic growth of Scotland’s tourism and events industries. Through co-ordinated national activity, it spotlights some of Scotland’s greatest assets such as Scottish arts, culture, food and drink, nature, activities, history, and ancestry.

A second “year of homecoming” was designated in 2014, while recent themed years include the Year of Coasts and Waters (2020-21) and Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

The Outlander Effect

With stunning mountains, lochs, islands, historic cities, and castles, Scotland’s locations have played a starring role in a wealth of productions.

A series of novels and short stories by author Diana Gabaldon gave Scotland a boost on the world stage when they were adapted for the TV series Outlander, which launched in 2014. Production is based in Scotland, prompting visitors from across the world to join the increasing trend of “set-jetting” by visiting the film locations and real life historic sites featured in the show, and for many, to more purposefully explore their connections with Scotland.

The Moffat Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University, through their Visitor Attractions Monitor, revealed that from the start of Outlander broadcasts in 2014 through to 2020, visitor numbers at 23 Outlander-related attractions throughout Scotland rose by an average of 19%. In 2014 overall visitor numbers numbers at these 23 attractions totalled 1.47 million. By 2020, the total number of visitors had increased to 3.2 million. Being a location for Outlander also led to additional benefits for sites, including the opportunity to develop of new products and themed events, and interest from other productions. The varied filming locations means that economic benefits have been distributed throughout Scotland.

Outlander has also played a hugely valuable role in the growth of the screen sector in Scotland, including through talent development.

Supported by Screen Scotland, the Outlander training programme was established to foster TV production skills training for young people to help them progress in the film industry. Traineeships are offered in many creative and technical roles, helping young people to get a start in the sector.

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For Sustainable Exploration, There’s No Better Place Than Scotland

Close your eyes and the scene comes to life: dawn unfurling its ethereal golden hues over the Scottish Highlands, the first light caressing the dew-kissed heather. Afar, the haunting melody of a stag's call pierces the crisp air. And in between, towering peaks stand as silent monuments over the serenity of glimmering lochs, their depths etched deep into the earth by the hands of time. Welcome to Scotland, as seen through the lens of Insight Vacations , where the journey is as much about safeguarding treasures as it is about uncovering them.

Scotland is not just a land of breathtaking beauty—it’s a beacon of environmental action. With its bold "climate emergency" declaration and a key role in the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, Scotland sets the stage for sustainable exploration. Insight Vacations has joined forces with VisitScotland in a pioneering three-year partnership. Together, they're on a mission to make travel greener, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. This collaboration brings together innovative tools like carbon calculators and carefully chosen suppliers, all in the pursuit of a lighter footprint on our planet. In an era where the call for responsible travel grows increasingly urgent, Insight Vacations sharpens its mission through its signature Make Travel Matter® Experiences, alongside synergistic partners that help ensure an enduring positive impact.

Explore Glencoe and the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands with your guide, a local ranger.

Each journey with Insight Vacations encourages guests to become custodians of nature and culture. The new Scenic Scotland tour , spanning eight days, showcases the splendors of Glasgow, Oban, Inverness, Edinburgh, and beyond, all through a prism of sustainability. Guests are treated to immersive experiences that bring them face-to-face with Scotland's efforts to balance conservation with modernity. Among them, a visit to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, a sanctuary where the wild heart of Scotland beats strong. Here, conservation experts share the intricate dance of reintroducing native species—like the majestic Caledonian pine, elusive lynx, and industrious beavers—back into their natural habitat, a critical step in nurturing one of Europe's most precious ecosystems. The journey takes a personal turn at the Ardgowan Estate, over a traditional Scottish tea with the estate’s lively steward, Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart, affectionately known as "Ludo" to friends and guests alike. With a warm smile and stories to share, Sir Ludovic unveils his visionary approach to intertwining the estate’s historic charm with forward-thinking sustainability practices. From minimizing food waste to ambitious renewable energy projects, this encounter is more than just a delightful afternoon tea—it’s a glimpse into Scotland’s climate-conscious commitments, served with the hospitality for which Scotland is renowned.

Explore centuries of history at the stunning Ardgowan Estate.

The ethos of Insight Vacations is best described as a melding of profound knowledge and exceptional quality, tailored for travelers who seek a refined experience. Armed with their global outlook and curiosity, guests can expect a journey marked by personalization and exclusivity—a “business-class” style of touring with small groups, specially designed coaches, outstanding dining experiences, and carefully vetted four- and five-star hotels situated in prime locations. This meticulous approach ensures that each traveler fully immerses themselves in the essence of their destination, from Edinburgh’s pioneering initiatives (recently crowned the world’s premier sustainable tourism destination ) or exploring the mosaic of cultures and landscapes afar.

For the traveler with a global perspective and a craving for the unique, Insight Vacations stands as a distinguished choice for premium exploration. To view their journeys as simple travel would be to miss the essence entirely; rather, they serve as a beacon, illuminating a deep-seated dedication to the planet's awe-inspiring beauty. It’s an unspoken pact, carried on the winds of Scotland and far beyond, that forms a bond between the explorer and the boundless wonders of the natural world—a vow of guardianship that resonates across time.

Enter to win your very own Scenic Scotland tour for two at insightvacations.com/sustainable-scotland .

StatShot series | influencer marketing

Raising awareness of scotland through influencer marketing.

Influencer marketing has grown rapidly to become one of the most popular ways for organisations and businesses to gain exposure online.

It can help you to reach new and larger audiences, build trusted reviews and bring new, exciting content to your campaigns and social media channels.

Through our influencer marketing team, we've collaborated with a number of influencers across channels including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and blogs to showcase Scotland and everything it has to offer.

To share more about our work across our marketing activity, and the impact it has had, we’ve launched a new video series called StatShot.

It helps brings to life the different elements of our work, sharing some of our success and how we're helping to grow the visitor economy. 

Check out our second video on influencer marketing and keep your eyes peeled for the next in the series coming soon.

StatShot series episode one

Watch our first video in the series on partnership marketing, related links, why working with influencers is good for business, using influencer marketing to promote your tourism business, driving year-round visits to scotland, bringing scotland to life through each season of the year.