Fairy Pools Skye

6 Places you’d never believe are in Scotland

“Fairy Pools Skye” by Gary Craig is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Every country has it’s little surprises but these places will take your breath away. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of places you’d never believe are in Scotland! Be prepared to be blown away by fairytale like scenery and scenes worthy of an “Outlander” episode or two. Without further ado let’s dive into the list!

 

Dunrobin Castle

“Fairytale Castle” by Wendy is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 

 

Dunrobin Castle

You’d think this was something out a fairytale book! Dunrobin Castle is situated in the Highlands, known as the “jewel in the crown of the Highlands.” The castle is home to The Earl of Sutherland, however it is possible to go and snoop around the royal quarters as a visitor. A visit to the castle is the perfect opportunity to channel your inner prince or princess and presents the chance to even dine like royalty in their tea room restaurant! This wonderful place only has limited rooms open to the public but a trip around the castle will allow you privy to the dining room, the music room, the entrance hall, the breakfast room, the drawing room and the library. As Dunrobin Castle is still inhabited, it is one of the oldest inhabited properties in Scotland – playing home to the earls and dukes of Sutherland as far back as 1401.

 

The Merry Dancers

“Icy Sky at Night” by Nick Bramhall is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 

 

The Merry Dancers

 

Would you believe it if we told you that you don’t need to trek all the way to Scandinavia to view the Northern Lights? You can actually witness them from areas of Northern Scotland, Orkney and even Shetland too. In Orkney the lights are considerably predominant in the night Sky and can often be seen. Of course, in true transitional style, these lights have many stories and tales attached to them. They’re known as “Na Fir-Chlis” which is Gaelic for The nimble or lively ones. This name is somewhat appropriate and it is worth noting that the history of these tales dates back further than anyone can remember. A saying in Orkney about these “lively one’s” announces: “When the Mirrie Dancers play, they are like to slay”.

 

Fingal's Cave

“Fingal’s Cave Staffa” by dun_deagh is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 

 

Fingal’s Cave

 

Fingal’s cave is a wondrous place in Staffa, an island located in the Scottish region of the Inner Herbrides. The cave has beautiful turquoise water running from the ocean into cave mouth and its sides are like chiseled out pillar. The top of the cave is spiked resembling a medieval mace. This place’s aesthetic beauty is definitely unquestionable. But would you have ever believed it was in Scotland?

Scottish Scenery

“Eilean Donan Castle #2″ by Pavel Lunkin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 

 

Eilean Donan

 

Eilean Donan is a quaint tidal island in Scotland situated on Loch Druich. The island is home to Scotland’s most famously photographed location. The castle standing on this little island is simple but has made it’s way onto consumer packaging, television and online advertisements as well as even calendars featuring Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. This is a must see location and be sure to get your own snap of the castle yourself!

 

Viaduct

“Glenfinnan Viaduct” by Antonio Caiazzo is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 

Glenfinnan Viaduct

 

We’ve all seen the Harry Potter movies but would you believe the viaduct that the Hogwarts Express goes over is located in Scotland? Some major Harry Potter fans will already know of this place but for the average “Joe” this will be news. The viaduct is located above Loch Sheil on the West Highland Train Line overlooking the Glenfinnan Monument and the calm gulf of Loch Sheil.

 

Fairy Pools at the Isle of Skye

The fairy pools are a stunning place to take a walk, you can also swim in the pools but they are rarely – if ever – warm, so if you’re going to take a dip we’d advise a wet-suit! There are numerous pools in the area, but the most famous and probably the most exciting is “the arch.” You can swim in here and take the exhilarating dive through the waterfall.

 

Places you’d never believe are in Scotland

The natural beauty in Scotland is so spectacular it can be hard to comprehend that such a place exists outwith storybooks and folk tales. Of course, this is just a small snippet of what Scotland has to offer – and there are plenty places you’d never believe are in Scotland just waiting to be discovered.