From epic anniversaries and a reimagined landmark castle to the Knights who say ‘ni,’ here are 10 tidbits of news or note, some even a little bit quirky, emanating from the land of bagpipes and kilts for this summer and beyond.

 

1. Glasgow’s 850th anniversary – Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, is celebrating its 850th anniversary in 2025 with a range of events and activities marking the occasion and celebrating a city renowned for its rich culture, food and drink, striking architecture, world-class events, exciting visitor attractions and welcoming atmosphere.

 

2. Outer Hebrides Voted Best in the World – Each year, National Geographic releases its Best of the World list, celebrating destinations and travel experiences that illuminate our beautiful world and the diversity of communities and people within it. The Outer Hebrides has been named as the only UK destination on the 2025 list with recognition given to its breathtaking landscapes and unique heritage.

 

3. The Inverness Castle Experience, Inverness – Opening later this year, the Inverness Castle Experience will be a new visitor attraction celebrating the ‘spirit of the Highlands’ through its stories of past, present and future. The existing castle buildings and esplanade gardens are being transformed from their original use as the home of Inverness’ prison and courts into a celebration of the Highlands of Scotland where visitors will be able to take a journey through the gardens, the two towers guided by a seanchaidh – storyteller – who will help to reveal stories which celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.

 

4. Seaton House – Situated near the first tee at the world-famous Old Course at St. Andrews, where the first ever game of golf was played 600 years ago, the new hotel offers 5-star luxury hospitality with spectacular views across West Sands beach.

 

5. The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh – A new Visitor Centre and Shop incorporates never seen before images and films, setting the scene for the Royal Yacht’s rich history. The Gift Shop will be a cornucopia of Royal and heritage gifts, as well as unique treasures inspired by Britannia. Discover luxury homewares, jewellery, chinaware and stunning accessories.

 

6. Edinburgh Military Tattoo – The popular event celebrates its 75th Anniversary of the popular event with their milestone show, ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’ from Aug. 1 to 23.

 

7. Monty Python & the Holy Grail – Fans of the comedy based on King Arthur’s legendary hunt for the Holy Grail can celebrate the classic film’s 50^th anniversary by visiting Doune Castle, a striking gatehouse in Stirlingshire that was used in the filming of the movie.

 

8. Old Petty at Cabot Highlands, Inverness – The Cabot Collection has announced that Old Petty, the much-anticipated Tom Doak designed golf course at Cabot Highlands in Inverness, will officially open for preview play from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30. Old Petty joins Cabot Highlands’ renowned Castle Stuart golf course, ranked among The Top 100 Courses in the World by Golf Magazine. Guests must book a round on Castle Stuart (£330 green fee) to request an Old Petty preview play booking (£190 green fee). The grand opening of Old Petty will be in Spring 2026, with bookings to be announced.

 

9. The Last Bookstore – The recently opened restaurant and bar is a book lover’s paradise in the centre of Glasgow. The bar’s walls are lined with over 8,000 books and a stunning book arch for the perfect photo op, and the cocktail menu is inspired by literary heroes, such as Ernest Hemingway, Dorothy Parker, and Jack Kerouac.

 

10. The Wee Waddle, Edinburgh Zoo – A reimagined version of the world-famous parade, which first began as an accident in 1950 when some of the penguins escaped their enclosure, has resumed after being suspended due to the pandemic and rise of the avian flu. Now visitors can once again watch the gentoo, rockhopper and king penguin colony take a stroll along the walkway next to Penguins Rock as they explore a new area outside of their usual habitat. The Wee Waddle is included in Edinburgh Zoo tickets and takes place Thursdays to Sundays at 2:15 p.m.

If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning.  It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.