Lothian and Fife

Lothian provides something for everyone, with an eclectic mix of historical sites alongside the cosmopolitan buzz of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh.

Fife, often referred to as the Home of Golf, has a huge variety of courses, including the oldest golf course in the world, in the historic town of St Andrews.

Foodies will also be at home here, with regular markets selling locally produced food and seafood that has been freshly caught in local fishing villages, as well as a fantastic selection of whiskies and craft beers.

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a must for those with an interest in History. Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Royal Mile traces its way between historical landmarks, including two royal residences, parliament, cathedrals, churches, and law courts.

Edinburgh was also the first city to be named a UNESCO City of Literature for its many connections with writers throughout history. Today, there are many attractions dedicated to exploring the area’s literary history, including The Writer’s Museum, the National Library of Scotland, and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

For those wanting to explore Scotland’s royal history, Edinburgh Castle is well worth a visit. Standing proudly on steep volcanic rock, it holds the glittering Crown Jewels of Scotland, as well as the Stone of Destiny.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, has an impressive 640 acre Royal Park.  At the top of an ancient volcano is Arthur’s seat, which marks the highest point of the park and provides incredible views of the city.

As well as its beautiful natural scenery, Lothian & Fife is home to several wildlife parks and gardens, including the St Andrews Botanic Garden, Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World, and the Scottish Deer Centre.

Fans of the arts will be pleased to know that St Andrews has a strong cultural side, with a variety of interesting galleries and museums, including The Fraser Gallery, MUSA, the British Golf Museum, and the Bell Pettigrew Museum.

Foodies should visit the St Andrew’s Farmhouse Cheese Company, the St Andrews Brewing Company, the Lindores Abbey Distillery, or the Jamesfield Farmshop and Farmhouse Kitchen.

Those wanting to explore the quieter side of Lothian & Fife can follow the Fife Coastal Path to discover idyllic fishing villages such as Elie, Pittenweem, Anstruther, and Crail.

Access to Lothian & Fife is made easy by Edinburgh Airport, as well as motorway links such as the M8, M9, and M90.

Travelling between Lothian & Fife is also relatively simple by car, as the two are connected by the Queensway Crossing which runs between Edinburgh and Fife. For those using public transport, walking, or cycling, there is a dedicated route via the Forth Road Bridge.