Scotland’s UNESCO Trail, which includes the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, is highlighted in the Rough Guides’ list Best Destinations to Visit in 2024.

Under the category ‘Best destinations for meaningful travel’, the dedicated digital trail connects 13 place-based designations across the country, including World Heritage Sites, Biospheres, Global Geoparks and Creative Cities.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: 

“Responsible tourism is at the heart of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail and so it’s fantastic so see Rough Guides recognising the trail as one of the best for meaningful travel. 

“The trail takes visitors on an inspirational journey through Scotland’s rich history and heritage, stunning landscapes and the art, music and literature which create our unique culture. It is all part of our sustainable destination development to encourage visitors to stay longer, travel sustainably and explore our regions throughout the year. 

“This recognition is further proof of the popularity that Scotland holds for visitors worldwide and will give encouragement to industry for the coming year.” 

Rough Guides full list of designations included in Scotland’s UNESCO Trail are:

• Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
• Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere
• Dundee UNESCO City of Design
• Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature
• Glasgow UNESCO City of Music
• Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark
• North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark
• the Forth Bridge UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Antonine Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site
• New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Old and New Towns of Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Site
• St Kilda World Heritage Site.   

Rough Guides 24 best travel destinations for 2024

UNESCO Trail, Scotland

The first country in the world to link all its UNESCO sites along one route, Scotland’s UNESCO Trail is an amazing way to take in tonnes of natural and cultural wonders.

With thirteen sites in total ­— six World Heritage Sites, two Biosphere Reserves, two Global Geoparks and three Creative Cities — the UNESCO Trail showcases Scotland’s richness while encouraging visitors to travel more responsibly.

As for the route, it covers a remarkable variety of UNESCO designations and a diversity of destinations — from the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, to the Global Geopark of Shetland. From St Kilda’s World Heritage Site islands in the Outer Hebrides, to Edinburgh, a UNESCO City of Literature.

While it’ll take around 40 days to cover the entire trail, one of its allures is being able to dip in and out of it, and return to it year after year.

Expert’s tip: if you can, take a trip to Orkney to see the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s utterly enchanting, whether you’re into ancient history or not.

24 Best Travel Destinations for Meaningful Travel 2024, Rough Guides

“The digital trail was designed specifically to support the ambitions of the national strategy to make Scotland a world-leading responsible tourism destination by encouraging visitors to stay longer, visit all year round, make sustainable travel choices, explore more widely and at the right time of the year, and in turn, contribute to the sustainable quality of life of those communities surrounding the designated sites. ” – VisitScotland