If you’re dreaming of a trip to Scotland, whether enticed by photos of heather rippling in the breeze or due to your Outlander addiction, there is so much in this gorgeous nation to experience. Many of the most wonderful sights and experiences are rooted in the history and culture of the country, stretching back over the centuries and sharing a fascinating glimpse into the past. “That’s one of my favorite things about visiting Scotland,” says Jeannie Ralston, NextTribe’s Founder and CEO. “The past is alive everywhere! Dancing to folk music in a local pub, for instance, is such a joyful way to enjoy Scottish traditions.”

Ready to experience some Scottish traditions? Join NextTribe’s small group of women ages 45+ on an immersive trip to the Highlands in June 2025. Learn the details here.

Whether you’re roaming around historic cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow or exploring the Highlands, engaging with these customs is a wonderful way to connect with Scotland’s storied history and warm hospitality. Which only adds to the allure of traveling there. “With its distinct traditions and especially the accents, Scotland can feel unrelated to England or the English language. It’s familiar and exotic at the same time,” says Ralston. Below are some quintessential Scottish traditions to experience during your travels.

Highland Games

The Highland Games are a series of traditional Scottish sporting events that take place throughout the summer, typically in rural areas. These games date back centuries and were originally competitions of strength and skill among Scottish clans. You can witness impressive feats such as caber tossing (flipping a large wooden log), stone putting, and hammer throwing. Such a different vibe than the football and baseball games we know and a memorable peek into the past.

You’ll be amazed by the Highland Games, where feats of strength, like tossing a huge log known as a caber, are the order of the day.

The games also feature bagpipe performances, Highland dancing, and tartan-clad athletes. Some of the most famous Highland Games are held in Braemar, near Balmoral Castle, often attended by members of the royal family.

Ceilidh Dancing

A Ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) is a traditional Scottish social gathering that involves folk music and energetic dancing. Originating from Gaelic culture, ceilidhs are lively events featuring traditional dances such as the Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant, and the Strip the Willow. These numbers are often performed in groups, making them an excellent way for travelers to interact with locals.

Get ready to learn the simple steps to the Strip the Willow dance and twirl your way to a fantastically fun Scottish evening.

Many pubs, hotels, and community centers host ceilidhs, particularly in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Highlands. Even if you’re a beginner, don’t worry—the dance steps are called out, and the friendly atmosphere ensures that everyone can join in the fun.

“We were at a Ceilidh on the second night of our trip,” says Ralston of the 2024 visit, “and we had such a blast learning the steps and laughing when we messed up. It really brought the group together.”

Highland Cows and Sheepdogs

No trip to Scotland is complete without spotting the famous Highland cow, known for its long, shaggy coat and gentle demeanor. Also referred to as heilan coos (look for them on social media when Tuesday becomes “Coosday”), these iconic animals can be found throughout the Highlands and are a popular subject for photographs. They typically are ginger or copper colored, and have dramatically arched horns.

On last year’s trip to Scotland, Ralston was so eager to get close to some coos that she climbed over a fence, sending the van driver into a fit of worry. But that’s how cute they are.

With their long, shaggy ginger coats, arched horns, and gentle demeanor, Highland cows are worth dozens of photos when documenting your trip.

Another beloved Scottish tradition is the skillful work of sheepdogs. Many farms offer sheepdog demonstrations where visitors can watch highly trained border collies herd sheep with incredible precision. The displays are not only impressive but also provide intriguing insights into Scotland’s agricultural traditions and rural life.

Burns Night

Traditionally celebrated annually on January 25th, Burns Night honors Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. The evening revolves around a classic feast featuring haggis (the somewhat polarizing savory pudding made from sheep’s organ meat), neeps (mashed turnips), and tatties (mashed potatoes).

Even if you’re not so sure about eating haggis, a Burns night, complete with a hearty meal and the recitation of his famous “Address to a Haggis” can be a delightful way to spend an evening in Scotland.

The highlight of the event is the recitation of Burns’ famous poem, “Address to a Haggis,” before the dish is ceremoniously served. Expect whisky to be flowing, bagpipes to be playing, and plenty of recitals of Burns’ poetry. If you’re not traveling to Scotland in the deep midwinter, no worries. Many Scottish restaurants and hotels offer Burns Night events beyond January 25th, making it an excellent way for visitors to experience this unique literary and culinary celebration.

Hogmanay

Speaking of the winter: If you do visit Scotland at the winter holidays, you will be rewarded with its New Year’s Eve celebration, known as Hogmanay. These festivities are considered among the most spectacular in the world. Rooted in ancient Viking and Celtic traditions, Hogmanay is marked by grand street parties, fireworks, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a song penned by Robert Burns.

Scotland’s New Year’s Eve celebration, known as Hogmanay, is among the most spectacular in the world, with fireworks, parties full of singing, and torchlight processions, fueling memories to last a lifetime.

One of the most famous celebrations takes place in Edinburgh, where thousands gather for live music, torchlight processions, and a midnight fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle. Another unique tradition is “first-footing,” where the first visitor to enter a home after midnight brings good luck for the coming year, typically bearing gifts such as whisky, coal, or shortbread. Perhaps you can get an invitation to a friendly home to partake!

Tartans and Kilts

Who’s your favorite tartan-wearer: Sean Connery? Sam Heughan? Someone else? No matter which, tartan is a quintessential symbol of Scottish identity, representing different clans and regions through its distinct crisscrossed patterns. The kilt, a knee-length pleated skirt made from tartan fabric, is traditionally worn by men for formal occasions, weddings, and Highland gatherings. And, yes, it used to be customary for men to “go commando” underneath. Today, many men wear underwear beneath their kilts, though not all.

While in Scotland, travelers can visit tartan mills and museums and even purchase their own kilt or scarf. Looking good, lassie!

While in Scotland, travelers can visit tartan mills and museums to learn about the history of these patterns and even purchase their own kilt or scarf in their favorite design. For a more immersive experience, some rental shops offer the chance to dress in full Highland attire, complete with a sporran (a small pouch worn around the waist) and a sgian-dubh (a small ceremonial knife).

Whisky

No doubt, Scotland is world-renowned for its whisky, often referred to as “Scotch.” With over 130 distilleries spread across five whisky-producing regions—Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown—there is no shortage of opportunities to sample Scotland’s national drink.

Did you know there are over 130 distilleries spread across Scotland, representing five distinctive areas and flavor profiles?

Distillery tours provide fascinating insights into the whisky-making process, from malting and fermentation to distillation and aging. Tasting sessions allow visitors to appreciate the complex flavors unique to each region. Whether you prefer a peaty Islay whisky or a smooth Speyside dram, experiencing Scotch whisky in its homeland is a must for any traveler.

Read more: Meet the Whisky Lassie: An Expert Shares Her Secrets

Scotland Awaits!

Scottish traditions are deeply woven into its cultural fabric, beyond dancing at a ceilidh, marveling at a copper-colored coo, or sipping a fine whisky. As you travel around this welcoming country, you’ll keep bumping into entracing bits of the past, still alive and beloved today. Whether that means touring its iconic castles and gardens or savoring some tablet (like fudge, but not fudge), you’ll have a brilliant adventure.