Year of Natural Scotland 2013

Come and celebrate Scotland's outstanding natural beauty throughout 2013. From stunning natural and historic landscapes, art inspired by nature, surprising wildlife and delicious food & drink, you can find nature right on your doorstep. Don't miss the chance to experience the great Scottish outdoors for yourself, join in the celebrations with a packed programme of events and discover insider tips from across the country during the Year of Natural Scotland. 

year of natural scotland 2013 themes

Natural Landscapes	The Year of Natural Scotland is the perfect platform to see Scotland's natural heritage and landscape and for visitors to make the most of this wonderful natural resource and enjoy responsibly.
Natural Built Hertiage	The Year of Natural Scotland provides a platform to show our built heritage and for visitors to see our castles, monuments and conservation areas and to gain awareness of the history and cultural diversity of the Scottish landscape.
Natural Larder	Scotland has a great reputation for its delicious local produce, and is gaining more and more recognition on an international scale for its respected chefs, world-class producers and the diversity of the cuisine. Following on from the Year of Food and Drink, this is an opportunity for visitors to taste Scotland's food and drink offering and natural produce, as well as its high quality restaurants.
Sustainable Tourism	The Year of Natural Scotland aims to raise awareness of Scotland as a place of outstanding natural beauty and to allow visitors to enjoy the landscape responsibly for example by choosing accommodation providers with green policies, exploring the landscape by foot or by bike, and making the most of resources in local communities. Regional and seasonable spread is also fundamental to increasing Scotland's reputation as a sustainable destination.
Natural Playground	The Year of Natural Scotland 2013 aims to promote show Scotland's outdoors as a stunning and easily accessible place for active pursuits and as the perfect stage for sporting events and other outdoors events and festivals and ensure our natural heritage is experienced at a range of existing events.
Flora & Fauna	Scotland's dramatic landscape, islands and coastal areas are home to a vast array of flora and fauna. Visitors are invited to observe the wildlife in their natural habitats, and to be respectful towards all plant and animal species.
Art in Nature	Aside from acting as inspiration for world-famous visual artists, writers and innovators, artists have used the Scottish landscape as a canvas to create works of art, and as a source for materials. Following on the Year of Creative Scotland, visitors can benefit from celebrating Scotland's cultural and creative diversity and to advance the links between Scottish art and nature.
Nature in Cities	The Year of Natural Scotland provides the opportunity for those who are visiting Scotland's cities to make the most of the nature, natural influences and green spaces that exist within the city.

Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is a chance to see Scotland's great natural assets. It provides an opportunity to celebrate our reputation as a land of outstanding beauty Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and biodiversity which visitors can enjoy our beautiful landscapes, wildlife and heritage responsibly. 

Highland Wildlife

The unspoilt Highland landscape, provides a range of habitats for wildlife. These range rom the rich seas supporting whales and dolphins, to the high crag and moors, the territory of golden eagles. This itinerary takes you to some of the very finest wildlife sites in Scotland where you can spot red deer, seals, eagles and many other specialities.
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Island Adventure

From Arran in the Firth of Clyde to the romance of the Isle of Skye, the western seaboard has islands which vary from the traditional holiday playground to the wild and empty.
A good network of ferry services makes getting around straightforward and will give you the freedom to hop from island to island.
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In the Footsteps of Ancestors

An estimated 40 million people worldwide are of Scottish descent. Scotland is especially well provided with family research facilities, with the records and information availability of a very high standard. But with or without an ancestral connection, Scotland is a great place to explore historical and heritage themes. This tour takes in some of the locations where history has been made and where events have taken place that have shaped the lives of Scots at home and abroad.
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Scotlands Finest Flavours

Temperate climate, varied landscape and soils, fruitful seas are just some of the factors that give Scotland the edge for top quality foods of all kinds. Choose any meal, any course and there are ingredients to inspire – from delicate seafood starter to soft-fruit dessert. Distilleries set in inspiring scenery, Lowland farm shops, seacoast smokehouses, as well as restaurants, bistros and hotels, are just some of the places to encounter Scotland's finest flavours.
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Hebrides by Public Transport

Good integration of bus, train and ferry means it is quite straightforward to sample many of the Inner Hebridean islands. There are plenty of options for ‘there-and-back-again' day cruising options for at least a glimpse of island life – and some great views of seabirds, seals and whales.
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The Magic of Skye

Good integrated transport links make it both straightforward and rewarding to explore the western seaboard. Clans and castles, wildlife, and one of Europe's finest rail journeys are part of the tour. The sheer scenic spectacle of mountain and coast will prove unforgettable.
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For further information please go to: VisitScotland.com