Sustainable travel can sometimes feel a bit daunting - from choosing transport to finding accommodation, and considering how each choice impacts our surroundings. To make it easier, we’ve gathered some straightforward, Scotland-specific tips. These practical ideas are designed to help you travel consciously and minimise negative impact during your journey.
1. Use Scotland’s Free, High-Quality Drinking Water
Scotland is renowned for its fresh, high-quality tap water. Carry a reusable water bottle to refill at available water stations across cities and towns, making it easy to stay hydrated without single-use plastics. Most restaurants also offer free tap water delivered in glass bottles to your table.
Top Tip: Use the Top Up Tap Map
Check out the Top Up Tap map from Scottish Water, showing refill points across the country, so you’re never far from clean drinking water. It’s a simple choice that helps keep our country free of plastic waste.
2. Stick to Paths and Trails on Highland Hikes
Scotland’s diverse ecosystems are delicate, especially in the Highlands and other rural regions. Staying on designated trails helps preserve plant life, prevent soil erosion, and avoid disturbing local wildlife. While Scotland’s right-to-roam laws provide freedom to access land and inland water, keeping to the paths is a simple way to protect the area.
Know Before You Go: The Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Before setting out, review the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It highlights small but effective actions like closing gates, keeping dogs on leads near livestock, and respecting natural habitats, especially when wild camping.
3. Support Scottish Artisans and Small Businesses
Scotland’s small, local businesses are the heart of its communities. By choosing local artisans for souvenirs, you’re not only bringing home something unique and high-quality but also helping to support the local economy. Handmade Highland wool, locally crafted whisky, and traditional Scottish crafts make for memorable and meaningful keepsakes.
Top Tip: Finding Authentic Local Souvenirs
When you’re browsing markets or independent shops, don’t hesitate to ask a few questions to make sure the items are genuine and locally sourced. A simple question like ‘Where’s this from?’ or ‘Who made this?’ can often prompt the seller to share the story behind the item, including its materials and craftsmanship. These little details make your souvenir truly one-of-a-kind!
4. Take Advantage of Scotland’s Public Transport Network
Scotland’s public transport options make it easy to explore without the need for a car. If you’re heading to one of Highland Explorer Tours’ departure points in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness, you can easily use trains, buses, or trams to get there. For example, Edinburgh Lothain Buses widely uses electric vehicles, perfect for low-impact city travel. You can also use passes like the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass for unlimited travel on trains, buses, and ferries.
5. Try Sustainable Dining with Local and Plant-Based Options
Scotland has a thriving local food scene with an emphasis on sustainability. Many restaurants and cafes serve locally-sourced produce, from fresh seafood to Highland beef and seasonal vegetables. Look for farm-to-table restaurants, which offer fresh, Scottish ingredients prepared with care. Try traditional dishes like Cullen Skink or Haggis and ask your server for recommendations on locally sourced meals.
What’s more, Scotland’s food scene embraces a rising trend in vegetarian and vegan options, even in remote areas. Keep an eye for restaurants featuring vegetarian or vegan options like Haggis made from oats, beans, and spices instead of meat, allowing you to enjoy Scottish flavours with a smaller environmental impact.
6. Respect Wildlife with Safe Viewing Practices
From red deer to puffins, Scotland’s wildlife is iconic and must be observed respectfully. Maintain a safe distance, avoid feeding animals, and choose designated wildlife viewing areas when possible. The Cairngorms, for example, has managed reserves where wildlife enthusiasts can observe animals safely.
Pro Tip: Binoculars for Close-Up Views
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at wildlife without interfering with their natural behaviour. For example, on our Isle of Skye Volunteer Adventure, binoculars will come in handy for spotting the protected Golden Eagle gliding above the hills of Tormore Forest!
7. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation and Attractions
Many accommodations in Scotland embrace sustainability, offering eco-friendly lodging options such as energy-efficient guesthouses, B&Bs, and Green Tourism certified hotels. Staying in these places not only reduces your travel impact but also enhances your experience by connecting you with local hosts and communities.
Look for Green Tourism Certifications
Many hotels and inns display Green Tourism badges that verify their commitment to sustainable practices. Staying in certified accommodations helps you make an environmentally friendly choice while contributing to the local economy and enjoying warm, Scottish hospitality.