Visiting Scotland in June is a fantastic time to start your visit. The beginning of real Summer with the best weather and longer daylight hours to explore the treasure trove of Lochs, Castles, Coastline and Hiking Trails that Scotland offers. In fact, you might find such a treasure trove of activities happening that you may need to stay longer just to fit them all in!
Traditional Highland Games are back in place, Festivals and Tattoos are happening again, and we have ongoing Coronation Celebrations.
As June is one of the warmest months in Scotland, with average maximum temperatures ranging from approximately 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (63 °F). Scotland’s high latitude means that we enjoy lovely long summer days and often an extended twilight giving all visitors the maximum opportunity to enjoy the Scottish Landscape. June really is one of the best times to visit Scotland.
Guests often ask when is the best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges, well the good news is that not only is June one of the best times to visit Scotland but that in this part of Scotland, notably east of the A9, we are virtually midge free!
Visit Scotland in June for Special Events and Festivals.
The Royal Highland Show takes place in Edinburgh, so the Country comes to town. Scotland is an agricultural country and immensely proud of it, so you will find that the best of the best is on show at this event. Fantastic livestock, both cattle and sheep, huge, smartly turned out Clydesdales, correctly turned out Highland Ponies, not to mention the Shetlands. It is interesting to note the influence of Scottish breeds throughout the world. The Show is a true spectacle and a true impression of Scottish Life, and well worth taking the time to visit if you are here in June.
However, be aware that if you miss the Highland Show, there will be similar Shows happening throughout the country and whilst on a smaller scale, there are still worth a visit.
Here in Moray, we have the fantastic Moray Outdoor Walking Festival taking place from the 16th of June. You don’t need to be super fit; you need to plan and be organised and book one of the many special guided events that take place throughout the week. Expect to choose from historical walks, evening walks, and wildlife walks, and all of them will be scenic, so bring your camera.
Then if you are wondering what else to do when visiting Scotland in June, it is easy to make up your own list depending on your own personal interests. Here are some of my favourites:
Walks – long, short, river, beach, forest, mountains we have them all. Here are some ideas or we can help you plan more.
Castles – with over 2000 castles in Scotland, then Castles should always be on your visit list. Locally we have a number of fabulous Castles that are available to visit. My local suggestion would be the ABCD tour which includes Auchindoun, Ballindalloch, Balmoral or Brodie, Cawdor and Duffus. And, of course, further afield, you can include Dunnottar, Edinburgh, Eilean Donan and Stirling.
Historic Sites – How far back into history would you like to go? For Neolithic, try Clava Cairns; for Pictish, try Burghead or Suenos Stone; for more recent history, try Culloden Battlefield or Fort George and make a whole day of it.
Special Tasting at a Distillery – part of being on holiday is treating yourself, so instead of just booking a standard Distillery tour, why not visit a Distillery and enjoy a specialist tasting of premium whiskies? These will need to be booked in advance, and some only occur on certain days, but if you have a special distillery or whisky in mind, this might be the year to try it.
Combine a Munro and Distillery visit into one day. If you are not into Whisky but feel you are in Speyside and ought to visit a Distillery, why not book a VIP experience at Glenrinnes Distillery? Spend time learning about their prize-winning gin and vodka production, then be driven around the organic Estate and head to the top of Ben Rinnes mountain for exceptional views of Eight Lands. Gin and Mountain views sound like a perfect combination to me.
Daytrip – for me, you cannot beat driving in Scotland, and since we are a small country, it is so easy to find yourself a comfortable base and then take the time to plan a day out exploring the scenery. Blervie House makes a great base to explore the Cairngorms, Loch Ness, and Applecross or venture further afield into the Highlands by absorbing the scenery.
Shopping – has to be done when you are away from home so you may treat yourself to a bottle of whisky or a specialist whisky product. Perhaps a memorable piece of tweed or cashmere. Take the time to explore the local shops. It is easy to plan a mixture of all of the above so you get the chance to absorb Scotland’s history and heritage.
Food – Scotland’s fresh produce is available in various formats, from fresh seafood to Highland Beef or Venison and delicious soft fruits to scones, cakes and more. Scones, for some reason known as wee scones, are never wee and will be featured highly on the Jubilee menu with delicious cream and jam. Adding more walking to your list might be an idea to work off the calories!
Depending upon how long you are staying in Scotland and which areas you visit, how about picking three suggestions from above and making up your own reasons for visiting Scotland in June?