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Year of Coasts and Waters 2020

Dive into Scotland in 2020 as we celebrate our spectacular coasts and waters.

Water is the life-blood of our green and pleasant country. It's what makes the landscape so special and loved, whether you're exploring the coastline by kayak or paddleboard, savouring some delicious Scottish seafood, enjoying a warming single malt whisky or uncovering the secrets of a coastal fortress.

Plan your Year of Coasts and Waters trip now using the information below and our Year of Coasts and Waters Travel Guide and don't forget to share your adventures with us using #YCW2020.

COVID-19 PHASE 3 RESTRICTIONS

You can now search our website for businesses that are open, and for those who are part of the Good to Go scheme, where they have carried out a Covid-19 risk assessment. You can still book your household onto organised activities - outdoor activities, tours, coaches - alongside other unconnected households, as these operators are still allowed to take larger numbers where capacity allows. Find out more about the current restrictions of Phase 3 and future phases.

At the moment, you can only stay in self-catered accommodation (including caravans, flats and holiday cottages) with your own household while the current restrictions on indoor private gatherings are in place. If you are planning a stay in a hotel, B&B or similar, you should book one room per household.

Coasts and Waters Events

The events programme that was designed to celebrate the year is currently subject to cancellation and postponement in line with current COVID-19 government advice and some events planned for 2020 may re-schedule to 2021. Further updates will follow.

Keep Safe

Our coasts and waters offer fun for all the family, but it's important to stay safe whatever you're planning to do. Follow the advice from Water Safety Scotland. And the Royal National Lifeboat Institution provides helpful advice and tips across a range of pursuits, to ensure you have the best day out.

Our Inspiring Coasts and Waters

Year of Coasts and Waters 20201:53

With seas on three sides, over 125,000 km of waterways and thousands of lochs, water is not something that Scotland is short of.

Most of our much-loved natural attractions and landscapes have been sculpted by waves and water, and are a real sight to see up close.

So what are you waiting for? Taste the salty sea spray in the wind, see the shimmering reflections of a still Scottish loch, or wander peacefully along a tumbling river. Join us in 2020 as we celebrate our Year of Coasts & Waters.

Standfoto aus dem Online-Film - Scallop

Scallop Diver - Ben's Story1:31

Let Ben Oakes tell you why nothing compares to going out into the wild to dive, fish and explore in Scotland. He works alongside his dad to place small scallops in the shallows, which are harvested by hand once fully grown. As far as he’s aware, they are the only people in the world who use this method of fishing. For Ben, this is home and he can’t imagine doing anything else.
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It's time to Sail Scotland2:31

If you've ever dreamed of navigating your way around misty isles or gliding gracefully along deep, still waters, then a boating holiday in Scotland is most definitely for you. There are over 100 inhabited islands, over 18,000 km of coastline and many lochs to explore to keep you coming back year after year. Drop anchor at friendly moorings up and down the country and experience our warm welcome ashore for yourself.
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Splash into Scotland's watersports1:01

With over 18,000 km of coastline, around 31,000 lochs and hundreds of miles of rivers and canals, water is not something we're short of here. So what better way to immerse yourself in Scotland, than by trying a few amazing watersports? From whitewater rafting and canyoning to wakeboarding, canoeing and some of Europe's best surfing breaks - doing something on, in or below the water really should be part of your trip plans. 

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A lady in a wheelchair accompanied by her partner and dog enjoy an amble along a sandy beach

Accessible days out

From beach days to watersports and whisky tastings - delve into the range of possibilities!

Read the Euan's Guide top picks for accessible days out celebrating the Year of Coasts and Waters.

Read the guide

Share your coasts and waters experiences using #ycw2020 and #visitscotland!

 Where will your journey take you?

Lochan Urr in Glen Etive with the Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor in the background Enlarge Image
Lochan Urr in Glen Etive with the Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor in the background

Lochan Urr, Glen Etive

Glen Etive is one of Scotland's most beautiful valleys. Take the singletrack road that branches off the A82 in Glen Coe and follows the Etive, a river popular with kayakers and canoeists. About halfway through the valley is Lochan Urr where the views of the Glen Coe mountains are breathtaking. You might recognise Loch Etive from the film Skyfall.

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Lochan Urr, Glen Etive

The ruins of the mighty coastal fortress of Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire Enlarge Image
The ruins of the mighty coastal fortress of Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Just a stone's throw from the pretty harbour of Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle, one of Scotland's most striking castles, towers impressively above the North Sea. This coastal fortress is home to many historical mysteries, has welcomed kings and nobles and once defied an eight-month siege by Cromwell.

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A delicious plate of Scottish seafood from the Ee-Usk seafood restaurant, Oban Enlarge Image
A delicious plate of Scottish seafood from the Ee-Usk seafood restaurant, Oban

Stunning Scottish Seafood

Did you know that more than two-thirds of the world's langoustines are landed here in Scotland? The clear, clean seas, lochs and rivers throughout and around Scotland are home to delicious fish and seafood, and there are plenty of tempting traditional and modern fish dishes to enjoy.

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A family enjoys remarkable views over Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an, The Trossachs Enlarge Image
A family enjoys remarkable views over Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an, The Trossachs

Ben A'an, The Trossachs

Standing just 454 metres tall, Ben A'an is not a high mountain, which makes it all the more accessible, but what it might lack in stature, it more than makes up for in views! It's a great first hillwalk for younger legs and the views over Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park are spectacular.

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Yachts moored in the shadow of historic Dunstaffnage Castle, near Oban Enlarge Image
Yachts moored in the shadow of historic Dunstaffnage Castle, near Oban

Sailing in Scotland

See Scotland from a different perspective - from the deck of a yacht. Exploring some of our vast coastline and myriad islands by boat is an incredible experience that will stay with you for years, whether you charter a skippered vessel or captain your own. Discover Dunstaffnage Castle with a stop off at Dunstaffnage Marina, near Oban for instance. 

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Dunstaffnage Castle near Oban

The Kelpies at dusk, The Helix, Falkirk Enlarge Image
The Kelpies at dusk, The Helix, Falkirk

The Kelpies, Falkirk

A trip to Scotland during our Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 would not be complete without spending some time around our fabulous canals. Journey from the west coast to the east coast along the mighty Caledonian Canal, or head for Falkirk and admire the impressive Kelpies at The Helix or the remarkable Falkirk Wheel.  

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The Kelpies at dusk, The Helix, Falkirk

Other things you might like

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Lochs Near Edinburgh and Glasgow 

7 Great Ways You Can Help Keep Scotland's Beaches Clean 

Where and when to see marine wildlife 

Fishing 

12 Iconic Scottish Views 

Sailing 

Whisky 

Short coastal breaks and escapes by the water 

Scotland's National Parks and Natural Heritage Sites 

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