August breaks in Scotland

Discover traditional Scottish charm in Ballater

Every August, the charming village of Ballater comes alive with community spirit and Highland traditions. The iconic Ballater Highland Games take place at Monaltrie Park on the second Thursday in August, set amid Cairngorm hills and by the River Dee. These long-running games feature classic Highland competitions, from caber tossing and tug-o-war to pipe band parades and Highland dancing, alongside food stalls, craft fairs, and a family-friendly vibe.

Coinciding with the games, Ballater Victoria Week typically begins in the second week of August, honouring the village’s historic connection with Queen Victoria. The packed programme of fun events features a scarecrow trail, duck race, pet shows, discos, and ceilidhs, plus picnics and sporting events, drawing locals and visitors alike.

Outdoor adventures and scenic sights

The area around Ballater is perfect for outdoor lovers. The River Dee is famous for salmon and trout fishing, with excellent angling opportunities nearby. The hills around Ballater invite walkers of all levels. Enjoy a scenic walk around Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate – great for mountain views and wildlife spotting, including red deer and birds. For longer hikes or bike rides, the Deeside Way runs towards Aberdeen along a mostly off-road riverside route. Other popular options include the Cambus o’May suspension bridge circuit.

If you are staying in the area for several days, visit the impressive Braemar Castle’s historic rooms near the village of Braemar, explore the turreted Crathes Castle in Banchory, or charming Aboyne, known for the Aboyne Highland Games and scenic outdoor activities like kayaking.

Inverness, a Highland city with a beat

Inverness perfectly blends urban comforts with Highland scenery and traditions. Stroll along the River Ness to the Ness Islands and past Whin Park. Perched above the river, the recently re-invented Inverness Castle Experience offers panoramic views and a chance to dive into Highland heritage through interactive installations, immersive exhibitions, and hands-on activities.

The city’s streets bustle with cafés, galleries, and pubs where live music and local flavour thrive. Explore the historic Victorian Market, visit Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, or, for artisan tipples, tour the Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery.

If you are planning to visit around the first weekend of August, the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is one of Scotland’s most loved music and arts festivals. Just a short drive from Inverness, expect live acts, craft stalls, family-friendly performances, and unforgettable community spirit.

Outdoor adventures around Loch Ness

No trip north is complete without a visit to the famous Loch Ness. Enjoy a scenic boat trip from Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus to take in views of this iconic loch and the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle on its shore, or explore part of the Great Glen Way by bike or on foot around this stunning Highland landscape. You can also visit the spectacular Falls of Foyers nearby, explore Fort Augustus village with its Caledonian Canal locks and cafés, or follow the Loch Ness 360 ° Trail for scenic walking and cycling.

For a taste of Highland culture, Glenurquhart Highland Games at Loch Ness bring lively sport and local culture to life, giving every visitor a chance to stay out longer and experience the country’s natural beauty.

Feel the summer vibes on Bute

Summer is in full swing on the Isle of Bute in August. Just a short ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde, feel the summer vibes in Rothesay – a beautiful seaside resort where the streets are unexpectedly lined with palm trees. Visit the medieval Rothesay Castle and Bute Museum for island history, then stop at the magnificent neo-Gothic Mount Stuart House with its lavish interiors and scenic woodland trails. Wander along the distinctive red sand at Scalpsie Bay, take coastal walks around Ettrick Bay, or along sections of the West Island Way.

August also brings events like the Bute Highland Games – a classic sports day with dancing, pipe bands, clan gatherings, and heavy events, and Bute Noir – a popular arts and performance festival, with exhibitions, theatre and live music throughout the island.

Explore the wild beauty of Jura

Jura is the wild, untamed island where George Orwell famously wrote 1984. From the dramatic peaks of the Paps of Jura, which offer challenging routes and breathtaking views, to the peaceful coastal paths of Lowlandman’s Bay, where seals often make an appearance, the island is full of stark beauty. Watch red deer roam freely across the hills or unwind on the shell-sand shores of Corran Sands, ideal for a picnic. The tranquil Crinan Canal provides superb boating opportunities, while watersports enthusiasts can enjoy a host of activities, including boat tours to the Corrywreckan Whirlpool, the third largest in the world. Don’t forget to visit Jura Distillery to sample its smooth, lightly peated single malts to complete your trip. Jura can be visited on a day trip from Islay, taking a short ferry.