Your Guide to The Perfect Slow Scottish Morning

So, you’ve got a lot a planned for your holiday in Scotland. Castles, ceilidhs and other exciting things. But have you planned in some time for a lazy morning? Laziness is a strong word, instead why don’t we call it ‘selective participation’? You’re simply managing your energy and don’t worry, you’ll get to those fabulous plans before the day is out. Those standing stones will still be there in the afternoon, Ben Nevis isn’t going anywhere, and that whisky will take another few years to distill. For now, it’s time to chill… 

When it comes to Scottish holidays, like you, I’m into getting things done. Memories don’t make themselves – and neither does a constant flurry of Instagram pics and social media posts. On a typical Scottish break you’ll find me visiting galleries and museums, going out for food, golfing, surfing and walking – the good life! But even the biggest go-getters need a rest sometimes – here is my guide to the perfect lazy Scottish morning.  

It feels like an obvious thing to say but good sleep is essential for wellness. You may have noticed we live in a rise and grind culture. Some social media gurus will encourage you to wake up at 5am each day and take a cold shower. Then it’s a strict diet of self-improvement strategies before starting work at 9am. But you’re the boss on holiday. You can wake up whenever you want and catch up on restorative sleep. Avoid screen-time as you wake up and take in plenty of natural light – open the curtains! 

Check out our wellness breaks 

Staying in self-catering accommodation? Now is your chance to make your dream breakfast. For lots of people this is the iconic full Scottish breakfast. Put your best foot forward and source the ingredients from a local farm shop or butcher’s – eggs, sausages, bacon, haggis, and don’t forget the tattie scones! Stick on some good music in the kitchen and cook up a masterpiece. Take your time, have a hot drink and enjoy the process. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, put your own spin on the full Scottish with your favourite ingredients. Handpicked berries, juicy tomatoes, foraged mushrooms – anything is on the table. 

Find out all about the full Scottish breakfast 

Scotland is calling but you’ve just eaten a serious breakfast. Would it be so bad to crawl back into bed for half an hour? If you draw the line at this, you could swap the bed for a bath if you have one in your accommodation – or even a hot tub! For book lovers this is the perfect time to read your next chapter, and podcast fans could listen to a new episode. Pick a Scottish themed podcast and who knows – you might be inspired to visit a new place. Or if you just want to browse on your phone that’s fine too – why not check out some of our content on Scottish writers and literature? 

Read more about Scottish literature  

It’s been a fairly indulgent morning so far, and rightly so – counterbalance this with a bit of gentle self-care. If exercise is your thing, you could try some light stretches to set you up for the day. Or you might prefer a bit of deep breathing and meditation. Try to think positive thoughts as you relax and look forward to the rest of your holiday. Nothing too strenuous – this is a lazy morning after all…  

Find out about slow travel in Scotland 

As this is a slow holiday, I’m picturing some lovely rural accommodation for you or perhaps a quiet spot in one of our cities. You could be in a cottage in south Scotland, a glamping spot in the Highlands, or an Edinburgh hotel with lush garden grounds. Or what about an island retreat? Stretch those legs with a short walk around the local area, the garden, or pop to the shops to get ingredients for dinner later. If you’re by the water, you could go for a quick swim – or at least dip your toes in! The perfect way to prepare for an afternoon exploring Scotland. 

Check out these rural & remote breaks in Scotland 

There are lots of benefits to a slow morning including reduced stress, and a clearer sense of focus throughout the day. If you’re a busy person, going on holiday in Scotland presents a great chance to slow down and unwind. This is especially true if you travel to the countryside, but our cities have plenty of quiet spaces and green areas too – and of course many relaxing hotels, B&Bs and self-catering apartments.  

There are so many things to see and do in Scotland which makes it such an exciting destination. But while it might be tempting to pack your days with activities and attractions, make sure to allocate yourself some me-time. Remember you can always come back for another visit to catch up on what you missed.