Stac Pollaidh in the North West Highlands Geopark
© Kim Walton

Scotland's UNESCO Trail

UNESCO recognises and conserves the world’s most special places, and Scotland is home to 15 of these stunning sites, many of which are firsts. Considering the size of Scotland, that is quite impressive! It is a proud testament to the richness and scope of Scotland’s awe-inspiring nature, its ancient and compelling history, the vibrancy of its culture, and its proud scientific and technological legacy. We have seven World Heritage Sites, two Biosphere Reserves, two Global Geoparks, and four Creative Cities.

Who and What is UNESCO?

Forth Bridge viewed from North Queensferry

UNESCO stands for ‘United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’ – a special part of the United Nations (UN) founded in 1945. Its mission is to promote peace, sustainable development, and human rights, by encouraging collaboration and discussion between nations.

UNESCO focuses on education, the environment, social inequality, communication, and the exchange of knowledge. One way it resolves some of these problems by identifying the world’s most special places.

By raising awareness of these sites, UNESCO can encourage investment and create jobs, spur technological innovation and scientific progress, and enhance the world’s cultural and environmental diversity.

Explore Scotland’s UNESCO destinations

The first country in the world to bring together 15 UNESCO sites into one trail. Are you ready to discover the wonders within?

Glen Elg in the Wester Ross Biosphere
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

UNESCO Biospheres

Explore a range of ecosystems that are home to a diverse array of native flora and fauna, alongside communities which work on conservation while also living off their natural environment. Learn about how these communities preserve ancient ways of life, adapt to new environmental challenges, and uphold their unique cultural identities and heritage.

Celtic Connections, Glasgow
© Glasgow Life / Gaelle Beri

UNESCO Creative City

Launched in 2004, UNESCO’s ‘Creative Cities’ showcase and bring light to cities who have had creativity play a major role in their growth. From music, literature, design, and craft, Scotland’s cities are not short on attractions and locations that boast their character and unique offerings. There are currently 350 cities around the world and Scotland is home to four.

The cliffs of Eshaness, Shetland
© VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton

UNESCO Global Geopark

A global geopark is an area which is considered of geological and scientific importance. These places are protected and monitored so we can better understand the geophysical, and climatic forces which shape the world. They are also a great place to visit to learn more about geology and the importance of conservation.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

A world heritage site can be anything, from an incredible landscape to a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. It can be a magnificent monument, an archaeological discovery, or a piece of ground-breaking technology.

Antonine Wall: Frontiers of the Roman Empire

Explore the Antonine Wall, once the Roman Empire’s most northerly frontier.

The Flow Country World Heritage Site

Step into 4000 sq. km of rugged beauty in the North Highlands, where ancient landscapes meet rich history and a vibrant culture.

Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Around 5,000 years ago, the prehistoric people of Orkney began building monuments and landmarks out of stone.

New Lanark World Heritage Site

New Lanark was a site ahead of its time, most famous for social reforms for its workers.

Old & New Town of Edinburgh

Its historic heart is one of the most striking and architecturally significant in the world, thanks to the dramatic contrast of its Old and New Towns.