Scotland is set to shine in 2026 with a captivating lineup of new attractions, world-class events, and soul-stirring experiences. From walking in the footsteps of Outlander’s final season to witnessing the long-awaited opening of the Inverness Castle Experience, visitors will find Scotland bigger, bolder, and more cinematic than ever.
The unveiling of the magnificent Paisley Museum will further elevate the country’s cultural landscape, celebrating a globally renowned design legacy in a striking new setting. On Lewis, the reimagined Calanais Standing Stones Visitor Centre will immerse visitors in ancient wonder, while Glasgow buzzes with the energy of the Commonwealth Games. Each corner of the country offers a new way to connect with history, imagination, and community.
Scotland in 2026
Blending heritage with contemporary trends, Scotland embraces everything from noctourism in Galloway’s brand-new dark sky observatory to learning about Scotland’s fascinating history. Whether seeking adventure or a mindful escape, travellers will find experiences that nourish the senses and ignite inspiration. Scotland in 2026 promises to be a year where every moment feels made for the soul, discover the latest trends and experiences on offer for visitors below:
Paisley Museum, Paisley, late 2026-Preserving Paisley’s remarkable legacy, the Paisley Museum will reopen in 2026 as a world-class visitor attraction at the heart of the town. Home to over 350,000 objects, including the globally unrivalled collection of 1,200 Paisley shawls, studio ceramics, and astronomical instruments, the museum celebrates the town’s rich heritage. As part of its transformation, the museum will share Paisley’s world-changing stories with new audiences, revitalise the High Street, and become a vibrant community hub for learning, creativity, and connection. Look out for even more exciting news from the museum which will be revealed in the coming months! For those keen to uncover Paisley’s charm check out Paisley Tours, which opened five months ago and take visitors on a journey through the town’s historic streets, revealing its stunning architecture, legendary shawl-making heritage, and hidden cultural gems.
The Inverness Castle Experience, Inverness, now open- The Inverness Castle Experience transforms the city’s iconic castle into a must-see cultural destination. Once home to courts and a prison, the castle and its esplanade gardens are being reimagined through the rich landscapes, heritage, culture, and people of the Highlands. Visitors will follow the voices of the seanchaidh (storyteller) through the South Tower Experience, discovering stories in every room. The ticket also includes access to contemporary exhibits in the North Tower – Cèilidh Rooms and the North Tower Gallery. The castle has now open for a winter preview, with a full opening coming in 2026.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Palm House, Edinburgh, 2026-After four years of careful conservation, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is entering an exciting new chapter as its historic Palm Houses reopen. Now transformed into a cathedral-like temperate space, the beautifully restored 19th-century glasshouses will welcome back nearly 600 extraordinary plants, from delicate begonias to towering palms and lush ferns, each meticulously nurtured during the restoration. This highly anticipated redevelopment significantly elevates the experience, making it a must-see for both visitors and locals keen to explore the Garden’s new offering. Guests will embark on a captivating journey, uncovering the stories behind each specimen, enjoying stunning films, and exploring the collection through guided multimedia tours.
Abbot House, Dunfermline, date TBC-Discover Dunfermline’s rich medieval heritage with the exciting addition of a new visitor centre planned for Abbot House. Known fondly as the ‘pink hoose’ by locals due to its distinctive pink colour, Abbot House is located within Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter next to the Dunfermline Abbey and the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. Once the project is complete, the visitor centre will feature immersive themed rooms, rare historical artefacts, and innovative digital storytelling to make history accessible and engaging for everyone. From sensory experiences to online resources, Abbot House promises a unique journey through the city’s past that’s perfect for history lovers and curious explorers alike.
Tomb of the Eagles, South Ronaldsay, April 2026-After a five-year absence, the legendary Tomb of the Eagles returns in 2026 ready to welcome visitors once more. A cornerstone of Orkney’s Neolithic heritage and a must-see attraction in South Ronaldsay, the site will feature a brand-new viewing platform, refurbished visitor centre, enhanced interpretation, and guided walks that bring its fascinating history to life. Perched high above the dramatic cliffs of South Ronaldsay, the Isbister Chambered Cairn -better known as the Tomb of the Eagles- is one of Orkney’s most captivating archaeological treasures. Discovered by local farmer Ronnie Simison in the 1950s, this remarkable Stone Age tomb revealed an extraordinary collection of human and animal bones, placed here some 5,000 years ago. Visitors can step back in time by entering the tomb itself via a 3-metre passageway. Whether one chooses to crawl or hop aboard the ingenious trolley, exploring the chamber beneath its skylit roof is a unique experience.
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, Dumfries & Galloway, late 2026-The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory will reopen on the banks of the Clatteringshaws Loch in Galloway Forest Park in late 2026. The site, within a “gold tier” dark sky park, has been selected for the exceptional quality of its dark night skies. The £1.5m development will comprise of two observing domes, each with a large telescope, and a 360-degree planetarium offering immersive educational shows and night sky simulations. The site will also offer educational spaces, an exhibition area, gift shop and cafe for visitors with a love of the night sky.
Calanais Standing Stones Visitor Centre, Isle of Lewis, spring 2026-The Standing Stones of Calanais are a renowned Neolithic monument known for evoking a powerful, mysterious, and atmospheric feeling in visitors. While their original purpose remains largely a mystery, people report a range of personal and spiritual effects from visiting them. Now, a major new chapter is beginning for the site itself. The Calanais Visitor Centre on the Isle of Lewis is undergoing a stunning transformation, reopening in spring 2026. This £10.1 million redevelopment will create a state-of-the-art hub that brings the iconic Calanais Standing Stones and their dramatic landscape to life like never before. Visitors can look forward to enhanced exhibitions, a welcoming café, a vibrant shop, and improved accessibility, all designed to celebrate local heritage and culture in fresh, inspiring ways.
Saxavord Spaceport Visitor Centre, Unst, Shetland, now open-As we await the UK’s first vertical rocket launch from the island of Unst, Saxavord Spaceport has recently opened their new visitor room titled “The Place for Space.” It features a mix of interpretive boards, video content, a kids’ corner themed around their education mascot Fredo and his resources, and an interactive activity where visitors can design their own launch site.
Macduff Marine Aquarium, Macduff, Aberdeenshire, spring 2026-Reopening spring 2026, visitors will have plenty to see and do at the new-look aquarium after a multi-million pound extension and redevelopment. Enjoy a habitat trail showcasing the diversity of the Moray Firth alongside new displays and fresh interpretation. Learn about the lifecycle of lobsters at a new Lobster Hatchery and get hands on in the new learning room, before enjoying a break in the upper floor café/restaurant with fabulous views over the Moray Firth.
Raise a glass to Scotland
Did you know Scotland has over 150 whisky distilleries, making it the greatest concentration of whisky production in the world. In addition, the country packs in nearly 100 gin distilleries and Scotland produces 70% of the UK’s gin. You can find distilleries spread across the country and new for 2026 why not consider some of the following:
Isle of Barra Distillery, Isle of Barra, October 2026-This £12 million development transforms this Outer Hebridean icon into a full-scale whisky distillery, visitor centre, café, and retail space. Alongside the thrill of arriving on the Isle of Barra via its world-famous beach runway (one of the most unique airport approaches in the world!), visitors can explore a distillery that celebrates Scotland’s unique coastal flavours with sustainably sourced seaweed botanicals and honey vodka, offering a taste of the island’s heritage.
Galloway Distillery, Dumfries & Galloway, now open-Sam Heughan, actor, philanthropist and owner of The Sassenach Spirits, has announced the launch of his new distillery in his hometown of Galloway. Sam and the distillery team will significantly develop and expand the visitor offering over the coming 12 – 14 months, so that it becomes a signature attraction and an ultimate destination for the South of Scotland.
Eden Mill Distillery, Fife, now open-Just outside St Andrews on the banks of the Eden Estuary, Eden Mill unveiled its new state-of-the-art distillery and visitor centre on 11 October 2025. Fully operational for gin and single malt whisky, the site offers guided tours, immersive tasting experiences, a top-floor cocktail bar with panoramic estuary views called “The Lookout”, and a golf simulator. Built sustainably with 100% renewable electricity, Eden Mill blends traditional flavours with modern, low-carbon design.
Glencadam Distillery, Angus, now open-Glencadam Distillery has unveiled a brand-new visitor centre in Brechin to celebrate 200 years of whisky making heritage. Newly opened on 15 November 2025, visitors can enjoy guided tours, tutored tastings and an interactive exhibition, tracing Glencadam’s journey from its 1825 origins to its place among Scotland’s most celebrated single malts today.
Stornoway Distillers Co., Isle of Lewis, now open-Stornoway Distillers Co. have opened a gin distillery right in the heart of Lewis. Visitors can enjoy tastings and even distil their own gin using local Hebridean botanicals. A spirited way to connect with the island’s natural elements.
Scotland on screen
Scotland is stepping into the spotlight like never before, as the silver screen continues to shape travel dreams in 2026. From the sweeping Highlands immortalised in Outlander’s final season, to the gothic allure of Frankenstein, and the intrigue of hit series like The Traitors, Scotland’s landscapes and landmarks continue to be global stars. VisitScotland recently published an insight report revealing that the cultural and economic impact of Outlander remains strong across Scotland.
According to this research, around one in five visitors to Scotland say that film, TV or literature inspired their decision to travel, with the figure rising to over a third among European and long-haul visitors. The enduring impact of the hit television series Outlander has driven dramatic visitor growth at many locations featured in the show, making it a prime example of how storytelling can power regional tourism and year-round interest.
Scotland’s starring roles in 2026
*NEW, Outlander Season 8 (Final Season), 6 March 2026, Starz-As the beloved saga of Outlander heads into its much-anticipated final chapter with Season 8, viewers will be transported back to the rugged heart of Fraser’s Ridge. With new arrivals, hidden betrayals and the question of what the Frasers will sacrifice to stay together, this season promises a sweeping, emotionally resonant finale. A date to note: the epic closing chapter premieres 6 March 2026 on Starz; The series is set to premiere in the UK on 7 March 2026 on MGM+.
*NEW, The Odyssey, July 2026-Scotland’s cinematic pull reaches new heights in 2026 with Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s epic reimagining of Homer’s classic tale, set for release in July 2026. With a star-studded cast – including Tom Holland, Matt Damon, and Anne Hathaway – bringing the myth to life, the production has transformed parts of coastal Moray into striking backdrops for Odysseus’s perilous journey.
*NEW, Spiderman: Brand New Day, 31 July 2026-Get ready for the blockbuster spectacle of 2026: Spider Man: Brand New Day swings into cinemas on 31 July 2026, and it boasts a major Scottish twist. Filmed on the streets of Glasgow, with city-centre locales such as Merchant City, George Square and Trongate standing in for New York’s high-octane action zones, the film showcases Glasgow’s dramatic urban landscape in full superhero mode.
Available now, Frankenstein, Netflix-Dive into the gothic grandeur of Frankenstein, where sweeping Scottish landscapes and historic streets become characters in their own right. Released on Netflix in early November, discover Scotland’s cinematic secrets and explore the places where legend and film collide.
Scotland 2026: A year of culture, creativity, and celebration
From world-class art and design to music, comedy, cinema, and centuries-old traditions, Scotland in 2026 promises a year brimming with energy, imagination, and inspiration. Across cities, islands, and countryside, visitors will discover bold new festivals, major anniversaries, and one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate the nation’s creativity, community, and cultural heritage.
Whether drawn by the fiery glow of Up Helly Aa, the active Commonwealth Games in Glasgow or the tradition of Highland Games, 2026 will showcase Scotland at its most dynamic and diverse. A place where every visitor will find something to be inspired by, whether through sport, visual arts, or Scotland’s many cultural traditions. The Commonwealth Games 2026 takes place in Glasgow, 23 July – 2 August 2026, with 3000 athletes, 11 days and 10 sports. Glasgow welcomes athletes and fans from across the Commonwealth for a spectacular celebration of sport, unity, and culture in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. In 2026, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo invites audiences to unite at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for an unforgettable evening of spectacle, storytelling, and celebration. A Call to Gather will run from 7 – 29 August.
A large number of events and festivals will again fill the calendar across Scotland, hopefully you too can experince Scotland in 2026.
Discover more events happening in Scotland in 2026 at www.visitscotland.com
Main photo: One of the many places to visit in 2026, the Isle of Iona. Photo: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam.
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