Let’s be honest - travelling sustainably can sound a bit overwhelming at first. How do you balance epic road trips with keeping Mother Nature happy? We’ve been asking ourselves the same thing and making changes where we can. Luckily, here in Scotland, it’s easier than you think. We’ve got some top tips to help you tread lightly while soaking up all the wild beauty and deep Scottish vibes. 

1. Ditch Single-Use Plastics, Fill Up Instead 

Scotland’s got the goods when it comes to fresh, tasty tap water. All you need is a reusable water bottle, and you’re good to go. You’ll find free refill stations dotted around cities and towns - just keep an eye out for Scottish Water’s Top Up Taps. 

Pro Tip: Check out the Top Up Tap map online to locate your nearest refill points and keep your adventures plastic-free. 

2. Stick to Trails on Highland Treks

The Scottish Highlands aren’t just jaw-droppingly beautiful, they’re fragile too. Roaming off-path may sound exciting, but it can cause a fair bit of damage to the landscape. So, it’s always best to keep to marked trails. 

Know the Code: Give the Scottish Outdoor Access Code a read before heading off. It’s full of handy nuggets on respecting the land, like shutting gates, keeping dogs on leads near livestock, and wild camping etiquette. 

3. Shop Local, Take Home a Story 

Forget mass-produced stuff. Scotland’s brimming with talented local artisans creating everything from Highland wool goodies to hand-crafted whisky tumblers. Grabbing a genuine keepsake not only supports local communities but gives you a cracking story to share. 

Insider Hack: Ask shopkeepers where their goods come from. You’ll often get a brilliant backstory that makes your souvenir even more special. 

4. Hop on Public Transport for Epic Views 

You don’t need a car to explore Scotland’s best bits. Trains, buses, and ferries have you covered. Plus, Edinburgh’s electric buses and travel passes like the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass make it easy to get around with less environmental impact. Guided tours like ours are also a great alternative to hiring your own car – it's perfect for connecting with like-minded travellers and getting insider tips from a local guide.

5. Feast Sustainably with Local Eats 

We’re big on farm-to-table dining here. From fresh-off-the-boat seafood to Highland beef and seasonal veggies, you’ll find plenty of scran that’s good for the planet too. Even veggie and vegan options have become more mainstream - keep an eye out for plant-based twists on Scottish classics like oat-and-bean haggis. 

6. Show Wildlife Some Love 

Scotland’s wildlife is iconic, from red deer in the Highlands to puffins on the coast. The best way to admire them? From a respectful distance. Don’t feed them or disrupt their natural behaviour. 

Pro-Tip: Binoculars are your best friends for getting a close-up without interfering. They can come in handy during our volunteer trip to the Isle of Skye where you can spot the protected golden eagle over Tormore Forest. On our Mull, Iona & Staffa tour, you can even spot puffins during the nesting season! 

7. Sleep Green 

Loads of places in Scotland are hopping on the eco-friendly bandwagon. From cosy B&Bs to Green Tourism certified hotels, you’ll find spots doing their bit to protect the planet while giving you a warm welcome. Staying somewhere eco-friendly often comes with perks like home-cooked breakfasts featuring local ingredients or insider tips on hidden nature spots. 

Look Out For: Many hostels and inns display Green Tourism badges that verify their commitment to sustainable practices. Staying in certified accommodations helps you make an environmentally friendly choice while contributing to the local economy. 

Keep It Beautiful, Keep It Scottish 

Travelling responsibly here isn’t rocket science, it’s about making small but impactful choices. Refill your water bottle, hop on an electric bus, and support local legends making handcrafted items. Take a peek at what local projects we've been involved in to help keep Scotland wild and wonderful. Cheers to adventures with a lighter footprint!