Happy New Year from Nomadic Scotland!
As we embark on the new year, we are all keen to feel better, eat healthier and reduce stress. One of the key pieces of advice for the coming year is to slow down and enjoy what’s around you. What better way to start 2025 than by planning your next way to escape from it all with Nomadic Scotland.
Travel is seen as a chance to escape and refresh, both mentally and physically. Here at HQ we have been working hard at collating exciting itineraries, unique experiences and lesser-known locales to ensure that when you book with us, you can just relax and enjoy making the memories.
Whether your way of taking a break is to climb a Munro, camp under the stars or indulge in some delicious seafood washed down with the “water of life” – we are here to help you make it happen!
Dates for your diary:
A lot is going on across Scotland this year and here at Nomadic Scotland we want to highlight a few of our favourite festivals and events for 2025!
January to March
UP HELLY AA – Think Vikings, torchlit parades, burning boats and ceilidh dancing. Events happen across the Shetland Isles throughout January and February, with the biggest celebration being in Lerwick on Tuesday 28th January.
FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL – An adventure-packed weekend, running from 13th to 16th February. This festival focuses on mountain sports and culture and is based in the outdoor capital of the UK. There are movie nights, talks, hands-on learning sessions and a family day. A great one for the whole family to enjoy.
April to June
SPRINGFEST – On the shore of Loch Lomond visit Scotland’s largest food and drink festival. This year the event takes place on 6th and 7th April. Watch cooking demonstrations, discover local producers, enjoy tutored tastings, try your hand at foraging and so much more.
FEIS ILE/THE ISLAY FESTIVAL – For ten days from 23rd to 31st May, the island of Islay celebrates everything that makes this whisky region so great. Open days at the distilleries, guided walks on the beaches, dancing and music a plenty. They say you come for the whisky, but come back for the island.
July to September
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL & THE EDINBURGH FRINGE – The month of August sees the world’s largest arts festivals in one of the best cities in the world. There’s something for everyone over the month of August. The city is a buzz with international performers, worldly tourists and weary locals. This one is well worth planning in advance!
WORLD STONE SKIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP – A childlike passion is reignited as people descend on the Island of Eadale on the 6th September. You can watch or partake in this ‘sport’. It’s a community-driven event that is fun for all the family.
October to December
WORLD PORRIDGE MAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS – Does it get more Scottish than a competition to be crowned the best at combining oats, water and salt into the breakfast of champions? We don’t think so. On the 4th October you can witness amateurs and professionals alike trying to win the coveted Golden Spurtle.
THE ENCHANTED FOREST – An immersive light and sound show in the Faskally Woodland in Highland Perthshire. Running for the month of October each year, it has won multiple awards and is always a firm favourite for a family night out.
New partner update: The Ulbster Arms
We’re very excited to introduce you to Nomadic Scotland’s newest partner; The Ulbster Arms, Halkirk, Caithness.
We believe that Caithness offers a magical experience all year round, and the Ulbster Arms Hotel is the perfect base for your getaway, no matter the season. After a day of exploring the stunning landscapes in your Nomadic 4×4, relax in one of their premium rooms, designed for comfort and tranquillity.
The perfect day
Start your day with a hearty full Scottish breakfast before heading out to explore the breathtaking scenery around Halkirk, the riverbanks, nearby lochs, or the pristine beaches of Caithness. For adventure enthusiasts, North Coast Watersports offers thrilling activities such as RIB tours, paddleboarding, and surfing at Dunnet Bay—an exciting way to experience the rugged beauty of the coastline throughout the year. The friendly staff are always on hand to guide you to the best sights and activities, ensuring you make the most of your visit, whatever the season.
After your adventures, unwind in the library/lounge with a warm drink or relax by the fire. The bar features an impressive selection of local whiskies and gins, perfect for winding down after a day of exploration. If you love local flavours, embark on a whisky tour or gin tasting at 8 Doors Distillery or Rock Rose.
For hiking enthusiasts, John o’ Groats, Thurso, and the surrounding hills offer incredible opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes of Caithness. Whether it’s blooming wildflowers in spring, golden hues in autumn, or the crisp air of winter and summer alike, this region provides stunning vistas and moments of tranquillity. Additionally, Caithness remains one of Scotland’s best locations for spotting the Northern Lights, offering a chance to witness this spectacular display during the darker months of the year.
For more information on itineraries including this hotel, please just get in touch.
Trying to decide what to do this summer?
What better way to reconnect with the family during the summer holidays, than to pack yourselves up and embark on a camping trip around Scotland. Kids these days are married to their screens, but a trip around Scotland’s stunning shores in one of Nomadic Scotland’s iconic Defenders will soon provide them with something to grab their attention – and failing that the signal isn’t great!
Cairngorms
You could head up to the Cairngorms and pitch up at Loch Morlich, near Aviemore. It’s a gorgeous Alpine loch, with its own water sports centre on the beach. There are plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, from canoeing to paddle boarding, to the good old-fashioned pedalo. Once you’re bored with that, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep everyone busy,
Clachtoll Beach
Maybe a beach holiday is more what you had in mind. You’d be interested to know that Scotland has beaches that rival the Caribbean, with their beautiful white sand and clear, aquamarine waters. Clachtoll Beach Campsite is one of our favourite places to visit in the Land Rover. It’s an award-winning campsite, situated right in front of the beach. This beach in particular, is one of the few that sits on the snorkel trail hosted by the Scottish Wildlife Trusts. You could spend a couple of nights here, snorkelling, paddle boarding, or just taking in the view.
Island hopping
Our cars and camping gear are the perfect companion to island hopping your way through some of Scotland’s most remote destinations. Try the Isle of Skye, with its famous dramatic landscapes and the Cullin Mountain range. Or Iona, one of the smaller islands with a huge amount of royal and religious history. Venture further afield with mainland Orkney, a cluster of small islands with ancient remains, sandstone cliffs and seal-watching spots.
The beauty of a trip with us, is that it offers you complete flexibility to plan your perfect getaway. Taking in as many, or as few sights as you want and stumbling upon places that will take your breath away.
Drive off, drop out of everyday life, and do your own thing.
News & Updates
Nomadic Scotland is 5 years old next month!
To celebrate our 5th birthday, we are offering 20% off on 5+ day holidays booked (not taken) during the month of February. You can book this directly with us by emailing or calling, or use discount code 5YEARS when booking online.
Romantic getaway
With Valentine’s Day coming up this month, what could be more romantic than escaping into the Highlands together? Our newest partner, the Ulbster Arms, is offering a romantic 2 night getaway – combine this with driving to the North Highlands of Scotland in one of our iconic cars for a memorable Valentine’s Day gift with a difference.
Fleet Expansion
Keep your eye on our social media over the coming months to spot the new additions to the Nomadic fleet. We added a few new cars last year including a New Defender 110, which has been in constant demand since! There’ll be more of those for sure and maybe a few surprises! Let us know your thoughts by commenting on one of our posts or responding to our polls. It’s been a heated debate back at Nomadic HQ!
We hope to see you soon!