Edinburgh Castle has been named as the most awe-inspiring city sight in Scotland, in a poll conducted by VisitScotland to find out what people feel in awe of when visiting the country’s seven cities.

Edinburgh Castle © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The National Wallace Monument, the SSE Hydro arena in Glasgow lit up at night, Stirling Castle and the view from Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh all made the top five.

The Scottish public were asked to vote for what they considered to be the most awesome sight in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness, Dundee, Stirling, and Aberdeen with Edinburgh Castle taking the top spot with over a quarter (26 per cent) of votes. 

This was followed by the view from Arthur’s Seat in the capital (18 per cent) and the National Wallace Monument in Stirling (16 per cent). 

Wallace Monument © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Voters picked seeing the SSE Hydro arena aglow as the fourth most awe-inspiring sight (10 per cent) and rounding out the top five was Stirling Castle (eight per cent). 

The poll was commissioned after recent research by VisitScotland, Scotland’s national tourism organisation, highlighted upcoming tourism trends in the wake of COVID-19. One of these was the ‘opportunities for awe’ trend, which sees visitors inspired to travel to places or take part in activities that invoke awe.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Our cities are brimming with awesome sights, making it difficult to choose between them, but the public has spoken.

SSE Hydro © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

“Each of these attractions offers something for everyone as restrictions ease and are all worth a visit – especially when research shows that gazing upon awe-inspiring places helps to improve wellbeing.

“We know that rural experiences and destinations are proving popular with visitors. With this in mind, it is our urban areas that may face challenges and we would encourage visitors to explore our urban destinations. With many incredible historical sights, new innovations, wide-open green spaces and country parks found in and around our cities, visitors don’t have to head exclusively to the countryside for that awe-inspiring experience.

“Tourism is a force for good – creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing the well-being of everyone who experiences it. We all deserve a holiday, and Scotland, and all it offers, will be the perfect antidote after a challenging year.”  

Stirling Castle © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted that not one but two of our properties in care have made the top of this prestigious list. Edinburgh Castle is most certainly awe-inspiring and continues to be hugely symbolic of Scotland and its rich fascinating history.

“Stirling Castle is another one of our properties that also made the list as one of Scotland’s most inspiring sights with its stunning backdrop against the Ochil Hills the scene for some of the most famous events in Scotland’s history.”

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, added: “Scotland is brimming with awe-inspiring landmarks, and this highlights just some of the most sensational. It is worth remembering that it is not only Scotland’s majestic landscapes that take your breath away, but city sights too!”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Scotland, taking in some of the most awe-inspiring city sights, please do contact our friendly team today.