Scotland Tours in May 2026
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10 best Scotland trips in May 2026
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of Scotland
- 9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
- 5 Day Glasgow And Inverness Including Loch Ness
- Journeys: Discover Scotland National Geographic Journeys
- Best of Scotland
- Scottish Highlands & Islands
- Highland Fling
- 5 Day Inverness including Loch Ness Experience and Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
- Best of Scotland Small Group Tour
- 4-Day Edinburgh: Explore Scotland's Storied Capital
Highlights of Scotland
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great experience and all our group had high regards for our CEO John. It was such a fun vacation!”
Jamie, traveled in March
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures May departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,849
30% Off- US$1,994You save $855
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 2 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $3,497
5% Off- US$3,322You save $175
Duration 5 days Destinations Glasgow, Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 2 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $2,018
5% Off- US$1,917You save $101
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Stirling, Fort William, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Portree, Glenfinnan, Glasgow Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures May departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 16 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $4,199
30% Off- US$2,939You save $1,260
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Inveraray, Glencoe, Fort William, Aviemore, Loch Ness, ElginSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Wingbuddy May departure dates
See All Departure Dates12 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 19 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
30% Off- US$2,449
Scottish Highlands & Islands
301 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a fabulous trip thanks to the Globus trip planning.”
Lynne, traveled in September
Duration 14 days Destinations Glasgow, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Inveraray Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus May departure dates
See All Departure Dates9 May, 2026 7 spaces left 16 May, 2026 7 spaces left From
30% Off- US$4,699
Highland Fling
647 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We fit so many amazing sights into 5 days. Rich was hilarious, witty and so knowledgeable.”
Colette, traveled in May
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, Glencoe, Oban, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Inverness, BeaulySee all destinations Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Operator Haggis Adventures May departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 11 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
30% Off- US$685
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 2 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $1,297
5% Off- US$1,232You save $65
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Firebird Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
5% Off- US$4,183
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 2 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $942
5% Off- US$894You save $47
What people love about Scotland Tours in May
- Highland Fling
Don is a phenomenal tour guide with loads of knowledge about the nature, modern life, and history of Scotland. He was incredibly patient with members of the group that were getting a wee talkative during the trip. Don truly made my first solo trip enjoyable, and I will be taking another Haggis Adventures trip in the future. Thanks for a very special adventure in Scotland!!!
- Walking Scotland’s Orkney Islands
We had a wonderful holiday in orkney, thanks to Marco and Martin, both gave their best to give us a great week
- Bonnie Scotland
First of all, I would like to commend our driver John for being a real gentleman and going above and beyond to clean the windows and keeping the inside of the coach immaculate. Always very pleasant and helpful. Lovely itinerary allows you to see a variety of sights and attractions. Excursion to Donnotar Castle was well worth it. I would definitely recommend this tour if you haven't been to Scotland before as you see a great variety of things. Hotels are fine but the food is quite bland. Very disappointed in the Royal Yacht Brittania. I expected this to be a highlight but it wasn't at all. Most people felt this. We also had to beg Geoff to have a group photo taken. Never any attempt at introducing travellers even by using a sticker on the first evening meal with just your name and country on it to break the ice. Tables of 4 the first night aren't big enough to get to know people. Need an extra hour at St. Andrew's to actually see the town. No time to see it unless you don't eat and miss going to the practice range.
What our customers ask about Scotland Tours in May 2026
What locations in Scotland are best to visit in May?
May brings excellent conditions to visit key Scottish destinations including the Isle of Skye Orkney Islands and the Scottish Highlands. The Trossachs National Park near Edinburgh comes alive with spring flowers while sites like Eilean Donan Castle and Culloden Battlefield offer quieter visiting conditions. The weather tends to be mild making it good for exploring coastal areas. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "May was perfect for visiting the Highlands - the mountains were still snow-capped but the valleys were green and full of wildflowers."
How crowded are popular tourist sites in Scotland during May?
Tourist numbers in May remain moderate before the summer rush begins. Major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness can be explored without large crowds while secluded spots like the Orkney Islands and Isle of Harris maintain their peaceful atmosphere. Accommodations such as the Kirkwall Hotel in Orkney and The Royal Hotel in Ullapool typically have good room availability. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "May was perfect timing - we could enjoy all the sites without the summer crowds."
What historical sites and castles are best to visit in Scotland during May?
Spring conditions make May an excellent time to explore Scotland's historic landmarks. Key sites include Eilean Donan Castle Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland. The Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns take on a special character during spring. Visitors can base themselves at the Nevis Bank Inn in Fort William or the Leonardo Hotel in Inverness for easy access. As one TourRadar traveler shared "Visiting the castles in May was perfect - comfortable temperatures for exploring and beautiful spring gardens in bloom."
What are the best hiking and outdoor activities in Scotland during May?
The mild May weather creates good conditions for hiking in Glen Affric the Quiraing on Isle of Skye and the Cairngorms National Park. Spring flowers emerge along trails like the Trotternish Peninsula which leads to the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock waterfall. Convenient bases for hikers include the Balmacara Hotel near Skye and the Pine Guest House in Inverness. A TourRadar traveler noted "The May weather was perfect for hiking - we saw incredible wildflowers along the trails and the views were crystal clear."
What special events and festivals can I experience in Scotland during May?
May marks the start of Scotland's festival season highlighted by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in the Highlands. The Highland Games begin with events like the Gordon Castle Highland Games in Fochabers showcasing traditional Scottish culture. Several historic hotels serve as convenient bases including the Columba Hotel in Inverness and the Royal Hotel in Stornoway. One TourRadar traveler noted "the timing was perfect to experience authentic Highland traditions and local celebrations."
Are the Scottish islands accessible in May?
Regular ferry services connect mainland Scotland to islands like Skye Orkney and the Outer Hebrides during May. Sea conditions tend to be calmer than winter making travel more reliable. Convenient mainland bases include the Pentland Hotel in Thurso and The Royal Hotel in Ullapool. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The May ferry crossings were smooth and the connections worked perfectly."